Silicon Valley Eichler Neighborhood Comparison Guide

This guide compares Eichler home neighborhoods across Silicon Valley, focusing on school quality, commute convenience, walkability, housing inventory/prices, and unique attributes. The side-by-side table provides a quick comparison, followed by detailed profiles for each area.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Feature Redwood City (Atherwood/Fairwood)Palo Alto (Charleston/Greenmeadow) Mountain View (Monta Loma) Sunnyvale (Fairbrae/Cherry Chase) Cupertino (Fairgrove) San Jose (Willow Glen) Local Schools
(GreatSchools ratings) Henry Ford ES – 4/10, Kennedy MS – 6/10, Woodside HS – 7/10 ​redfin.com. (RCSD/SUHSD)Juana Briones ES – 8/10, Fletcher MS – 8/10, Gunn HS – 9/10 ​greatschools.org​greatschools.org. (PAUSD)Monta Loma ES – 5/10, Crittenden MS – 7/10, Los Altos or MV HS – 8/10​ greatschools.org​. (MVWSD/MVLA)Cherry Chase ES – 8/10, Sunnyvale MS – 6/10, Homestead HS – 8/10​ greatschools.org​. (Sunnyvale SD/FUHSD)Sedgwick ES – 8/10, Hyde MS – 7/10, Cupertino HS – 9/10 ​greatschools.org​. (CUSD/FUHSD)Booksin ES – 7/10, Willow Glen MS – 4/10, Willow Glen HS – 7/10 ​greatschools.org​. (San Jose USD)Average Commute
to PA / Cup / MV / SJ~20 / 30 / 20 / 30 min (central on Peninsula; quick to 101/280)​eichlerhomesforsale.com~10 / 20 / 15 / 25 min (close to Stanford & mid-Peninsula tech centers)~15 / 15 / 5 / 20 min (borders Google/LinkedIn; near Hwy 85/101)​ eichlerhomesforsale.com~20 / 10 / 10 / 20 min (minutes to Apple & Google; near 85, 280, Central Expwy)​ eichlerhomesforsale.com~25 / 5 / 15 / 20 min (next to Apple Park; short hop to 85/280) ​eichlerhomesforsale.com~30 / 15 / 20 / 10 min (quick to downtown SJ; longer to Peninsula)​ eichlerhomesforsale.comWalkability
Walk Score 64 – “Somewhat Walkable” ​walkscore.com (near Woodside Plaza; shops 0.5–1mi)63 – “Somewhat Walkable”​ walkscore.com (near parks, Midtown shopping)68 – “Somewhat Walkable” (local plaza; San Antonio Center nearby)​ walkscore.com~60 – “Somewhat Walkable” (suburban; some parks and schools in vicinity)~40 – “Car-Dependent” (residential; must drive to major shopping)~30 – “Car-Dependent” (quiet enclave; downtown Willow Glen ~2 mi away)Eichler Home Prices
Median (approx.)~$1.6–$1.8M (median ~$1.65M)​ – most affordable Eichlers in SV; smaller 3BR models common.~$3–$4M (avg list ~$3.5M)​ – highest prices; large lots and A+ location drive demand.~$2.3M (median ~$2.29M)​– mid-range; offers relative value vs. PA/LA with tech-proximity.~$2.7–$2.8M (median list ~$2.7M)​ – high demand for family-friendly Eichlers, though still less than Palo Alto.~$2.3–$2.6M (median ~$2.35M)​ – premium for top schools; smaller tract than PA yields slightly lower prices.~$2.2–$2.4M (median ~$2.3M)​ zillow.com​ – strong interest from MCM enthusiasts; more affordable than west valley cities.

Abbreviations: ES = Elementary School; MS = Middle School; HS = High School. PA = Palo Alto; Cup = Cupertino; MV = Mountain View; SJ = San Jose. School ratings from GreatSchools (1–10 scale).

