Eichler Lifestyle Index – Silicon Valley ZIP Code Rankings

This Eichler Lifestyle Index ranks Silicon Valley ZIP codes known for their Eichler homes, based on four key lifestyle criteria: Walkability, Schools, Parks, and Architectural Integrity. Each category is scored on a 10-point scale, and combined into an overall composite (out of 100) indicating how well the area embodies the coveted “Eichler lifestyle.” The focus is on ZIP codes in Santa Clara County and nearby communities with notable Eichler neighborhoods.

Ranked Table of Eichler-Rich ZIP Codes

1. 94306 – Palo Alto

• Walkability: 6.4/10 (Somewhat Walkable)

• Schools: 10/10 (Top-tier PAUSD)

• Parks & Green Space: 9/10 (Mitchell Park + many neighborhood parks)

• Architectural Integrity: 9/10 (High concentration of Eichlers; strong design protections)

• Overall Index: 88

2. 95014 – Cupertino

• Walkability: 8.0/10 (Very Walkable in key corridors)

• Schools: 10/10 (Elite FUHSD + CUSD)

• Parks & Green Space: 7/10 (Good local parks; Rancho San Antonio nearby)

• Architectural Integrity: 9/10 (Large Fairgrove tract; preservation-minded)

• Overall Index: 85

3. 94087 – Sunnyvale

• Walkability: 5.7/10 (Somewhat Walkable)

• Schools: 8/10 (Strong elementary; Homestead High 8/10)

• Parks & Green Space: 7/10 (Ortega, Serra parks)

• Architectural Integrity: 8/10 (Hundreds of Eichlers; moderate preservation culture)

• Overall Index: 75

4. 94043 – Mountain View

• Walkability: 6.4/10 (Somewhat Walkable)

• Schools: 8/10 (MV/Los Altos district overlap)

• Parks & Green Space: 10/10 (Shoreline Park megaspace)

• Architectural Integrity: 8/10 (Monta Loma + Bell Meadows ~275 total)

• Overall Index: 80

5. 94025 – Menlo Park

• Walkability: 5.7/10 (Somewhat Walkable)

• Schools: 9/10 (Top-performing Menlo Park schools)

• Parks & Green Space: 8/10 (Nealon, Burgess, and neighborhood parks)

• Architectural Integrity: 6/10 (~50 early-model Eichlers, limited clustering)

• Overall Index: 73

6. 95125 – San Jose (Willow Glen)

• Walkability: 5.4/10 (Moderately Walkable)

• Schools: 7/10 (Solid SJ Unified; Booksin ~7/10)

• Parks & Green Space: 6/10 (Multiple smaller parks)

• Architectural Integrity: 9/10 (Fairglen Eichlers—historic district on National Register)

• Overall Index: 70

7. 95051 – Santa Clara

• Walkability: 5.3/10 (Moderately Walkable)

• Schools: 7/10 (SC Unified; some overlap with Cupertino districts)

• Parks & Green Space: 7/10 (Central Park + neighborhood green space)

• Architectural Integrity: 8/10 (Includes Pomeroy Green townhouses on NRHP)

• Overall Index: 68

8. 95124 – San Jose (Cambrian)

• Walkability: 5.3/10 (Moderately Walkable)

• Schools: 8/10 (Strong Cambrian elementary; Branham/Leigh High ~7/10)

• Parks & Green Space: 6/10 (Houge Park nearby)

• Architectural Integrity: 8/10 (Eichler "Additions" aligned with Fairglen heritage)

• Overall Index: 68

9. 94303 – Palo Alto / East Palo Alto

• Walkability: ~6/10 (Mixed walkability)

• Schools: 6/10 (PAUSD 10/10 vs. Ravenswood 3/10 split)

• Parks & Green Space: 7/10 (Near Baylands + neighborhood parks)

• Architectural Integrity: 8/10 (Green Gables Eichler district—NRHP protected)

• Overall Index: 65

10. 94062 – Redwood City

• Walkability: ~3/10 (Car-dependent hillside areas)

• Schools: 6/10 (Solid; Sequoia High ~8/10)

• Parks & Green Space: 9/10 (Edgewood, Stulsaft, and open-space preserves)

• Architectural Integrity: Not scored (Low-density Eichler presence)

• Overall Index: ~? (Not provided in original dataset)

Notes: Walkability scores are from Walk Score® (approximate for each ZIP) – e.g. 94306 has a Walk Score of 64/100 walkscore.com. School ratings reflect average GreatSchools scores or equivalent; PAUSD and Cupertino schools are among the highest in the state eichlerhomesforsale.com. Architectural Integrity considers the concentration of Eichler homes and preservation efforts (historic districts, design ordinances, etc.).

