San Francisco Bay Area
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Francisco_Bay_Area
Atherton
Atherton is located on the Peninsula nestled between the San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean. The town of Atherton begins in the flatlands then moves westward to the hills, until it reaches Highway 280. Atherton lies two miles (3 km) southeast of Redwood City, and 18 miles (29 km) northwest of San Jose. The Town of Atherton desires to preserve its’ character as a scenic, rural, thickly-wooded, residential area.
Atherton is an incorporated town in San Mateo County. Its population was 6,914 at the 2010 census.
In September 2010, Forbes magazine placed Atherton’s zip code of 94027 at #2 on its annual list of America’s most expensive zip codes with a median home price of $4,010,200.
For more information, visit: http://www.ci.atherton.ca.us/
Belvedere/Tiburon
Italian for “beautiful view” Belvedere is a small island located in Marin County. Only a mile long, it is a tiny, vibrant community that hosts some of the most expensive homes in Marin. Belvedere shares ownership of the smaller Corinthian Island with neighboring Tiburon. The lagoon and causeways that separate them are surrounded by stunning Victorian-style homes and grand views of Angel Island, San Francisco, Mount Tamalpais, and the Golden Gate Bridge. In order to preserve the town’s pristine views and spacious wooded landscape, no restaurants or shops are allowed in Belvedere, though nearby Tiburon has a wide range of services, shops, and eateries. A sailing community with 2 world-class yacht harbors, a Mediterranean climate, and a peaceful, easy lifestyle, makes Belvedere a one-of-a-kind place to call home.
Tiburon occupies most of the Tiburon Peninsula, which stretches south into the San Francisco Bay. Accessible by ferry or boat, it was once the southern terminus of the Northwestern Pacific Railroad. Its former railroad right of way is now part of the San Francisco Bay Trail. It affords outdoor enthusiasts ample area for biking, hiking, and skating, as well as providing a place for the viewing of wild life and environmental education. Sharing its town facilities with the neighboring island of Belvedere, Tiburon offers beautiful shops and restaurants along with its majestic views of water and land. Whether delighting in its museums, playhouse, or vineyards, Tiburon is a tantalizing taste of the deep rich culture embedded in all of Marin County.
Carmel (Carmel-by-the-Sea)
Carmel-by-the-Sea is located on the Pacific coast, about 330 miles (530 km) north of Los Angeles and 120 miles (190 km) south of San Francisco. The town has historically pursued a vigorous strategy of planned development to enhance its natural coastal beauty and to retain its character, which the city’s general plan describes as “a village in a forest overlooking a white sand beach”.
As of the 2010 census, the town had a total population of 3,722. For more information, visit: http://ci.carmel.ca.us/carmel/, or http://www.carmelcalifornia.com/.
Cupertino
Cupertino is located in Santa Clara County, west of San Jose. With a population of over 58,302 in the 2010 cenus, Cupertino is the 11th richest city in the U.S. with an estimated per-capita income of $51,965 and a median household income exceeding $160,000. Forbes ranked it as one of the most educated small towns and is home to over 60 high-tech companies, including Apple’s corporate headquarters.
There are numerous subdivisions in Cupertino, including Monta Vista, Rancho Rinconada, Seven Springs and Oak Valley. Cupertino is a sought after real estate area as the city is known for its high achieving primary and secondary schools with repeatedly high API (Academic Performance index) test scores.
For additional information on the City of Cupertino, visit http://www.cupertino.org/
Hillsborough
Hillsborough is an incorporated town in San Mateo County, approximately 17 miles south of San Francisco. With a population of 10,825 at the 2010 census, Hillsborough is one of the wealthiest communities in America and has the highest income of towns in the United States with populations of at least 10,000. With a total area of 6.2 square miles (16 km2), Hillsborough has a strong sense of community and small town charisma. It is bordered by Burlingame to the north, San Mateo to the east, Highlands-Baywood Park to the south and Interstate 280 to the west, labeled by many as “the most beautiful freeway in the world.”
Hillsborough’s wooded slopes and Mediterranean climate is home to many mansions and other points of interest dating from the early 20th century. Hillsborough enforces a minimum house size of 2,500 square foot (230 m2) and minimum lot size of 0.5 acres (2,000 m2). As a result, there are no apartments, condominiums or townhouses in the city limits. Hillsborough residents proudly preserve the rural charm of this town that offers excellent schools, police, fire and emergency services.