Neighborhood Profiles and Highlights

Redwood City – Eichler Legacy with Tech Hub Convenience

Schools: Redwood City’s Eichler tracts (e.g. Atherwood, Fairwood, Sequoia Meadow) are served by Redwood City School District (K-8) and Sequoia Union High School District. Local schools are mid-tier: e.g. Henry Ford Elementary scores 4/10 and Kennedy Middle 6/10, while Woodside High is 7/10​. These aren’t as highly ranked as schools in Palo Alto or Cupertino, but the Redwood Shores area of Redwood City (not where Eichlers are) is known for its top-rated elementary schools (API >920)​eichlerhomesforsale.com. For Eichler buyers prioritizing academics, Redwood City offers decent public schools and some charter/private alternatives, albeit not the absolute top scores of PAUSD.

Commute: Eichler neighborhoods in Redwood City are centrally located on the Peninsula. Commuters have easy access to I-280 and US-101, making it roughly 20–30 minutes to major job centers (about 20 min to Palo Alto or Mountain View, ~30 min to Cupertino or Downtown San Jose in normal traffic). The downtown Caltrain station provides a ~30–40 min ride to San Francisco​ eichlerhomesforsale.com, which is a boon for those working in SF. This transit connectivity is a selling point for Redwood City Eichlers, especially for dual-city commuters.

Walkability: Redwood City Eichler tracts are somewhat walkable (Walk Score ~64) – Atherwood is near the Woodside Plaza shopping center, allowing some errands on foot​walkscore.com. Neighbors can walk to a grocery store, cafe, or park within 10–15 minutes. However, these tracts also enjoy a secluded, tree-lined feel, tucked near the hills at the Atherton border​ en.wikipedia.org​which means a quiet atmosphere but fewer urban amenities immediately next door.

Housing & Pricing: Redwood City offers the most affordable Eichler homes in Silicon Valley. Typical models are 3–4 bedrooms (~1,300–1,600 sq ft) and trade around $1.6M–$2M depending on condition and size (median ~$1.65M)​. That is significantly lower than Palo Alto’s ~$3M+ Eichlers. Buyers can still find relative “bargains” here, though the market remains competitive. For example, updated Eichlers in Redwood City have sold in the low $2 millions​ redfin.com, roughly half the price of a comparable Palo Alto Eichler.

Unique Attributes: Redwood City’s Eichler enclaves were among Joseph Eichler’s earliest ventures in San Mateo County, and Atherwood (built 1950) notably features rare butterfly roof designs that predate their widespread use ​en.wikipedia.org. The neighborhoods have a strong mid-century character; many owners are Eichler enthusiasts who preserve original details. In fact, Atherwood and nearby tracts often have residents who prize the original architecture – these areas feel like “storybook Eichlers” where atriums, paneled walls, and clerestory windows remain intact​ eichlerhomesforsale.com. Redwood City itself offers a vibrant downtown (theater, dining, summer concerts) just a short drive from the Eichler communities, plus bayfront parks in Redwood Shores. For design-savvy buyers, the mix of architectural authenticity and relative value is a big draw, while tech professionals appreciate the balance of Peninsula/South Bay access (close to Oracle and EA headquarters and reasonable commutes to Google or Apple).

Palo Alto – Top-Tier Schools and Historic Eichler Charm

Schools: Palo Alto’s Eichler neighborhoods (e.g. Greenmeadow, Fairmeadow, Charleston Meadow) boast elite public schools – a huge attraction for academically oriented buyers. Elementary schools like Fairmeadow and Juana Briones score 8–9/10​ greatschools.org, middle schools (J.L. Stanford, Ellen Fletcher) around 8–9/10, and both high schools are among the best in California (Henry M. Gunn High is rated 9/10 and was ranked #4 in the state​ eichlerhomesforsale.com). The Palo Alto Unified School District overall is considered one of the top districts in the Bay Area ​niche.com. Families living in these Eichler enclaves enjoy an education reputation on par with top private schools, without the additional cost – a major selling point.

