Best Mid-Century Modern Neighborhoods in the San Francisco Bay Area
The San Francisco Bay Area is home to some of the most important and well-preserved mid-century modern neighborhoods in the country. Developed largely between the 1940s and 1970s, these neighborhoods reflect the core principles of California modernism: clean lines, open floor plans, post-and-beam construction, and a strong indoor–outdoor connection shaped by climate and landscape.
Below are the most notable mid-century modern neighborhoods within key Bay Area cities, each offering a distinct interpretation of mid-mod living while maintaining architectural integrity and long-term desirability.
Belmont
Hallmark / Western Hillsides
Belmont’s mid-century homes are concentrated in hillside neighborhoods where architecture responds directly to terrain. Split-level layouts, expansive glazing, and elevated decks are common, designed to capture views and privacy while integrating with the natural slope.
Burlingame
Easton Addition (Select Areas)
While Burlingame is known for traditional architecture, pockets of mid-century homes exist in quieter residential sections of Easton Addition. These properties often blend restrained modernist elements with mature landscaping and proximity to downtown amenities.
Campbell
Pruneyard / Central Campbell Residential Tracts
Mid-century homes in Campbell are typically found in post-war residential tracts near central corridors. Single-story layouts, functional floor plans, and strong indoor–outdoor flow reflect classic suburban modernism.
Cupertino
Rancho Rinconada
One of Cupertino’s most recognizable mid-century neighborhoods, Rancho Rinconada features Eichler-style and mid-century influenced homes with atriums, open layouts, and seamless outdoor integration—hallmarks of Silicon Valley modernism.
Foster City
Isle Cove / Marina Point
As a planned mid-century community, Foster City offers cohesive modernist neighborhoods defined by clean lines, efficient layouts, and access to lagoons and open space. Homes emphasize functionality and consistency of design.
Los Altos
South Los Altos
South Los Altos is a standout for authentic mid-century modern homes, many built during the post-war boom. Low-pitched roofs, walls of glass, and expansive lots define the area, making it one of the most desirable mid-mod neighborhoods in the Bay Area.
The Highlands
Known for architecturally distinct homes and hillside settings, The Highlands features expressive modernist designs with strong privacy and indoor–outdoor flow.
Los Gatos
Belwood / Surmont
These hillside neighborhoods contain custom mid-century homes emphasizing natural materials, expansive views, and site-sensitive design. The result is a refined blend of modern architecture and landscape.
Menlo Park
The Willows (Select Tracts)
Portions of The Willows feature mid-century homes with post-and-beam construction and open layouts, offering architectural appeal within a walkable, centrally located neighborhood.
Sharon Heights (Mid-Century Sections)
Sharon Heights includes architect-designed mid-century homes set on larger parcels, often emphasizing privacy and strong interior–exterior relationships.
Monte Sereno
Hillside Residential Parcels
Monte Sereno does not have defined tracts, but its hillside neighborhoods include notable custom mid-century homes characterized by architectural individuality, large lots, and a focus on privacy and views.
Mountain View
Cuesta Park / Monta Loma
These neighborhoods reflect early Silicon Valley growth, with mid-century homes built for engineers and professionals. Functional layouts, generous windows, and enduring modern design define the area.
Palo Alto
Greenmeadow
One of the most iconic Eichler neighborhoods in the country, Greenmeadow is defined by atrium homes, post-and-beam construction, and strong community planning.
Barron Park
Barron Park includes a mix of Eichler and custom mid-century homes, often on larger lots with a semi-rural feel.
Midtown (Eichler Tracts)
Midtown contains several well-preserved Eichler neighborhoods, making it a cornerstone of Bay Area mid-century modern architecture.
Portola Valley
Central Portola Valley Residential Areas
Mid-century homes here emphasize harmony with nature, featuring expansive glass, natural materials, and site-sensitive design on large, private parcels.
Redwood City
Emerald Hills
Emerald Hills offers hillside mid-century homes with panoramic Bay views, split-level layouts, and expressive modernist design.
San Jose
Willow Glen (Mid-Century Sections)
Select areas of Willow Glen include mid-century homes blending modernist principles with established neighborhood charm.
Almaden Valley (Mid-Century Tracts)
Post-war neighborhoods in Almaden Valley feature classic California ranch moderns and larger lots, appealing to buyers seeking space and architectural character.
San Carlos
Howard Park / Brittan Heights (Select Areas)
These neighborhoods include mid-century homes situated on gently sloping lots, often with strong indoor–outdoor connections and hillside views.
San Mateo
San Mateo Highlands
One of the city’s most significant mid-century neighborhoods, the Highlands features Eichler and modernist-inspired homes designed around views, light, and open living.
San Francisco
Diamond Heights
A landmark mid-century planned neighborhood, Diamond Heights features innovative layouts, dramatic siting, and iconic modernist architecture adapted to San Francisco’s terrain.
Forest Hill Extension
This area contains architecturally expressive mid-century homes with clean lines and elevated settings, offering a distinctly urban interpretation of the style.
Santa Clara
Old Quad / Central Santa Clara Tracts
Post-war residential neighborhoods in Santa Clara include many mid-century homes built during Silicon Valley’s early expansion, emphasizing practicality and open living.
Saratoga
Saratoga Hills
Saratoga Hills features refined mid-century homes on larger lots, often designed to integrate with mature landscaping and natural surroundings.
Sunnyvale
Cherry Chase
Cherry Chase is one of the South Bay’s most consistent mid-century neighborhoods, featuring Eichler-style homes and strong indoor–outdoor flow.
Fairwood / Ortega Park
These neighborhoods include well-preserved mid-century tracts built for early tech workers, maintaining architectural continuity and long-term appeal.
Explore Bay Area Mid-Century Neighborhoods
Together, these neighborhoods represent the most significant concentrations of mid-century modern homes in the Bay Area. Each reflects a unique response to climate, landscape, and post-war optimism while remaining highly livable and design-forward today.
Explore individual neighborhood pages to learn more about available homes, architectural details, and what makes each area distinct.
Work With the Boyenga Team — Bay Area Mid-Century Modern & Eichler Experts
When buying or selling a mid-century modern or Eichler home, expertise matters. The Boyenga Team is widely recognized as one of the Bay Area’s leading authorities on architecturally significant homes, with a specialized focus on Eichler, mid-century modern, and design-forward properties throughout the Peninsula and South Bay.
Often described as true property nerds, the Boyenga Team brings a deep, detail-oriented understanding of mid-century architecture—far beyond surface-level aesthetics. From original Eichler floor plans and post-and-beam construction to atrium layouts and neighborhood-specific nuances, their knowledge directly impacts accurate pricing, strategic marketing, and confident decision-making.
Why Buyers and Sellers Choose the Boyenga Team
Specialized expertise in Eichler and mid-century modern homes
Deep knowledge of Bay Area neighborhoods and original tract designs
Strong respect for architectural integrity and thoughtful restoration
Proven marketing strategies tailored to design-conscious buyers
A data-driven, analytical approach to pricing and negotiations
Whether you are searching for an authentic mid-century modern home or preparing to sell a design-forward property, the Boyenga Team offers the insight, precision, and passion required to navigate this highly specialized market with confidence.
Explore available homes, neighborhood insights, and expert guidance with a team that truly understands mid-century modern living in the Bay Area.
Contact Us and Begin Your Mid Mod Journey Today!
Boyenga Team + Compass Eric & Janelle Boyenga 📞 Call / Text : 408-373-1660 📧 Email : Eichlers@Boyenga.com 🌐 www.BoyengaTeam.com / www.EichlerHomesForSale.com DRE #01254724 / #01254725