Discovering the Iconic Eichler Homes and Tight-Knit Community of Rancho Verde

Rancho Verde, also known as the Fairbrae 5, is an Eichler subdivision with 180 homes. The homes, a mix of low-gable and flat-roofed models, and a few A-frames, virtually all with atriums, are highly desirable and prized for their iconic Eichler design. Homeowners in the neighborhood are free to tastefully update their homes while keeping true to the original architecture. With delicatessens, restaurants, and shops at a nearby shopping center, Rancho Verde is a very walkable neighborhood, and residents often chat in the early evening while pushing strollers or walking dogs, making it a sociable and friendly community.

The Rancho Verde neighborhood in Sunnyvale, California and is bordered on three sides by Mary Avenue, Ticonderoga Drive, and Pome Avenue, and to the south by a commercial area, another residential development, and a new development that borders Fremont Avenue. It has always been known for its lush greenery, which includes a variety of trees that provide shade, peace, and privacy to the glass-walled Eichler homes. However, as the area has grown and high-density housing has replaced orchards and open land, residents have become increasingly protective of their neighborhood. When a four-acre park-like site owned by a church was set to be replaced by 42 two-story homes, residents fought back. After a year-and-a-half of effort, the neighborhood succeeded in convincing the city to establish a ‘single-story overlay’ district that prevented Eichler homes from adding second-story additions, while limiting new homes on the former church property to a single story. While the new development did remove trees from the area, the Rancho Verde neighborhood has become even closer-knit as a result of the fight. The area is now seeing a resurgence of young families, who are attracted to the neighborhood’s friendly atmosphere and modern amenities, as well as its proximity to high-tech jobs and good schools.

Rancho Verde has always been a sociable neighborhood, with community parties being a long-standing tradition. The neighborhood was initially populated with young families, including aerospace engineers, scientists, and young retired military with second careers at Fairchild Semiconductor or Lockheed. There was a time when the neighborhood had 125 kids who could play in the orchard, swim in water tanks, and camp out by Stevens Creek. Nowadays, things remain the same, with residents often chatting in the early evening while pushing strollers or walking dogs. The neighborhood’s proximity to delicatessens, restaurants, and shops at a nearby strip shopping center make it a walkable community.

Because of Eichler Homes and the tree lined streets, Rancho Verde is a highly sought-after, family-oriented neighborhood that has become increasingly popular over the years. Residents enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, such as biking, strolling, and walking to the nearby shopping area, and there is a strong sense of community. Neighborhood parties and events, such as Christmas-time get-togethers and summer barbecues, are common and help foster a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.

The neighborhood is primarily known for its Eichler homes, which were built in 1961 and 1962 and designed by architects Claude Oakland and Jones & Emmons. The homes are a mix of low-gable and flat-roofed models, with most featuring atriums. While some homeowners make a conscious effort to modernize their homes, many have kept their original features intact. Although there are no Eichler purists in the neighborhood, the general consensus is to modernize while keeping things tasteful.

Rancho Verde has become increasingly diverse, with residents from a variety of countries, including Belgium, China, the Netherlands, India, Korea, the UK, Israel, Switzerland, the Philippines, Finland, Thailand, Turkey, and several US states. The neighborhood is home to a diverse range of professions, with many residents being scientists, mathematicians, engineers, architects, technical managers, and technical entrepreneurs
Despite the challenges of living in Silicon Valley, many residents are actively involved in the community and enjoy socializing with their neighbors. While long working hours can make it difficult to socialize, residents still find ways to connect with one another, with neighborhood parties being a popular way to foster relationships.