Commute: Located in the mid-Peninsula, Palo Alto Eichler tracts offer easy commutes to nearby tech hubs. Stanford University and downtown Palo Alto jobs are just minutes away. It’s roughly 10–15 minutes to Mountain View’s Google campus and about 20–25 minutes to Apple in Cupertino via I-280 or Foothill Expwy. Reaching North San Jose might take ~25–30 minutes. In essence, residents are in the center of Silicon Valley, which keeps commute times moderate. (Plus, many tech shuttle services run through Palo Alto for major companies.)

Walkability: Palo Alto’s Eichler areas are quiet suburban neighborhoods with a decent degree of walkability. Greenmeadow, for instance, has a neighborhood Walk Score in the low 60s​ walkscore.com – residents can walk to nearby parks (Mitchell Park and Cubberley Community Center), the Charleston shopping center (grocery, cafes), and local schools. Bike friendliness is excellent (Palo Alto has a well-developed bike route network), aligning with the Eichler indoor-outdoor lifestyle. Overall, you can accomplish some errands on foot, and enjoy the community’s tree-lined sidewalks, though a car or bike is handy for longer trips.

Housing & Pricing: Palo Alto Eichler homes command premium prices, reflecting their combination of location, schools, and tech prosperity. Many Eichlers here are 4+ bedrooms on larger lots (~7,000+ sq ft), and updated examples routinely list for $3–4 million​. Recent listings average ~$3.5M (around $1,700/sq ft) and have even sold over asking into the $4M+ range​. The market is ultra-competitive – in Spring 2025, several Eichlers listed ~$3M received multiple offers and closed significantly higher​. Buyers pay a steep premium for Palo Alto’s prestige and Eichler home character combined. Inventory is limited (many owners hold long-term), so any new Eichler listing is a notable event.

Unique Attributes: Palo Alto has the largest concentration of Eichlers (about 2,200 remain) and has led efforts in Eichler preservation. Two neighborhoods (Greenmeadow and Green Gables) are listed on the National Register of Historic Places​, and the city has adopted single-story overlay zones and Eichler design guidelines to protect the mid-century aesthetic. This means buyers here find not just a home but a community committed to Eichler heritage – with guidelines ensuring any renovations stay true to the style (no two-story pop-ups ruining sightlines, etc.). Greenmeadow has its own community pool and center for neighbors, and Charleston Meadow’s active association hosts block parties and holiday events​ eichlerhomesforsale.com, fostering a tight-knit vibe. In short, Palo Alto’s Eichler neighborhoods offer an ideal mix of design and community: coveted modernist homes in a family-friendly, academically rigorous environment. It’s no surprise they are often the top choice for families who want the “classic” Eichler experience without sacrificing educational quality.

Mountain View – Family Value and Tech-Sector Proximity

Schools: Mountain View’s main Eichler tract, Monta Loma, falls under Mountain View–Whisman School District for K-8. Monta Loma Elementary is a solid, average-performing school (rated 5/10)​ greatschools.org with a diverse student body, though not as high-scoring as schools in Los Altos or Palo Alto. For middle school, most Eichler kids attend Crittenden Middle (7/10)​ greatschools.org. Uniquely, Mountain View offers choice programs like Mistral (dual Spanish immersion) which nearby Eichler residents can opt into. High school assignment is Mountain View–Los Altos Union HS District, meaning either Mountain View or Los Altos High – both highly regarded (around 8/10) and offering the advantage of a smaller district with abundant AP/STEAM programs. Thus, while elementary scores are moderate, the high schools are excellent, and overall Mountain View provides a strong education path (augmented by local STEM-focused magnet programs, etc.). It hits a middle ground – good schools, if not the absolute top-tier.

Commute: Monta Loma Eichler owners enjoy prime commute location for tech. The neighborhood is adjacent to Google’s campus and LinkedIn, making for a <10 minute bike ride or short drive to many North Mountain View/North Bayshore employers. It’s also only ~15 minutes to Palo Alto or Cupertino. Highway 101, 85, and Central Expressway are nearby, giving multiple options to reach San Jose (~20 min drive) or Santa Clara. Additionally, the Mountain View Caltrain/VTA station is a few miles away for transit commuters. This convenience is a huge draw: as one local blog notes, living in Monta Loma/Farley area means the “heart of Silicon Valley (Google, Microsoft, NASA, etc.) is at your doorstep”​eichlerhomesforsale.com.