For additional information on the town of Hillsborough, visit http://www.hillsborough.net/
Kentfield
An unincorporated area of Marin County nestled at the base of Mt. Tamalpais between Larkspur and Ross, Kentfield is a vibrant, upscale community that is mostly residential, with many large homes on generous, lots. The Kent Woodlands neighborhood of 550 homes has an idyllic, sylvan flavor, with many estate homes on sprawling, private parcels with gorgeous oaks dotting the hillsides.
Lake Tahoe
Nestled in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of Northern California, Lake Tahoe is a major international tourist attraction, renowned for its alpine beauty and excellent climate. The lake averages 1,645 feet deep, making it the second-deepest body of fresh water in the United States, and the largest alpine lake in North America. This pristine mountain environment lies only 50 minutes from the Reno airport and 3 hours drive from San Francisco, making Tahoe second-to-none for easy access to the mountain experience. Private planes have access to the Lake at the South Lake Airport and the Truckee Regional Airport, both mere minutes away.
A great destination for year-round activities, Tahoe offers hiking, biking, beaches, water sports, boating, snow sports, resorts, restaurants, bars, shopping and much more! In the summer months the trails and beaches are alive with visitors and the communities are bustling. Ride your bike along the miles of paved bike paths going into Tahoe City for a day of shopping in the boutiques or a round of golf. In the winter months, you will find people ducking in and out of ski/snowboard shops, cozying up by a fire with warm drinks and eating gourmet food at the many excellent lakeside restaurants. The Lake Tahoe Basin boasts ten ski resorts and two cross-country ski centers, providing ample opportunities for all levels of skiers from first-time beginners to top-notch experts. In both summer and winter, outdoor cultural events abound, including concerts in the park, farmer’s markets, fireworks shows, Shakespeare on the Lake, and a snow festival filled with a week of family-oriented events.
Climate:
- Summer: sunny, clear blue skies and dry, with average daily temperatures around 75-80 degrees Farenheit and cool evenings
- Winter: snowy or sunny, with average daily temps around 35-40 degrees Farenheit and crisp cold nights
- Elevation at lake level: 6,229 ft.
- Average yearly snowfall at ski resorts: 33 ft.
- Average yearly snowfall at lake level: 11 ft.
- July is the warmest month; January is the coolest month
Los Altos & Los Altos Hills
Los Altos is a city at the southern end of the San Francisco Peninsula in Santa Clara County. The population was 28,976 according to the 2010 census. Originally an agricultural town with many summer cottages and apricot orchards, Los Altos is now an affluent community.
Los Altos Hills is strictly residential, with no commercial or industrial zones. The population was 7,922 at the 2010 census. Los Altos Hills is one of the most expensive & wealthiest towns in the San Francisco Bay Area and country. Forbes places Los Altos (area code 94022 and 94024) as the 24th most expensive ZIP code in the United States, with a median home price over $2,500,000.
For more information, visit: http://www.ci.los-altos.ca.us/ or http://www.losaltoshills.ca.gov/.
Los Gatos & Los Gatos Mountains
The Town of Los Gatos in Santa Clara County is located at the Southwest corner of San Jose in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains. The population was 29,413 at the 2010 census. Los Gatos is an established affluent neighborhood in the Silicon Valley. According to Bloomberg Businessweek, Los Gatos ranks 33rd in affluence in the United States.
Homes in Los Gatos vary from century-old one million-dollar cottages in the downtown area to 15–30+ million-dollar large custom homes in the surrounding hills. For more information, visit: http://www.town.los-gatos.ca.us/
Menlo Park
Menlo Park is an affluent town at the eastern edge of San Mateo County in the San Francisco Bay Area. It is bordered by San Francisco Bay on the north and east, Palo Alto and Stanford to the south, Atherton and Redwood City to the west.
Menlo Park is one of the most educated cities in the state of California and the United States, with nearly 70% of its residents having earned an advanced degree. Menlo Park had a population of 32,026 according to the 2010 census. For more information, visit: http://www.ci.menlo-park.ca.us/.