Top Performing Eichler Communities – Highlights

1. 94306 (Palo Alto – Greenmeadow/Fairmeadow): This Palo Alto ZIP tops the index with an ideal blend of amenities. It boasts world-class schools – Fairmeadow Elementary and Jane L. Stanford Middle perform above average, and Gunn High is rated 9/10 eichlerhomesforsale.com. The area is family-friendly with numerous parks (Mitchell Park, Palo Verde Park) and safe bike lanes. Walkability is moderate (Walk Score ~64) – daily errands often require a short drive or bike ride, though the Charleston Shopping Center offers some shops within walking distance. Eichler architectural heritage is exceptionally well-preserved here: the Greenmeadow tract is a National Register Historic District, and the city has Eichler design guidelines and single-story overlay zones protecting mid-century character. The result is a cohesive neighborhood of iconic post-and-beam homes set amid tree-lined streets and community amenities. Overall, 94306 provides an elite Eichler lifestyle – top schools, a strong sense of community, and preserved mid-century modern charm.

2. 95014 (Cupertino – Fairgrove): Cupertino’s Eichler enclave in the Fairgrove neighborhood earns a high index score thanks to stellar schools and a walkable environment. The public schools are among California’s best – Monta Vista High (GreatSchools 9/10) and several elementary/middle schools score 8–10/10 eichlerhomesforsale.com. This academic excellence (and intense STEM focus) is a major draw for families. Fairgrove is fairly walkable; residents can stroll to nearby parks and top-rated schools, and the broader Cupertino area was deemed “Very Walkable” with a city-wide Walk Score around 80. The neighborhood has access to family-friendly parks (Creekside Park, Miller Park) and is a short drive from the sprawling Rancho San Antonio Preserve for weekend hikes. Architecturally, Fairgrove stands out: about 220 Eichler homes built circa 1960–61 form a cohesive tract eichlerhomesforsale.com. Cupertino was one of the first cities to enact special Eichler zoning – in 2001 it created an R1E single-story overlay with design guidelines to protect Fairgrove’s mid-century integrity eichlerhomesforsale.com. As a result, the Eichlers here retain their original character (post-and-beam profiles, atriums) without insensitive remodels. Living in 95014 means enjoying a highly educated, park-like suburb where Eichler architecture and family life thrive side by side eichlerhomesforsale.com.

3. 94087 (Sunnyvale – Cherry Chase/Ortega Park area): Sunnyvale’s western 94087 ZIP is an Eichler hotbed that balances suburban comfort with central Silicon Valley convenience. It contains several Eichler tracts (Fairbrae, Cherry Chase, etc.), contributing to Sunnyvale’s count of ~1,100 Eichler homes – one of the largest concentrations anywhere eichlerhomesforsale.com. Schools are excellent: parts of 94087 fall in Cupertino’s Fremont Union HS District (Homestead High, GreatSchools 8/10 eichlerhomesforsale.com) and Sunnyvale School District’s top elementary schools (Cherry Chase and Cumberland, each ~8/10 eichlerhomesforsale.com). These neighborhoods are also known for safety and a strong community vibe. Walkability is decent but not urban – the area is car-oriented (Walk Score ~57), though many homes are within walking or biking distance of parks (Ortega Park, Las Palmas Park) and local schools. Green space is well-distributed; Ortega Park serves as a central gathering spot with playgrounds and sports fields, and the Stevens Creek Trail is a short ride away for cyclists. While Sunnyvale has no strict Eichler preservation ordinances, the architectural integrity remains good – numerous streets are still lined with classic Eichler rooflines and glass walls, thanks to homeowners who appreciate the style. 94087 offers a quintessential Eichler suburban lifestyle: quiet cul-de-sacs, quality schools, and mid-century modern design integrated into the heart of the South Bay eichlerhomesforsale.com.