Walkability: The Monta Loma tract is a moderately walkable suburb (Walk Score high 60s)​ walkscore.com. There’s a small shopping strip within walking distance (for coffee or quick groceries), and larger centers like San Antonio Center (with groceries, Target, restaurants) are about 1 mile away – a long walk or short bike ride. Neighborhood streets have sidewalks and see many families walking dogs or biking. With Castro Street (downtown MV) a short drive and several parks around, residents find it easy to integrate walking/biking into daily life, consistent with the Eichler lifestyle (e.g. kids biking to school or to the park).

Housing & Pricing: Mountain View Eichler homes offer relative value compared to Palo Alto or Cupertino. A typical Monta Loma Eichler is a 3-bed/2-bath ~1,100–1,600 sq ft home on a 6,000 sq ft lot – these have been selling in the mid to high $2 millions. The median sale price is around $2.3M​, with nicely remodeled examples reaching the low $3Ms and more original-condition homes in the high $1M’s. In 2025, the range has roughly been ~$1.9M (starter Eichler needing work) to ~$3.2M (fully upgraded larger model). Inventory is limited but slightly more fluid than in Palo Alto – Mountain View had a few Eichlers on the market over the past year, averaging ~2 weeks on market. Buyers here are often those who want a true Eichler design but are priced out of Palo Alto; Monta Loma delivers on that, plus walkable value near jobs.

Unique Attributes: Monta Loma’s Eichler tract has a strong neighborhood identity: active community forums and events (the Monta Loma Neighborhood Association organizes picnics, etc.). While not an officially historic district, many homeowners embrace mid-century modern restoration, and the community has informally discouraged overly incompatible remodels. The result is a pocket where you can still see rows of low-slung Eichler roofs and carports, evoking the 1950s optimism. Design-savvy buyers appreciate that Monta Loma Eichlers often retain original features like globe lights and Philippine mahogany walls, and that prices leave some budget for tasteful upgrades. Moreover, Mountain View’s city services and diversity add to the appeal: there’s a buzz of growth (new cafes, a public library renovation, etc.) making the area exciting for young families. In summary, Mountain View’s Eichler neighborhood is quiet and family-friendly, with a laid-back vibe, yet it sits at the nexus of major tech corridors – a blend of practicality and style.

Sunnyvale – Family-Friendly Eichlers with Suburban Comfort

Schools: Sunnyvale’s Eichler enclave (often referred to as Cherry Chase/Fairbrae) is prized by families for its above-average schools. Cherry Chase Elementary (the local K-5) scores 8/10​ greatschools.org and is known for strong parent involvement. Many children also attend Cumberland Elementary (8/10)​ greatschools.org nearby – both are among Sunnyvale’s top-performing schools. For middle school, the area is served by Sunnyvale Middle (6/10)​ greatschools.org; while its rating is lower, the school offers extensive electives and improved scores in recent years. High school is Homestead High (8/10)​greatschools.org, part of Fremont Union HS District, which is a well-regarded high school (strong AP program, and an “A” rating on Niche). Homestead, in fact, serves parts of Cupertino and Sunnyvale and benefits from a mix of students from high-achieving feeder schools. Overall, Sunnyvale Eichler residents get very good (if not quite elite) public schools. Academically-minded buyers see it as a solid choice – great elementary foundation and a high school that sends many students to top colleges – without the price tag of Palo Alto.

