Over the years, technology companies have set up their headquarters in and around San Francisco. Silicon Valley has long attracted the brightest minds to the Bay Area, resulting in one of the most robust housing markets in America.
The Bay Area alone is home to 6 of the 10 priciest zip codes in the United States, where the houses go for over 7.75 times the national median. For those who dare to dream, these are the most expensive housing markets in the Bay Area.
San Francisco
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Median home price: $ 2,150,000
With its iconic architecture, bustling streets, and carefree spirit, the famous city of San Francisco is a sought-after place to live. The natural beauty and cultural history of the City by the Bay make it irresistible to both locals and visitors.
Carmel-by-the-Sea
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Median home price: $ 2,210,000
Storybook cottages meet pristine coastline in Carmel-by-the-Sea, a Catholic mission that developed into an artist’s haven, which later transformed into a luxury retreat. Located south of Monterey and Pebble Beach, Carmel has plenty of quaint and charming retail shops and dining to cater to its 3,000 residents.
Menlo Park
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Median home price: $ 2,415,000
Situated between San Francisco and San Jose, Menlo Park is home to about 36,000 residents. The amazing natural surroundings of the city afford views of the San Francisco Bay to the east and the Pacific Coastal Range to the west. In the heart of the “Capital of Venture Capital” is downtown with unique and upscale shops and restaurants.
Los Gatos
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Median home price: $ 2,580,000
Founded in the 1850s, Los Gatos is a delightful city with a population of around 30,000. Situated at the foot of the Santa Cruz Mountains, Los Gatos offers residents both small-town charm and big-city sophistication. The town is lined with Victorian, Craftsman, Ranch, and Contemporary homes that reflect its local history.
Saratoga
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Median home price: $ 2,600,000
Saratoga in Santa Clara County is an attractive community with a small-town vibe. Originally named Tollgate, the city was renamed Saratoga in 1865, when mineral hot springs similar to the famous Saratoga Springs in New York were discovered in the area. Today, Saratoga is a community of 30,000 permanent residents.
Burlingame
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Median sale price: $ 3,100,000
Located on the San Francisco Peninsula in San Mateo County, Burlingame is the gateway to San Francisco. Like many on this list, Burlingame features the conveniences of the big city, with the charm of small-town America. Named after diplomat Anson Burlingame, the city has numerous eucalyptus groves and provides its 28,000 residents with a walkable downtown, an excellent public school system, and a quality of life that’s second to none.
Palo Alto
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Median sale price: $ 3,298,000
Located in Santa Clara County, Palo Alto is home to approximately 67,000 residents and institutions like Stanford University, HP, and Tesla Motors. The city has also served as the incubator of other technology companies like Google, Intuit, and PayPal. Palo Alto has a rich past and derives its name from a coastal stand of tall 1,000-year-old redwood trees.
Los Altos
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Median sale price: $ 3,453,000
Originally an agricultural town with apricot orchards and summer cottages, Los Altos is now an affluent community. Creeks, tree-lined streets, and a small village atmosphere characterize the town. Conveniently located in the heart of Silicon Valley, Los Altos is the birthplace of tech giants Apple and Facebook.
Portola Valley
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Median sale price: $ 3,530,000
Surrounded by wooded hills, Portola Valley is a picturesque town located just west of Stanford University. Known for its expansive trail network, the green and gold valley offers its 4,500 residents a rural feel. Portola Valley also features scenic roads, open space, and natural views, enabling the town to retain a country vibe reminiscent of earlier days.
Atherton
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Median sale price: $ 7,050,000
Atherton remains the most expensive zip code in the US for the fourth year in a row. Although Atherton has a little over 7,000 residents, the idyllic San Mateo County town is packed with tech power players and billionaires. The town’s sky-high prices are largely due to one-acre-minimum lot sizes, flat land, and changing buyer demographics.
If you’re looking for condos and homes for sale in San Francisco and the Bay Area across a range of price points, get in touch with Compass real estate agent
Nina Hatvany and Team Hatvany. They’ll find you the best places to live in San Francisco based on your real estate goals. Reach out to the team by calling 415.710.6462 or emailing team(at)teamhatvany(dotted)com.