Diamond Certified Resource Santa Clara Area Guide

Our Santa Claran's Guide to Local Quality

Santa Clara is our home and we love it! Here you’ll find the best spots to revisit, the Santa Clara events schedule, local social media links, stories of our Santa Clara area unsung heroes and much more. Connect with your neighbors and share what you love about our hometown. Plus, join us as a Santa Clara Diamond Certified Preferred Member (always free).
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This aerial view shows the sunset over Santa Clara Valley. Photo: Yuval Helfman

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Our Santa Clara Dashboard

Population as of 2024
126,603
Median Age
34
Median Household Income
$184,760
Median Household Size
2.68
Mayor
Lisa M. Gillmor
Police Chief
Patrick Nikolai
Fire Chief
Ruben Torres

Famous Santa Clarans

Susan Wojcicki
Susan Wojcicki is the former CEO of YouTube. She started her tech career in Santa Clara at Intel and joined Google in 1998. Wojcicki was a key player in Google's decision to buy YouTube and became its CEO in 2014, driving major growth for the platform.
Kerri Walsh Jennings
Kerri Walsh Jennings is a beach volleyball player known for her Olympic successes. She was born in Santa Clara and attended Archbishop Mitty High School, where she led her volleyball team to three consecutive state championships. Jennings later became a star athlete at Stanford University, and eventually a three-time Olympic gold medalist.
George Packer
George Packer is an acclaimed American journalist and author. He gained recognition as a staff writer for The New Yorker. His most notable work, "The Unwinding: An Inner History of the New America," earned him the National Book Award in 2013.
Troy Tulowitzki
Troy Tulowitzki is a former professional baseball shortstop in the MLB. After attending Fremont High School in nearby Sunnyvale, he went to Long Beach State University. In his professional career, Tulowitzki played most notably for the Colorado Rockies and the Toronto Blue Jays, earning five All-Star selections and two Gold Glove Awards.
Matt Barnes
Matt Barnes is a professional basketball player who was born in Santa Clara. He attended Del Campo High School in Fair Oaks, where he was a star in both football and basketball. His NBA career spanned over 14 years, playing for various teams including the Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors, and Sacramento Kings.
Molly Tuttle
Molly Tuttle is a renowned bluegrass musician. Growing up in a musical family in the Bay Area, Tuttle started playing guitar as a child. She later studied at Berklee College of Music. Known for her exceptional guitar playing and unique voice, Tuttle has made a significant mark in bluegrass and Americana music, even making history as the first woman to win the International Bluegrass Music Association's Guitar Player of the Year award.

Mission City Living

Santa Clara is a unique mix of history, culture, and cutting-edge innovation. We're proud to be home to some of the world's leading tech companies and startups, making our city a buzzing tech hub.

Despite being dotted with high-tech corporate headquarters, Santa Clara still keeps a small-town charm that we all cherish. Santa Clara University is known for its excellent engineering and business programs and plays a big role in our community. Not to mention, we're just a short drive away from other renowned institutions like Stanford University and San Jose State University.

For the sports enthusiasts among us, Levi's Stadium is not just the home of the San Francisco 49ers; it's a top-notch venue that hosts all sorts of major events. The stadium's museum is a treasure trove of the team’s history and its influence on our region.

Our city is blessed with lots of family-friendly parks and recreational areas. Central Park, with its picnic areas and athletic fields is a local favorite. The Ulistac Natural Area is a testament to our dedication to conservation, featuring native plant gardens and walking trails.

We also have a lively arts scene and a dynamic cultural atmosphere. The Triton Museum of Art showcases local and regional artists, giving us a window into the artistic talent right here in Santa Clara. Our community is diverse, reflecting the global nature of the tech industry that dominates our region.

Our multicultural landscape is definitely one of our greatest strengths. With a significant Asian community—including Indian, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Filipino backgrounds—and a substantial Hispanic presence, our diversity is celebrated through various cultural festivals, a rich culinary scene, and the many languages spoken across our neighborhoods.

Diamond Certified Companies Serving Santa Clara

    Diamond Certified Companies Serving Santa Clara

    Diamond Certified companies serving Santa Clara are rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars based on 30,467 reviews of 124 rated companies.
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    Building Codes and Permits

    Building Official: Armand Lobao
    1500 Warburton Avenue
    Santa Clara, CA 95050
    Phone: (408) 615-2440
    Fax: (408) 241-3823
    Email: building@santaclaraca.gov

    Santa Clara FAQs

    Q: How far is Santa Clara from San Francisco?

    A: Santa Clara is approximately 45 miles southeast of San Francisco, a drive of about an hour depending on traffic.

    Q: Are there wineries in Santa Clara?

    A: Yes, Santa Clara has several wineries, especially in the nearby Santa Clara Valley wine region.

    Q: How is public transportation in Santa Clara?

    A: Public transportation in Santa Clara is good, with bus and train services including the VTA and Caltrain.

    Q: Are there any museums or art galleries in Santa Clara?

    A: Absolutely, Santa Clara has museums and art galleries, including the Triton Museum of Art and the Intel Museum.

    Q: What are the best areas to explore in Santa Clara?

    A: The best areas to explore include the historic Mission Santa Clara, Santa Clara University, and the surrounding Silicon Valley area.

    Diamond Certified Expert Contributors
    Serving Our Santa Clara Area

    Joey Mangano

    Joey Mangano

    Owner, Air Care Heating & Cooling, Inc.