Commute: Sunnyvale Eichler neighborhoods are extremely convenient for Silicon Valley commutes. Situated in the 94087 zip code near Sunnyvale-Saratoga Road, they are about 10 minutes from Apple’s Cupertino campus and 15 minutes from Google – literally “minutes away” from major tech employers ​eichlerhomesforsale.com. Commuters have quick access to Highways 85 and 280, and Central Expressway, allowing efficient routes to Mountain View, Santa Clara, North San Jose, and beyond. Moreover, downtown Sunnyvale (Caltrain station) is ~2 miles away, useful for those who take the train or want nightlife. In short, living here means most work centers (from Palo Alto to San Jose) are reachable within ~20 minutes, making it ideal for dual-tech households working in different cities.

Walkability: The Fairbrae/Cherry Chase area is a classic residential neighborhood with tree-lined streets and nearby parks. Walk Score is around the high 50s to 60 (Somewhat Walkable) – residents can walk to neighborhood parks (like Mango Park or Las Palmas Park) and to the highly popular Fairbrae Swim & Tennis Club which is in the tract. For shopping and dining, most will drive ~5 minutes to Downtown Sunnyvale or to grocery centers on Fremont Ave or El Camino Real. However, evening strolls and kids biking around are common – it’s a very pedestrian-friendly interior, just not next to large commercial centers. The vibe is peaceful suburbia; as one description put it, block parties and “strolls in mango-scented parks” are part of life here​ eichlerhomesforsale.com, capturing the laid-back charm.

Housing & Pricing: Sunnyvale’s Eichlers have seen rapid appreciation as families seek alternatives to pricier Palo Alto. As of 2025, median list prices are in the upper $2 millions​. Many 3–4 bed Eichlers in good condition list around $2.5M–$2.8M and often sell for around $3M (depending on upgrades and lot size). In fact, some extensively remodeled Eichlers have broken the $3.5M+ mark when multiple bidders from Apple/Google are involved (e.g. a recent 4-bed Eichler in West Sunnyvale sold for $3.7M)​ compass.com. Typically, though, you can expect to pay about $2.7M for a well-kept 3-bed, and closer to $3M for a larger or updated one. This is a notch below Cupertino (despite identical high school), which means relative value. Inventory here is very limited – with perhaps only a few Eichlers hitting the market each quarter – so buyers often must act quickly and sometimes pay over asking. Overall, Sunnyvale offers a chance to get a comfortable Eichler in a top school district at maybe 70% of the Palo Alto price, which keeps demand strong​ eichlerhomesforsale.com.

Unique Attributes: Sunnyvale’s Fairbrae Eichler tract has a reputation for an inclusive, family-friendly community. There’s an active neighborhood network and the private Fairbrae Swim Club (built in the Eichler era) which hosts swim meets and social events, effectively acting as a community hub. This appeals to design-savvy buyers with young kids – you get the mid-century aesthetic and a built-in social scene. Architecturally, many homes retain original Eichler elements, and the Fairbrae neighborhood has worked to maintain its character; in fact, along with Palo Alto’s zones, Fairbrae is noted for strict design guidelines that discourage teardowns or incompatible remodels​eichlerhomesforsale.com. For Eichler purists, this is reassuring – buying here means the whole street is likely to remain distinctly Eichler. Sunnyvale as a city also offers a nice balance of quiet and activity: the community is laid-back (as noted, not as frenetic as Palo Alto’s), and events like the Saturday farmer’s market on historic Murphy Avenue or the annual Art & Wine Festival give a small-town flavor. In summary, Sunnyvale’s Eichler neighborhood is ideal for families who value “suburban comfort without Palo Alto prices”​eichlerhomesforsale.com​ – you get strong schools, a friendly community, and authentic mid-century design, with only a slightly longer commute up the Peninsula.

Cupertino – Academic Excellence in an Eichler Enclave

Schools: The Fairgrove Eichler tract in Cupertino sits within the famed Cupertino Union School District and Fremont Union High School District – a combination that yields top-notch schools. Neighborhood kids attend Sedgwick Elementary (8/10)​ greatschools.org, Warren E. Hyde Middle (around 7/10)​ greatschools.org, and Cupertino High School (9/10) greatschools.org. These schools are all highly regarded; Cupertino High is a nationally recognized high school with an A+ rating on Niche and known for its STEM focus and extensive AP offerings ​eichlerhomesforsale.com. This academic excellence is a hallmark of Cupertino – the community places a strong emphasis on education, and it consistently shows in test scores and college matriculation. For buyers prioritizing education, Cupertino’s schools are a major selling point, often considered second only to Palo Alto in Silicon Valley (and some prefer Cupertino’s less pressure-cooker vibe for students). As one source noted, Cupertino’s schools “prioritize educational excellence and student achievement,” reinforcing Fairgrove’s appeal to families​ eichlerhomesforsale.com.

