Part of Silicon Valley and located at the southern end of San Francisco Bay, Sunnyvale provides over 150,000 residents convenient access to nearby major metropolitan areas, such as San Jose and San Francisco. This beautiful and affluent city is one of the most sought-after locations in the San Francisco Bay Area because of so many reasons – wonderful climate, low crime rate, excellent public schools, numerous outdoor recreational spots that are just a short drive away, and job opportunities to established and up-and-coming tech companies.
It’s the perfect place to call home for professionals who are in search of high-paying jobs in the Silicon Valley area, young couples who are planning to raise a family, as well as nature lovers. If you’re considering moving to Sunnyvale, here are a few things you should know.
Weather in Sunnyvale, CA
Like most of the San Francisco Bay Area, Sunnyvale residents enjoy a beautiful Mediterranean climate that is comfortable and pleasant for most of the year.
- The average temperature is between the upper 50s at night and the upper 70s during the day.
- In the winter, temperature drops slightly to between the mid-40s and upper 50s.
- On average, Sunnyvale gets 15 inches of rain each year; the national average is 38 inches of rain per year.
Cost of Living in Sunnyvale, CA
One of the most important considerations when thinking of relocating, like moving to Sunnyvale, CA, is the cost of living. It is common knowledge that the cost of living in the Bay Area is among the highest in the country, but just how high is it in Sunnyvale?
- The cost of living index in Sunnyvale is reported at 300.1, triple the US average of 100.
- The highest expense in Sunnyvale is housing, at 721.2, followed by grocery at 105.2, transportation at 117.4, miscellaneous at 104.7, and health at 100.5.
- Utilities are below the national average, at 84.5.
Sunnyvale’s Economy
The cost of living in Sunnyvale may be high, but its lucrative economy pretty much ensures that the residents thrive in this lovely city.
- Recent job growth was at 2.5%, higher than the state average of 0.7% and the national average of 1.6%.
- The leading industries in Sunnyvale, CA are technology, manufacturing, and health care.
- Among its prominent employers are Microsoft, Apple, NetApp, Yahoo!, and Bloom Energy.
- Unemployment rate is considerably low at 3.9%, compared to the state and national average of 10.6% and 6.0%, respectively.
- The per capita income of $56,968 in Sunnyvale is nearly double the national annual average of $31,177.
- The median household income in Sunnyvale is also very high, at $118,314 annually, about double the national median of $57,652.
Tax Rates in Sunnyvale, CA
One of the perks of living in Sunnyvale, CA is lower taxes.
- The average property tax in Sunnyvale is 0.745%, which is a little over half of the national average of 1.211%.
- In terms of sales tax, Sunnyvale does not enforce a city tax, but the combined sales tax is 9%, which is above the US average of 7.3%.
- Income tax in the state of California is a variable percentage of your income, and this ranges from 1% to 13.3%.
Traffic and Transportation in Sunnyvale, CA
There are many options for Sunnyvale commuters in terms of transportation and traffic is not as congested compared to other Bay Area cities because many residents opt to use designated bike paths.
- The Valley Transportation Authority public transportation system consists of 69 bus routes that service much of Sunnyvale proper and a light rail line that provides direct access to Mountain View to the west and downtown San Jose to the southeast.
- Sunnyvale residents have access to regional freeways – Lawrence Expressway, Stevens Creek Freeway, Highway 101, and El Camino Real.
- Local thoroughfares include Sunnyvale Saratoga Road, S Mathilda Avenue, S Mary Avenue, and the Central Expressway.
Schools and Universities in Sunnyvale, CA
Parents with young children can look forward to sending them to excellent schools in Sunnyvale, CA.
- The Sunnyvale School District offers elementary and middle school education, and the Fremont Union High School District offers high school education.
- Top rated schools in Sunnyvale include Louis E Stockmeyer Elementary, West Valley Elementary, Cherry Chase Elementary, and Cumberland Elementary.
- Community colleges that are close by include Foothill College, San Jose State City College, and De Anza College.
- Nearby universities: Stanford University is just 15 miles north and San Jose State University is 12 miles south.
Best Neighborhoods in Sunnyvale, CA
If you are currently assessing which part of Sunnyvale to move to, here are some of the best neighborhoods in the area.
Birdland
- Birdland is the southeastern-most neighborhood in Sunnyvale.
- Residents enjoy convenient access to neighboring cities, like Cupertino, Santa Clara, and San Jose.
- Birdland is a quiet neighborhood and is home to Raynor Park and Calabazas Creek, ideal for quiet walks along
- Most of the properties here are single-family homes.
- Average home price is $1,142,768.
Cherry Chase
- Cherry Chase is one of Sunnyvale’s largest neighborhoods, stretching north to El Camino Real and south to Fremont Avenue along the western edge of the city.
- Northern Bay Area cities, like Mountain View, Palo Alto, and Menlo Park are easily accessible to Cherry Chase residents.
- There are two shopping centers in the neighborhood – Cherry Chase Shopping and Westmoor Village Shopping center – which provide grocery, shopping, and dining options.
- Cherry Chase is home to two parks – Mango Park, which features a public tennis facility, and De Anza Park, with basketball courts, picnic areas, and playgrounds.
- The average home price in this neighborhood is $1,220,678.
Heritage District
- The Heritage District is centrally located in Sunnyvale and encompasses the downtown area.
- Murphy Avenue is a downtown street where you’ll find several dining and shopping options as this is the main strip where bars, restaurants, cafés and specialty shops are located.
- The average home price in the Heritage District is $998,132.
San Miguel
- San Miguel is a quaint neighborhood where some of the more affordable housing options in Sunnyvale can be found.
- Unlike other areas in Sunnyvale that feature single-family homes, most of the housing options in San Miguel are attached units and condos.
- The average home price of residential properties in San Miguel is $587,977.
Ponderosa
- Ponderosa is the perfect place for those who love to spend time outdoors.
- Aside from the neighborhood’s centrally-located Ponderosa Park, residents have access to Sunken Gardens Golf Course, a nine-hole course and driving range.
- This neighborhood offers more housing options compared to other neighborhoods.
- Most of the properties are single-family homes but there’s also a large number of apartment complexes for those looking to rent.
- The average home price in Ponderosa is $900,893.
Sunnyvale, CA is truly an amazing place to relocate to. If you would like to explore your home options in this area, I would be more than happy to help. Feel free to call me at 510-606-8700 or at 408-222-2800 for any questions or if you’d like to schedule an appointment. You may also use this link to send me a message via my website.