4. 94043 (Mountain View – Monta Loma & Thompson/Bell Meadows): This Mountain View ZIP earns a high Parks score and solid marks across categories, making it a great all-around Eichler locale. It encompasses the Monta Loma neighborhood (about 200 Eichler homes) and the smaller Bell Meadows tract, together totaling over 250 Eichler residences. These areas enjoy Mountain View’s excellent public schools – most students attend Los Altos or Mountain View High (both ~8/10 performance)- and local elementary schools like Monta Loma and Bubb are well-regarded. Walkability is moderate (Walk Score ~64); residents can walk or bike to nearby shopping centers (e.g. Monte Loma Plaza or along Middlefield Road) and easily access the Stevens Creek Trail by bike. The standout feature is the abundance of parkland and recreation. 94043 directly borders Shoreline Park, a regional gem offering a lake, hiking/biking trails, golf, and the Shoreline Amphitheatre for concerts. Neighborhood parks (Monta Loma Park, Rex Manor Park) and the proximity to Google’s campus mean plenty of open space and amenities. While Mountain View hasn’t designated formal Eichler historic districts, many homes remain authentic – Monta Loma’s tract retains its mid-century character, and Bell Meadows features larger late-era Eichlers that enthusiasts prize. With its blend of nature, schools, and tech-proximity, 94043 exemplifies the Eichler ideal of “modern living in harmony with the environment,” all within a short commute of Silicon Valley employers.

5. 94025 (Menlo Park – Stanford Gardens/Oakdell Park/Willows): Menlo Park’s Eichler neighborhoods may be few in number, but this ZIP performs strongly on schools and parks. There are only around 50 Eichler homes here: eichlerhomesforsale.com – including some of Joseph Eichler’s earliest-built homes from the late 1940s/early 1950s – yet their historical significance is high. Local public schools are superb, as most Eichler enclaves fall within the Menlo Park City Elementary district (Oak Knoll, Encinal, etc., typically 9–10/10) and feed to Menlo-Atherton High, a well-regarded comprehensive high school. For outdoor recreation, Menlo Park offers an outsized number of parks and civic facilities for its size: Nealon Park, Burgess Park (with pools, sports fields, and a community center), and Flood Park (just outside 94025) provide ample green space. The Walkability of 94025 is mixed (Walk Score ~57) – neighborhoods like the Willows are somewhat walkable to downtown Palo Alto or Menlo Park shops, while others (Stanford Gardens tract) are more car-dependent residential pockets. Architectural integrity is a bit lower mainly due to the small scale of Eichler presence – these early Eichlers are scattered and some have been remodeled or torn down over time. However, the surviving Eichler homes are cherished by owners and local preservationists; their distinctive mid-century look (open beams, glass walls) still graces streets like Evergreen, Lemon, and Stone Pine Lane. In sum, 94025 offers a premium Peninsula lifestyle – affluent, educated, and lushly green – with a dash of Eichler mid-century modernism connecting it to Silicon Valley’s architectural heritage.

6. 95125 (San Jose – Willow Glen/Fairglen): San Jose’s Willow Glen area (ZIP 95125) ranks well thanks to a charming neighborhood atmosphere and significant Eichler architecture. This is a highly desirable part of San Jose known for its “small-town” feel – walkable downtown Willow Glen (along Lincoln Ave.) is filled with cafes and shops, and the surrounding streets are tree-lined and tranquil. The ZIP’s overall Walk Score is a moderate 54, but residents in the Fairglen Eichler tract are just a short bike or car ride from the Willow Glen town center. The Fairglen Additions themselves (about 218 Eichler homes built 1959–1961) are a highlight: in 2019, they became one of the few Eichler tracts on the National Register of Historic Places, reflecting their well-preserved mid-century character. Many homes still feature original exterior materials and low-slung profiles, and San Jose has adopted Eichler design standards here to guide compatible renovations. Schools in 95125 are decent, though not top-tier – Willow Glen High has improved to around 7/10 in recent years, and Booksin Elementary (serving Fairglen) is a strong neighborhood school (~7/10). Families often take advantage of the plethora of private schools and enrichment programs in the San Jose area as well. The community offers several parks (Willow Street Park, Bramhall Park) and convenient access to the Los Gatos Creek Trail. Crime rates in Willow Glen are among the lowest in San Jose, enhancing the family-friendly vibe. Overall, 95125 delivers an authentic Eichler living experience within a big city: residents enjoy a tight-knit community, historic mid-century homes, and the urban amenities of San Jose just a short distance away.