Commute: Cupertino’s Eichler neighborhood is in the city’s southeastern section, conveniently just a few minutes from Apple Park and other De Anza Blvd tech offices. For someone working at Apple, you’re looking at a 5-minute commute – you could even bike to the spaceship campus. Commutes to Mountain View or Palo Alto are on the order of ~20–25 minutes via 85 or 280. Reaching downtown San Jose takes about 20 minutes. While Cupertino lacks a Caltrain station, it’s centrally located for South Bay employment centers. Additionally, Lawrence Expressway and Stevens Creek Blvd are nearby, providing direct routes to Santa Clara and west San Jose. In short, Fairgrove Eichler residents have excellent commute options to South Bay and Peninsula jobs, with the only con being if one works in San Francisco (that would be a longer drive or require a Caltrain park-and-ride from Sunnyvale).

Walkability: The Fairgrove tract is a classic mid-century suburban layout – mostly cul-de-sacs and residential lanes. Walk Score is around the 40s, meaning it’s car-dependent for most errands. That said, there are local pockets of convenience: a short walk or bike ride can get you to Sedgwick Elementary (for school events or playground use after hours) and to nearby Hoover Park (a community park often enjoyed by residents)​eichlerhomesforsale.com. For shopping, the closest would be the Target and groceries at West Sunnyvale or Cupertino’s Oakmont Square (~5 minute drive). Many residents also stroll to Raynor Park or Farallone Park in adjacent neighborhoods. Importantly, Fairgrove is very bike-friendly – being near the flatlands around Calabazas Creek, families often bike with kids to school or to the library. So while not as walkable as an urban locale, the area is pleasant for pedestrians and cyclists within the neighborhood. The tranquil cul-de-sacs that Eichler designed mean minimal traffic, enhancing walkability inside the tract, even if one must drive for commerce.

Housing & Pricing: Cupertino Eichlers combine Eichler uniqueness with Cupertino’s housing demand, which puts them in the upper-mid range of prices. The Fairgrove Eichlers (150 homes built 1959–61​ boyengateam.com) often feature 4 bedrooms and ~1,600–1,800 sq ft of living space ​eichlerhomesforsale.com. Many have been updated to modern luxury standards. As of 2025, they typically sell in the $2.3M to $3M range. The median Eichler sale price is roughly $2.35M​, a bit lower than Sunnyvale’s median despite similar size – possibly because some Fairgrove homes back on busy streets like Phil Lane or Miller Avenue, slightly tempering prices. Still, some exceptional remodeled Eichlers have fetched upwards of ~$3.0M. Compared to non-Eichler Cupertino homes (where new rebuilds can go $4M+), these mid-century homes are slightly more affordable, but you’re primarily paying for the location and schools. Inventory is scant: Fairgrove might see only a handful of sales per year. When they do hit the market, interest is high from both Eichler aficionados and regular buyers attracted by the schools. It’s worth noting Eichlers in Cupertino originally sold for ~$20,000 in 1960​ – today’s prices reflect an enduring demand and limited supply in this niche.

