Bay Area Cities for Mid-Century Modern Homes

The San Francisco Bay Area is one of the most significant regions in the country for authentic mid-century modern (mid-mod) architecture. Built primarily between the 1940s and 1970s, many cities across the Peninsula and South Bay feature homes defined by clean lines, post-and-beam construction, walls of glass, open floor plans, and a strong indoor–outdoor connection shaped by climate and landscape.

This page highlights Bay Area cities where mid-century modern homes are most commonly found. Each city offers its own interpretation of mid-mod living—shaped by geography, planning eras, and local culture—while remaining grounded in the design-forward philosophy that defines the style.

Belmont

Belmont’s hillside terrain provides a natural setting for mid-century modern homes designed to capture views and privacy. Many properties feature split-level layouts, expansive glazing, and elevated decks that respond to the slope of the land. Its central Peninsula location makes Belmont appealing for buyers seeking architectural character with commuter convenience.

Burlingame

Burlingame contains smaller pockets of mid-century modern homes, often tucked into established residential areas. These properties typically blend restrained modernist elements with thoughtful updates, offering a refined take on the era within a city known for its tree-lined streets and strong sense of community.

Campbell

Campbell’s mid-century homes reflect post-war suburban growth, with many single-story residences emphasizing functional layouts, wide lots, and indoor–outdoor flow. Proximity to a revitalized downtown and major employment centers adds to the city’s long-term appeal.

Cupertino

Cupertino offers a mix of Eichler-style and mid-century influenced homes, particularly in neighborhoods developed during the 1950s and 1960s. Open floor plans, atriums, and seamless connections to outdoor spaces reflect classic California modernism at its best.

Foster City

Developed as a planned community in the mid-20th century, Foster City features a cohesive collection of modernist homes and townhomes. Clean architectural lines, efficient layouts, and access to waterways and open space define the city’s appeal for design-conscious buyers.

Los Altos

Los Altos is one of the most prominent cities in the Bay Area for authentic mid-century modern architecture. Homes built during the post-war boom showcase low-pitched roofs, walls of glass, and strong indoor–outdoor flow, often set on generous lots with mature landscaping.

Los Gatos

In Los Gatos, mid-century modern homes are often found in hillside and semi-rural settings. These properties emphasize privacy, natural materials, and expansive views, creating a distinctive blend of modernist design and natural surroundings near a vibrant historic downtown.

Menlo Park

Menlo Park offers a wide range of mid-century modern homes, from modest residences to architect-designed properties. Many retain original post-and-beam construction and open layouts, making the city especially attractive to buyers who value both design and central Peninsula access.

Monte Sereno

Monte Sereno features a limited but notable collection of mid-century modern homes. Large parcels, hillside settings, and architectural individuality define the city, with properties often prioritizing privacy, views, and integration with the surrounding landscape.

Mountain View

Mountain View’s mid-century neighborhoods reflect Silicon Valley’s early growth, with many homes built for engineers and professionals during the tech industry’s first wave. Functional layouts, flat planes, and generous windows continue to suit modern lifestyles.

Palo Alto

Palo Alto is internationally recognized for its concentration of architecturally significant mid-century modern homes. Eichler neighborhoods, custom modernist residences, and strong preservation efforts make the city a cornerstone of Bay Area mid-mod design.

Portola Valley

Portola Valley offers a rural and highly private backdrop for mid-century modern architecture. Homes here emphasize site-sensitive design, expansive glass, and natural materials, creating a strong sense of harmony between architecture and landscape.

Redwood City

Redwood City features mid-century homes across both flat neighborhoods and hillside areas. Many properties combine classic modernist details with panoramic Bay or foothill views, contributing to renewed interest in the city’s architectural character.

San Jose

As the largest city in the region, San Jose includes numerous mid-century neighborhoods developed during the post-war era. Buyers will find a wide range of architectural styles, larger tracts, and relatively accessible entry points into mid-century modern living.

San Carlos

San Carlos includes smaller clusters of mid-century modern homes, often located on gently sloping lots with strong indoor–outdoor connections. Its central Peninsula location and community-focused atmosphere add to its appeal.

San Mateo

San Mateo’s mid-century housing stock spans multiple residential areas, blending modernist and California ranch influences. Practical layouts, generous yards, and proximity to both urban amenities and open space define the city’s offerings.

San Francisco

San Francisco’s mid-century modern homes are concentrated in select neighborhoods shaped by the city’s dramatic topography. Clean lines, innovative layouts, and striking views define these properties, offering a distinctly urban interpretation of mid-century design.

Santa Clara

Santa Clara features many mid-century homes built during the rise of Silicon Valley. These properties emphasize efficiency, open living spaces, and strong connections to the outdoors—hallmarks of mid-century California architecture.

Saratoga

Saratoga offers a refined selection of mid-century modern homes, often set on larger lots with mature landscaping. Architectural integrity, privacy, and access to both nature and upscale amenities define the city’s appeal.

Sunnyvale

Sunnyvale is one of the most consistent markets for mid-century modern homes in the South Bay. Eichler-style residences, open floor plans, and a strong emphasis on indoor–outdoor living make the city a standout destination for mid-mod enthusiasts.

Explore Mid-Century Modern Living in the Bay Area

Together, these cities represent the depth and diversity of mid-century modern architecture throughout the Bay Area. From iconic Eichler neighborhoods to custom hillside moderns, each location offers a unique perspective on modernist design shaped by history, landscape, and lifestyle.

Explore individual city and neighborhood pages to discover available homes, architectural details, and what makes each area distinct.

Work With the Boyenga Team — Specialists in Bay Area Mid-Century Modern Homes

Navigating the mid-century modern market requires more than general real estate knowledge—it demands architectural fluency, local insight, and an appreciation for design that directly influences value. The Boyenga Team is known throughout the Bay Area for its focused expertise in Eichler and mid-century modern homes, helping buyers and sellers make informed, confident decisions.

With a reputation as true property specialists, the Boyenga Team understands how original construction methods, floor plan variations, neighborhood context, and thoughtful updates impact both livability and long-term value. Their approach combines detailed market analysis with a genuine respect for architectural integrity.

Whether representing a design-forward home or searching for an authentic mid-century property, the Boyenga Team provides the precision, perspective, and strategic guidance needed in this highly specialized segment of the Bay Area market.

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