Mill Valley
The combination of Mill Valley’s idyllic location nestled beneath Mount Tamalpais, coupled with its ease of access to nearby San Francisco, has made it one of Marin County’s most desirable cities. The town is known for its strong artistic heritage and a downtown alive with many art galleries, open-air coffee shops, and famed Throckmorton Theatre, which hosts a wide variety of performances. Mill Valley is surrounded by hundreds of acres of park lands. In addition, there are many open-space preserves and coastal habitats which, when taken together, ensconce the city in a natural wilderness. Home to some of the area’s most luxurious real estate, this small but vibrant city balances upscale, modern homes with a laid-back atmosphere that is indicative of Northern California. From galleries and theaters to park lands and open spaces, lovely Mill Valley has something to suit every taste.
Monte Sereno
Monte Sereno is a city in Santa Clara County, located in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains, about 10 miles (16 km) southwest of San Jose and immediately northwest of Los Gatos. The population was 3,341 at the 2010 census. The city is named for the 2,580-foot (790m) El Sereno Mountain, upon whose slopes the southern portion of the city is built.
The community is entirely residential, with no commercial zoning and 99% single-family housing, and is an upscale Silicon Valley community. Monte Sereno shares the 95030 zip code with the town of Los Gatos. Many municipal services are provided under contract by Los Gatos. For more information, visit: http://www.montesereno.org/.
Palo Alto
Palo Alto is located 35 miles south of San Francisco and 14 miles north of San Jose. It is a community of approximately 64,403 residents according to the 2010 census. Part of the San Francisco Metropolitan Bay Area and the Silicon Valley, Palo Alto is located within Santa Clara County and borders San Mateo County. The City’s boundaries extend from San Francisco Bay on the east to the Skyline Ridge of the coastal mountains on the west, with Menlo Park to the north and Mountain View to the south.
The city includes portions of Stanford University and is headquarters to a number of Silicon Valley high-technology companies. For more information, visit: http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/.
Pebble Beach
Pebble Beach is an unincorporated community in Monterey County, California which lies at an elevation of 3 feed (1m). It is a small coastal resort destination, home to eight public and private 18-hole golf courses.
Pebble Beach is a gated community, but differs from most gated communities. The Pebble Beach Company gets $9.75 in revenue per car from tourists driving along the 17-Mile Drive. Residents are issued small license plate badges that are attached near their cars’ license plates or in their windshields.
For more information, visit: http://www.seemonterey.com/regions/pebble-beach/.
Ross
Tucked between Kentfield and San Anselmo, Ross is a small, largely residential community in Marin County. In the late 1800’s, many San Franciscans built expansive vacation homes in this bucolic town, and today Ross remains home to prosperous residents and magnificent estates. The town celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2008, and while the railroad and horses of 1908 are gone, the residential neighborhoods suggest a timeless, authentic quality. Also contributing to the community’s special charm are the abundance of wooded hills, winding creeks and tree-lined streets throughout town. Picturesque charm and unmatched beauty make Ross a great place to call home.
Saratoga
Saratoga is a city in Santa Clara County, directly west of San Jose in the San Francisco Bay Area. The population was 29,926 at the 2010 census. Located on the Western edge of the Silicon Valley, Saratoga is known locally for its suburban small-town feel, wineries, and high-end boutiques.
In 2008 CNN/Money ranked Saratoga number 4 in its listing of top-earning towns. Saratoga also was ranked by Forbes in 2009 as one of America’s top 20 most-educated small towns. In 2010 Bloomberg Businessweek named Saratoga the most expensive suburb in California. Bloomberg Businessweek also named Saratoga’s zip code 95070 the 18th richest zip code in America in 2011.
For more information, visit: http://www.saratoga.ca.us/.
Santa Rosa
Santa Rosa sits at the northwestern gateway to the Sonoma and Napa Valleys of California’s famous Wine Country, approximately 55 miles, or 89 km, (one hour driving time) north of San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge. With a population of 167,815 per the 2010 census, Santa Rosa is the largest city in California’s North Bay and Wine Country, and is the fifth most populated city in the greater San Francisco Bay Area. It is the county seat of Sonoma County. Santa Rosa was ranked as one of the “happiest cities” in the United Sates in 2013 by NBC News.
Santa Rosa has a Mediterranean climate with cool, wet winters and warm, mostly dry summers. It is well known for attracting great chefs around the world due to its excellent produce, meat, dairy and wine. Santa Rosa hosts three distinct shopping districts and three historic residential neighborhoods, in addition to being surrounded by farmland, wine country, rivers, lakes and redwood forests.
For more information, visit: http://ci.santa-rosa.ca.us/.