Unique Attributes: Fairgrove stands out as an “oasis” of Eichler design in Cupertino, a city otherwise known for its ranch and modern two-story homes. This gives the neighborhood a distinct identity – it feels different when you drive in: low rooflines, atrium entrances, and a cohesive mid-century aesthetic. The community has a strong pride in this heritage. Many homes have been lovingly maintained or restored by owners who appreciate the architecture; as a result, Fairgrove has some of the best-preserved Eichlers in the South Bay. The neighborhood benefits from Cupertino’s community amenities – for instance, it’s near Portal Park and not far from Cupertino’s Quinlan Community Center. For design-savvy buyers, Fairgrove offers the chance to own an authentic Eichler with the prestige of a Cupertino address. Culturally, Cupertino is more low-key than Palo Alto; residents describe Fairgrove as having a “sense of community and pride” without being showy. It’s common to see families at the park or walking dogs in the evenings, and the area’s Halloween decorations are locally famous (neighbors really get into it!). In summary, Cupertino’s Eichler neighborhood marries modernist homes with top-tier education: an ideal combo for those who refuse to compromise on design or district.

San Jose (Willow Glen) – Mid-Century Gem in a Charming Community

Schools: The Fairglen Eichler tract in San Jose is part of the Willow Glen neighborhood, which falls under San Jose Unified School District. Elementary students typically attend Booksin Elementary (7/10)​ greatschools.org, a well-regarded neighborhood school that has a strong sense of community and high parent involvement. For middle school, however, there is a bit of a drawback: Willow Glen Middle School has a 4/10 rating​greatschools.org and has faced challenges with overcrowding and test score dips. (It’s an area of active improvement efforts by SJUSD.) By high school, students go to Willow Glen High (7/10)​ greatschools.org, which offers solid academics (including AP courses and the respected IB program) – it’s above average, though not as competitive as Gunn or Cupertino High. Unique to this area, many design-savvy parents consider enrolling in local magnet programs or private schools for middle years if they are concerned about the ratings. Overall, Willow Glen’s schools are good, not great, but the neighborhood’s family-oriented nature and extracurricular opportunities (sports leagues, etc.) often fill the gap. For buyers, the schools may not be the main draw here – instead it’s the architecture and community – but Willow Glen High does send many graduates to college and benefits from involved alumni.

Commute: Willow Glen is located in central San Jose, just southwest of downtown. Commuting from the Fairglen tract is generally easy for South Bay jobs: Downtown San Jose is ~10 minutes, the Diridon Station area (Google’s upcoming campus site) about 15 minutes. The neighborhood is also ~15 minutes from Cupertino (via 280) and ~20 minutes from Mountain View (via 85 to 237). However, getting up the Peninsula to Palo Alto can take 30+ minutes given distance (approx. 20 miles). Access to highways is decent – residents can hop on 87, 280, or 85 within a short drive. Public transit is improving: the Tamien Caltrain station is nearby, connecting Willow Glen to SF (though one might drive ~5 min to the station)​ eichlerhomesforsale.com. Many residents commute north to tech jobs, so you’ll see tech shuttles in the mornings. In summary, Willow Glen Eichler owners enjoy quick commutes within San Jose and to the West Valley, but are a bit farther from Peninsula cities (trade-off for the more affordable price).

Walkability: The Willow Glen area is known for its small-town charm and does have a walkable downtown (Lincoln Avenue) with cafes and boutiques. The Fairglen Eichler tract is about 1.5–2 miles from that downtown, in a more residential pocket – hence it has a low Walk Score (~25–30)​ trulia.com. Day-to-day, you’ll likely drive 5 minutes or bike to reach the lively part of Willow Glen. Within the Eichler tract itself, though, the streets are quiet and great for walking the dog or kids playing. Many homes are within a few blocks of Willow Glen High’s sports fields and a community swim club, which neighbors may walk to for events. So, while errands require a car, the neighborhood offers pleasant evening strolls and a tight community feel. It’s common for Eichler owners here to meet up by walking over to each other’s open-air front patios – Fairglen was designed with community in mind, and you feel that. On weekends, many residents do walk or bike to the Willow Glen farmers’ market or brunch spots, treating the slightly longer trek as part of the leisurely Willow Glen lifestyle (often cited as having a “nostalgic small-town charm”​eichlerhomesforsale.com).