7. 95051 (Santa Clara – Pomeroy/Homestead): Santa Clara’s Eichler scene is unique – this ZIP contains Santa Clara’s only Eichler developments, which are notable for being townhouse-style rather than the typical single-family Eichlers. In the early 1960s Joseph Eichler built 216 modern townhomes here, in two sister complexes called Pomeroy Green and Pomeroy West eichlerhomesforsale.com. These two-story Eichler townhouses, with their walls of glass and enclosed patios, have become architectural landmarks: in 2021, Pomeroy Green was added to the National Register of Historic Places for its innovative design and “cluster development” site plan eichlerhomesforsale.com. This formal recognition helps preserve the mid-century integrity – indeed, Pomeroy Green now enjoys a protected status and strong community support for maintaining Eichler aesthetics eichlerhomesforsale.com. Beyond architecture, 95051 offers a convenient and pleasant lifestyle. The area is moderately walkable (Walk Score ~53) – residents can walk to nearby grocery stores, cafes, and schools along Homestead Rd and Lawrence Expwy. Santa Clara’s schools are solid (if not as acclaimed as Cupertino’s next door); for example, Bracher Elementary and Santa Clara High serve the area, and some pockets are eligible for Cupertino schools. The city’s crown jewel, Central Park, lies partly in 95051, providing 50+ acres of greenery, lakes, and a community center, and smaller parks dot the neighborhoods. As a whole, Santa Clara is known for its central location and mix of tech offices and residential areas – living in 95051, Eichler owners find themselves in a small, tight-knit mid-century enclave amid a bustling city. It’s an attractive option for those who want an Eichler home with a slightly more urban, low-maintenance twist (townhome living) while still enjoying parks and decent schools.

8. 95124 (San Jose – Cambrian Park (Fairglen Addition)): This ZIP in San Jose’s Cambrian area is included for its portion of the Fairglen Eichler tract (sometimes called Fairwood). Adjacent to Willow Glen, Cambrian shares many positive traits: quiet suburban streets, respectable schools, and convenient shopping. The Eichler homes here were built as an extension of the Willow Glen Fairglen tract and likewise gained recognition when the entire neighborhood was listed on the National Register in 2019. Homeowners in 95124 benefit from the same historic district guidelines San Jose developed to preserve Eichler features (e.g., single-story scale, mid-century façades) in Fairglen. Thus, the architectural integrity is high – these houses retain their 1960s modernist look, and remodels are done sensitively. Schools in this part of Cambrian are notably strong at the elementary level (Cambrian School District schools like Fammatre or Bagby often rate 8/10) and feed into Branham or Leigh High School, which are above-average (typically 7–8/10). Walkability is similar to Willow Glen – moderately low overall (around 53),  as a car is needed for most errands, though the neighborhood is close to the Cambrian Park Plaza and a new planned development that will add shops and eateries. Several parks serve the area (Houge Park, Butcher Park), and it’s a short drive to larger natural areas in the Santa Cruz Mountains. With a slightly more suburban setting than 95125, the Cambrian Eichler tract offers larger lot sizes and a bit more seclusion. It’s ideal for those who want the signature Eichler style and good schools in a relaxed neighborhood setting – albeit with a bit more driving for work and errands than in more central locales.

9. 94303 (Palo Alto/East Palo Alto – Green Gables): The 94303 ZIP is unique – it spans two cities (Palo Alto and East Palo Alto), leading to a mix of extremes. On the Palo Alto side, 94303 covers Green Gables and Duveneck/St. Francis, neighborhoods which include some of the earliest Eichler homes (built in the early 1950s), and even Eichler’s modernist remodel of Edgewood Plaza shopping center. Green Gables, with its tranquil cul-de-sacs and Eichler park (Lucie Stern’s Eichler Swim & Tennis Club originally), is historically significant and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places alongside nearby Greenmeadow. These Palo Alto areas enjoy top-notch PAUSD schools, such as Duveneck Elementary (10/10) and Palo Alto High (10/10), and quiet streets adjoining parks (e.g. Rinconada Park is just outside the ZIP, and Greer Park lies within it). By contrast, the East Palo Alto portion of 94303 has a very different profile: schools in the Ravenswood District have struggled (often rated 2–4/10), and the area has historically seen less investment. However, in recent years, the EPA has improved amenities – there are new libraries, the Ravenswood Shopping Center, and access to the Baylands Nature Preserve and Bay Trail for recreation. Walkability, therefore, varies widely: parts of East Palo Alto are very walkable (dense residential blocks near shops), whereas the Palo Alto Eichler tracts are more car-dependent suburbia. Taking an average, the ZIP is moderately walkable. Architecturally, the Eichler homes in 94303 (primarily on the Palo Alto side around Greer Road, Barbara Drive, and Channing Ave.) have decent integrity – many are well-maintained by owners who cherish the mid-century aesthetic, though some have been expanded. The contrasting halves of 94303 mean it doesn’t score as high as 94306, but for Eichler enthusiasts, the Green Gables area still offers an authentic Eichler environment with top schools – just be mindful that the ZIP as a whole is diverse in character.