Sausalito
Situated at the northern end of the Golden Gate Bridge, Sausalito is surrounded by steep wooded hillsides and crisp Pacific Shorelines. Prior to the bridge being built, it was a terminal for rail, ferry, and car traffic. Largely bound by the protections of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, it has since gained the reputations as an artist enclave. With its Mediterranean climate and breathtaking views, Sausalito is home to over 400 houseboats whose architecture has been featured in major magazines. This picturesque residential community is a world-class venue for outdoor activity including hiking, biking and boating. The town is filled with unique shops and boutiques, art galleries, and first class restaurants. Locals and visitors alike are encouraged to celebrate its abundant beauty with numerous street fares, parades, and art festivals. Minutes from the San Francisco metropolitan area and the scenic coast, Sausalito blends old world character with new world amenities, making it a very desirable place to live.
Woodside
Woodside is a small incorporated town in San Mateo County on the San Francisco Peninsula, midway between San Jose and San Francisco. The infamous San Adreas fault runs through town. This fault is a major source of earthquake activity in California, including the 1906 San Francisco earthquake.
Much of Woodside is wooded, with redwoods dominating in the western hills and more oaks and eucalyptus in the lower areas. San Francisco Bay lies to the east, while Pacific Ocean beaches lie to the west. The Santa Cruz Mountains separate Woodside from the ocean and extend down to Monterey Bay about forty miles south. The population of the town was 5,287 at the 2010 census.
Woodside is among the wealthiest communities in the United States. For more information, visit: http://www.woodsidetown.org/.
South Lake Tahoe
South Lake Tahoe is the most populated city in El Dorado County, in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The population was 21,403 at the 2010 census. South Lake Tahoe is approximately 200 miles from San Francisco.
For more information, visit: http://www.cityofslt.us/, http://tahoesouth.com/, or http://www.visitinglaketahoe.com/.
Reno
Reno is the county seat of Washoe County, Nevada. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 225,221. It is the most populated Nevada city outside of the Las Vegas metropolitan area. Reno sits in a high desert valley at the foot of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Known as “The Biggest Little City in the World”, Reno is famous for its casinos. For more information, visit: http://www.reno.gov/, http://www.visitrenotahoe.com/, or http://www.reno.com/.
Sonoma
Sonoma is a historically significant city in Sonoma Valley, located just 45 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge. Sonoma Valley marks the birthplace of California’s wine industry and encompasses vineyards, quaint farms and 13,000 acres of scenic parkland. Sonoma has historic significance to the town’s Mexican colonial past and at the center of town, the 8-acre Sonoma Plaza is a National Historic landmark. As of the 2010 census, Sonoma’s population was 10,648, while the Sonoma urban area had a population of 32,678.
There are endless property choices in Sonoma, from country estates and vineyards to suburban homes in residential neighborhoods.
For additional information on the City of Sonoma, visit http://www.sonomacity.org/.
Sunol
Sunol is an unincorporated small rural town in Alameda County, located along Niles Canyon which is well known for its historic railroad system. The Niles Canyon Railway stops in Sunol, and the Altamonte Commuter Express passes en route to both San Jose and the Central Valley. Sunol is located near the intersection of Interstate 680 and State Route 84.
The U.S. Census Bureau reports in 2010 that the population of Sunol was 913 and Sunol covers a total area of 27.8 square miles (72 km2). The Sunol Glen School (kindergarten through 8th grade public school) serves the community of Sunol. Foothill High School in nearby Pleasanton serves high school age children.
For more information, visit: http:/www.Sunol.net/.
Commercial Properties – San Francisco
San Francisco, officially the City and County of San Francisco, is the leading financial and cultural center of Northern California and the San Francisco Bay Area. It is the most densely settled large city (population greater than 200,000) in the state of California and the second-most densely populated major city in the United States after New York City. San Francisco had a population of 805,235 as of the 2010 census. The city is also the financial and cultural hub of the larger San Jose-San Francisco-Oakland metropolitan area, with a population of 7.6 million.
Today, San Francisco is one of the top tourist destinations in the world,[18] and is renowned for its cool summers, fog, steep rolling hills, eclectic mix of architecture, and landmarks including the Golden Gate Bridge, cable cars, the former prison on Alcatraz Island, and its Chinatown district. It is also a primary banking and finance center.
For more information, visit: http://www.sfgov.org/index.asp, or http://www.sanfrancisco.com/