Housing & Pricing: The Fairglen tract (built ~1962) consists of about 260 Eichler homes and has become a bit of a mid-century hotspot. Homes here are generally 3–4 bedrooms, ~1,500–1,800 sq ft, similar in size to Sunnyvale Eichlers but at lower prices. Recent sales have been in the high $1 millions to low $2 millions – for example, a 4-bed Eichler might list around $1.8M and sell for ~$2.1M depending on upgrades ​mlslistings.com. The median listing price is roughly $2.3M for Willow Glen Eichlers in early 2025​ This is notably more affordable than equivalently sized Eichlers further north. Buyers can effectively save $500k+ by choosing Willow Glen over Palo Alto, getting a larger yard or a pool perhaps. The trade-off is location (farther from some job centers, and schools as mentioned). The market for these Eichlers is strong: they attract a mix of young tech couples (some with an architectural passion) and empty-nesters downsizing but unwilling to leave the Eichler lifestyle. Inventory is slightly more plentiful – at any given time there might be a few more Eichlers for sale in San Jose than in Mountain View or Cupertino (simply because the pool of homes is larger). Still, demand often outstrips supply. In general, expect slightly longer DOM (days on market) here than in Palo Alto (maybe a few weeks instead of a few days), but well-presented Eichlers can still ignite bidding wars due to their rarity in San Jose.

Unique Attributes: Willow Glen’s Fairglen Eichler tract is sometimes called a “time capsule” – it remains virtually unchanged from the 1960s, giving buyers a chance to own authentic Eichler architecture in San Jose. Many owners have restored original Philippine mahogany paneling and French door layouts. The neighborhood has an active Eichler network – for instance, every summer there’s an Eichler home tour for charity, and Fairglen is often featured. Design enthusiasts love that you can find Jones & Emmons-designed models here that aren’t found elsewhere in the South Bay. Moreover, living in Willow Glen offers a cultural richness: the area hosts holiday lights events (“Christmas Tree Lane” is nearby) and weekly street gatherings. Eichler owners here often participate in the broader Willow Glen community, which is fiercely proud of its identity (you’ll see #WillowGlen hashtags and local history exhibits). For the design-savvy buyer, Fairglen provides the thrill of mid-century modern living with a more down-to-earth, neighborhood-next-door feel than you might get in an exclusive enclave. And for the academically-oriented buyer worried about schools, there are abundant enrichment opportunities – from Coding clubs in Willow Glen to nearby private schools – plus the knowledge that you saved money on the house that can be invested in the kids in other ways. All in all, San Jose’s Eichler neighborhood offers vintage style with community soul: a pocket of Joseph Eichler’s utopian vision amidst the growth of Silicon Valley, still thriving and welcoming new caretakers.

Conclusion

Each Silicon Valley Eichler neighborhood has its own blend of strengths. Palo Alto and Cupertino stand out for their world-class schools and prestige, commanding the highest prices. Mountain View and Sunnyvale offer a balanced mix of good schools, central commutes, and more attainable prices – ideal for families seeking value without sacrificing too much on convenience or education. Redwood City provides a cost-effective entry into Eichler ownership along with Peninsula accessibility, appealing to those who value architecture over top school rankings. San Jose’s Willow Glen Eichlers deliver mid-century magic in a charming community setting, perfect for buyers who prioritize design and neighborhood vibe and are willing to navigate a less celebrated school system or a longer trek north.

Despite differences, all of these neighborhoods share the hallmarks of Eichler’s vision: open floor plans that bring the outdoors in, tight-knit community layouts, and an enduring modernist aesthetic that continues to lure design-savvy buyers. Importantly, each area has initiatives or resident groups dedicated to preserving that mid-century character, whether through formal guidelines or community pride. In choosing an Eichler home in Silicon Valley, buyers can match their priorities – be it schools, commute, or lifestyle – to the right neighborhood. This guide has provided a comprehensive cross-reference to help make that choice clearer. With it, academically-minded buyers can identify where schools shine, and mid-century enthusiasts can see where Eichler authenticity thrives, ensuring everyone finds an Eichler community that truly feels like home.

Sources