10. 94062 (Redwood City – Emerald Hills): Rounding out the list is 94062, included for its Emerald Hills Eichler enclave in the foothills above Redwood City. This ZIP illustrates a trade-off: it excels in natural setting and privacy, but lags in walkability. The Emerald Hills tract consists of a small number of Eichler homes nestled among winding hillside roads (Eichler built a tract off Jefferson Avenue in the mid-1960s here eichlerhomesforsale.com). These particular models are known for their dramatic designs – some feature entire walls of glass overlooking canyon views, taking full advantage of the scenic locale. Residents of 94062 enjoy plentiful green space – the neighborhood is adjacent to Edgewood Park and Nature Preserve, and local Stulsaft Park offers trails and picnic areas amidst oak woodlands. Yards tend to be larger, and the feeling is more rural-suburban. Architectural integrity is relatively good simply because the area’s exclusivity has limited redevelopment; many Eichlers remain, often carefully updated or expanded in ways that respect the original style. Redwood City does not impose specific Eichler design controls, but community pride has helped maintain the aesthetic. In terms of schools, 94062 is served partly by the Redwood City School District and the Sequoia Union High School District. Schools are above average (North Star Academy, a magnet elementary in Redwood City, rates 9/10; Woodside High, the comprehensive high school many Emerald Hills students attend, is around 8/10). However, families here often consider private schools or the Las Lomitas district if they live near the border. The obvious drawback for 94062 is walkability – with its steep, winding roads and spread-out homes, almost all errands require a car (Walk Score in the hilly areas is extremely low, often in the 20–30 range). There are no sidewalks in some parts, and the nearest grocery stores or cafes are a few miles down the hill in Redwood City proper. For those who prioritize a serene environment and mid-century modern architecture, 94062 delivers a unique “Eichler in the woods” experience – but it comes with a more secluded, car-centric lifestyle not found in the other Eichler-heavy ZIP codes on this list.

Silicon Valley’s Eichler enclaves each offer a distinctive balance of lifestyle factors. Palo Alto and Cupertino lead the pack for those seeking top-tier academics and well-preserved Eichler neighborhoods, while Sunnyvale and Mountain View provide a strong mix of mid-century style, family-friendly parks, and a central location. Willow Glen (San Jose) and Santa Clara showcase how Eichler communities can thrive even in larger cities when they have the right community spirit and protections. Each ranked ZIP code above has its own flavor of the “Eichler lifestyle” – whether it’s the walkable community feel of Greenmeadow, the tech-proximate parks of Mountain View, or the woodsy tranquility of Emerald Hills. Prospective homebuyers and Eichler aficionados can use this index as a starting point to explore which Silicon Valley Eichler neighborhood best matches their desired mix of walkability, schools, nature, and architectural authenticity.

Sources: Key data compiled from Walk Score® rankings, walkscore.com, GreatSchools ratings, eichlerhomesforsale.com, local park inventories, and Eichler-specific resources, including the Boyenga Team Eichler guides and Eichler Network archives. Notable references include Eichler market experts on school quality and neighborhood features; eichlerhomesforsale.com; and documented preservation measures such as Cupertino’s R1E zoning, San Jose’s historic designation for Fairglen, Palo Alto’s Eichler preservation programs, and the National Register listings of Greenmeadow, Green Gables, and Pomeroy Green eichlerhomesforsale.com. Each of these ZIP codes continues to foster the Eichler ethos of “California Modern” living – blending indoor-outdoor harmony, community amenities, and forward-thinking design – to varying but appreciable degrees.