Sunnyvale, CA, known as "The Heart of Silicon Valley," is a vibrant city with a rich history and a high quality of life. Located in the San Francisco Bay Area, Sunnyvale is approximately 10 miles northwest of San Jose and 40 miles southeast of San Francisco. This medium-sized city is celebrated for its beautiful parks, thriving tech industry, and diverse cultural attractions.
Sunnyvale's climate features mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers, ideal for enjoying outdoor activities year-round. The city boasts numerous parks and recreational areas, such as the scenic Baylands Park and the expansive Las Palmas Park, which offer hiking, biking, and opportunities for family picnics.
The cultural scene in Sunnyvale is dynamic, with attractions like the Sunnyvale Heritage Park Museum, the Sunnyvale Theatre, and the historic Murphy Avenue. The city hosts a variety of events and festivals throughout the year, including the Sunnyvale Art and Wine Festival and the Summer Series Music + Market, celebrating the community's artistic and cultural achievements.
Education is a priority in Sunnyvale, with the Sunnyvale School District providing education to its students. The city is also home to higher education institutions such as Foothill College and nearby Stanford University. This focus on education makes Sunnyvale an attractive place for families. The presence of major healthcare institutions, such as El Camino Health, also supports a strong job market and ensures residents have access to top-notch medical care.
Living in Sunnyvale combines the benefits of urban amenities with the warmth of a close-knit community. Residents enjoy access to excellent healthcare facilities, diverse dining options, and a range of housing choices. The city's efficient public transportation system, including buses and Caltrain, makes commuting and exploring the area convenient. With its cultural richness, excellent amenities, and welcoming atmosphere, living in Sunnyvale offers a dynamic and fulfilling experience.
Amenities
Conveniently located, the area boasts a variety of amenities, including grocery stores, shopping, coffee shops and entertainment options all within walking distance.
Commute
The high commute score in this area could imply easy access to public transportation, as well as shorter-than-average commute times to your workplace.
Employment
With higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates, this area scores extremely well in the employment category.
Health & Safety
Accessible health facilities like hospitals, doctors offices, clinics and nursing homes as well as good air quality are all factors that have led to a high score in this category.
Schools
The high score in the schools category can be attributed to outstanding test scores, elevated graduation rates and the convenient placement of elementary and high schools in this area.
Cost Of Living
This area is known for its high cost of living, which means you should anticipate higher costs for everyday goods and services, housing, groceries, and health care.
Sunnyvale, California is a moderately-sized city with a population of 152,569 inhabitants. With a population density of 6,916 people per square mile, Sunnyvale is well above the nation's average density level. Individuals of White (36%) and Asian (48%) backgrounds make up a significant portion of the population of Sunnyvale. The average American spends about 26 minutes on their one way commute to work each day. Lower travel times can increase overall happiness and allow for more time to be spent with family and friends. While living in Sunnyvale, your commute times will be about average, with a one way commute time of 25 minutes.
If you’re considering relocating to any new city, it could be a very daunting task. However, it could also be a good experience if you are willing to get to know the town before actually living in Sunnyvale, California. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. The best areas in Sunnyvale and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, education, employment, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the California and national averages.
Using data and statistics Sunnyvale has received a livability score of 82 out of 100. This score is ranked in the 97th percentile when compared to all other cities. Compared to the national average, Sunnyvale ranks among some of the best places to live in the country! The cherry on top is that Sunnyvale also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities. There are nine total categories that create the livability score. Sunnyvale scores well for crime (B+), education (B) and housing (B) The bad news for Sunnyvale, there are some categories for which it does not score well, this includes: cost of living (F).
If you're considering living in Sunnyvale, it comes with numerous advantages, particularly in the form of an extensive selection of local amenities. These amenities play a pivotal role in elevating the quality of life within this vibrant community. From easily accessible grocery stores, to conveniently located fitness facilities, a diverse range of dining establishments and a multitude of shopping options, Sunnyvale provides a comprehensive array of resources for its residents. This ensures the effortless fulfillment of your daily needs and creates ample opportunities for relaxation and recreation. The convenience of these local offerings greatly contributes to the overall appeal of the area, making it an enticing destination for those in search of convenience, diversity, and a gratifying lifestyle. If you're contemplating a move, the abundance of local amenities could very well be a defining characteristic of this area. Among the enticing options for fun and exploration in Sunnyvale are: Rooster T Feathers Comedy Club, The Lace Museum, and Golfland USA.
When contemplating a move, job prospects often top the list of priorities. In Sunnyvale, the outlook for new employment is notably brighter than in many other areas. The low unemployment rate of 2.72% points to a surge in job opportunities, the potential for higher wages, enhanced workforce productivity and increased economic growth. These favorable conditions bode well for individuals seeking career advancement and financial stability, making this area an appealing destination for those prioritizing professional opportunities and economic prosperity.
For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Sunnyvale apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.
Sunnyvale real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Sunnyvale. Median real estate prices in Sunnyvale come in at $1,397,200, which is 241.4% higher than the California average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Sunnyvale, the home price to income ratio is 9.3, which is 45.3% higher than the California average.
| Statistic | Sunnyvale | California | National |
| Average one way commute | 25min | 28min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 67.6% | 73.5% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 10.3% | 10.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 6.0% | 5.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 1.6% | 1.1% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 1.7% | 2.7% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 11.3% | 5.4% | 4.6% |
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