Mountain View, California, has transformed from a modest, stagecoach stop along the El Camino Real into a thriving tech and aerospace hub. Home to global giants like Google, Intuit, Synopsys, and LinkedIn, this vibrant city of over 80,000 residents is at the heart of Silicon Valley. With a rich history, a diverse community, and a commitment to innovation, Mountain View offers something for everyone—from the Computer History Museum and scenic trails to a bustling downtown and Shoreline Amphitheatre. Known for its excellent public services and strong neighborhoods, Mountain View is one of The Bay Area's most desirable places to live. Please read this Mountain View neighborhood guide to learn more about this amazing community, one that I personally have called home for many years!

WHAT TO LOVE

• Community Oriented Neighborhoods

• Accessible Transportation Routes

• Mix of Housing Options

• Numerous World-Class Employers

• Silicon Valley Tech History

• Highly Rated Public Schools

PEOPLE & LIFESTYLE

Life in Mountain View is shaped not only by the scenic Santa Cruz mountain views that give the city its name, but also by its vibrant community and dynamic atmosphere. Mountain View stands out in the region for its exceptional mix of housing. Here, luxurious modern homes can be found on the same streets as comfortable condominiums, townhomes, and apartments. This eclectic mix of people creates a lively environment where residents from different backgrounds can connect. Mountain View has been at the heart of Silicon Valley for generations. The Shockley Silicon Company, which was founded in 1956 in Mountain View, is considered the birthplace of Silicon Valley as it was the first high-tech company to work on silicon-based semiconductor devices. Nowadays, technology companies drive economic growth in the area, and over two-thirds of the adult population is college-educated. Nature enthusiasts also love Mountain View for its abundant mix of baylands, wetlands, parks, trails, creeks, and more!

DINING, ENTERTAINMENT & SHOPPING

Mountain View's downtown, anchored by Castro Street, features a vibrant blend of shops and restaurants that make going out fun! Here you can find almost any kind of popular cuisine and often several options to choose from. Downtown Mountain View has regular live music and art displays at events like the Mountain View Art & Wine Festival. The area is constantly evolving with new restaurants and attractions, so if you haven't been in a while, it's worth a return visit!

A highlight of the downtown area is the Michelin-starred restaurant Chez TJ. Celebrated for its exceptional French cuisine and sophisticated atmosphere, diners at Chez TJ can savor a fine dining experience within a delightful Victorian house.

You can also explore The Village at San Antonio Center, where you'll find a diverse selection of restaurants, distinctive eateries, and boutique services, all complemented by plenty of outdoor space for gatherings. This is a newer development that continues to expand and add additional entertainment options for visitors. The Village at San Antonio Center is an addition to the original San Antonio Shopping Center that has served Mountain View since 1950 and includes many major stores like Trader Joe’s, Walmart, Target, and many more.

THINGS TO DO

The Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts is the hub of art and culture in Downtown Mountain View, hosting year-round theater, dance, and music productions. Here you can enjoy a mix of theatre classics like ”The Nutcracker” and “A Christmas Carol”, newer theatrical creations, performances by local youth groups, documentary and film screenings, choir performances, and more. There are shows year-round so this is a great place to go almost anytime!

Shoreline Lake Park is the main outdoor recreational gathering hub for Mountain View residents. This park includes an 18-hole golf course, a 50-acre lake offering boat and kayak rentals, a restaurant, play structures, miles of trails, and direct bay access. There is so much to do at Shoreline Lake Park that virtually anyone can have a great time! The park's bayside location also makes it a wildlife refuge for many birds including owls, pelicans, blue herons, hawks, geese, and more.

Next to the golf course at Shoreline Lake Park is the iconic Shoreline Ampitheatre. This outdoor venue has a capacity of 22,500 and can reach over 30,000 when the venue’s parking lot is used for festival stages. Past music festivals held at Shoreline Ampitheatre include Lollapalooza, Ozzfest, Rolling Loud, and more. Neil Young even held an annual charity concert there for 30 years to support The Bridge School. There are usually multiple shows a week so check out their website to see who you may be interested in seeing live!

SCHOOLS

Mountain View schools are known for their academic excellence, innovative programs, and strong community support. Most children in Mountain View attend schools in the Mountain View-Whisman School District and the Mountain View-Los Altos Union High School District, with a small portion being zoned to the Palo Alto Unified School District. Mountain View schools place a strong focus on STEM education, various language immersion programs, and special education services, which provide an added benefit to the community’s youth.

WHY LIVE IN MOUNTAIN VIEW?

In the unique landscape of Silicon Valley, Mountain View shines as a fantastic place to call home. This lively city boasts a remarkable mix of natural beauty, economic opportunity, cultural diversity, top-rated schools, and a strong sense of community. If you appreciate variety—whether in people, cuisine, culture, lifestyle, opportunities, or nature—you’ll likely fall in love with living in Mountain View, California!