    Energy-Smart Thermostat Setting

    Rather than turning your thermostat off and on throughout the day, it’s more energy-efficient to keep temperatures at a consistent level. When leaving the house, set the thermostat at no more than five degrees below your preferred comfort level. You can also program your thermostat to follow an energy-smart schedule.

    Howard Bloom

    Howard Bloom

    CRS, Howard Bloom - Intero Real Estate

    Choosing a Quality Real Estate Agent

    If you’re a prospective homebuyer, you might be surprised to learn there’s no cost difference between hiring a quality real estate agent and hiring a subpar one. Why? Because the seller’s agent pays the buyer’s agent’s commission. Since it doesn’t cost you any more to have the best agent in your corner, why settle for anything less?

    Jim Kabel

    Jim Kabel

    President, Next Stage Design + Build

    Considerations for Remodeling

    Detailed documentation is a vital component of any remodeling project. In addition to having a comprehensive written contract, make sure every phase of the project is accompanied with architectural drawings, as design and drafting make a huge difference in clarity of scope and accuracy of detail.

    Gary Kluck

    Gary Kluck

    Chairman/CEO, Quality First Home Improvement, Inc.

    How to Prevent Concrete Cracks

    When cracks form in newly installed concrete, it’s often the result of accelerated drying from hot temperatures and sun exposure. Since the problem stems from a lack of moisture, the best way to prevent cracking is to apply a liberal amount of water both before and after setting the concrete.

    Our Santa Clara Glossary

    "Silicon Valley"

    A region in Northern California serving as a global center for high technology and innovation. Santa Clara is located in the heart of Silicon Valley.

    "Levi's Stadium"

    Home of the San Francisco 49ers, this stadium in Santa Clara is a major venue for NFL games and other large-scale events.

    "Mission Santa Clara de Asís"

    A historic Spanish mission founded in 1777, located on the campus of Santa Clara University. It is a key historical landmark in the city.

    "Santa Clara University"

    A private Jesuit university founded in 1851, known for its rigorous academic programs, especially in engineering and business.

    "California's Great America"

    A large amusement park located in Santa Clara, featuring roller coasters, water attractions, and family entertainment.

    "Santa Clara Vanguard"

    A world-renowned drum and bugle corps based in Santa Clara, known for its performances in competitive drum corps events.

    "Agnews Developmental Center"

    A historic facility in Santa Clara, originally serving as a psychiatric and medical care center, known for its distinctive architecture and history.

    "Triton Museum of Art"

    A museum in Santa Clara that focuses on showcasing local and regional artists, as well as providing art education to the community.

    "Santa Clara Broncos"

    The athletic teams representing Santa Clara University, competing in various sports including basketball, soccer, and volleyball.

    Santa Clara's Perennial Events

    Santa Clara Earth Day and Arbor Day Celebration

    Santa Clara Earth Day and Arbor Day Celebration

    This event combines Earth Day and Arbor Day celebrations, focusing on environmental awareness and community greening. Activities often include tree planting, educational booths, and family-friendly events to promote sustainability and environmental stewardship.

    Santa Clara 4th of July All City Picnic

    Santa Clara 4th of July All City Picnic

    A traditional Independence Day celebration featuring a picnic, live entertainment, family games, and food vendors. The event culminates in a fireworks display.

    Santa Clara National Night Out

    Santa Clara National Night Out

    Part of a nationwide community-building campaign, this event promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. It aims to enhance the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement.

    Santa Clara Art & Wine Festival

    Santa Clara Art & Wine Festival

    This annual event features local and regional artists, wineries, and craft breweries. It includes art displays, wine and beer tastings, live entertainment, and a variety of food options.

    Santa Clara Holiday Tree Lighting

    Santa Clara Holiday Tree Lighting

    This festive event marks the beginning of the holiday season in Santa Clara. It features the lighting of the holiday tree, live entertainment, holiday crafts, and a visit from Santa Claus.

    Santa Clara Maps

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    Santa Clara was founded in 1777, and today, your 117,121 neighbors enjoy flower arranging, art shows, jogging, bocce ball and ghost tours.

    ZIP Codes Within Santa Clara City

    • 95051, 95050, 95054, 95053, 95052, 95055, 95056

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    Groups and Clubs Serving
    Santa Clara

    Santa Clara Women's League

    A community-focused organization, the Santa Clara Women's League engages in philanthropy and social welfare activities. Its members participate in fundraising, community service and social events.

    Santa Clara Lion's Club

    This club is part of Lions Clubs International, focusing on community service like vision care and youth programs. They organize various events and projects to support and improve the Santa Clara community.

    Heart of the Valley, Services For Seniors

    This nonprofit, all-volunteer organization is dedicated to helping seniors in Santa Clara. They offer a range of services and programs aimed at helping seniors maintain their independence and connect with the community.

    Santa Clara Review

    The university's literary magazine is a creative outlet for students, featuring a collection of literature and art, including poetry, fiction, non-fiction, and visual art, contributed by the student community.

    Religious Organizations
    Serving Santa Clara

    Our Lady of Peace Church & Shrine

    A Roman Catholic parish known for its large outdoor statue of the Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Peace offers regular worship services, spiritual education, and community events.

    Carmelite Monastery

    The Carmelite Monastery is a place of spiritual retreat and contemplation. It's a part of the Discalced Carmelite order, which emphasizes a life of prayer and simplicity.

    Silicon Valley Gurdwara

    This Gurdwara serves the Sikh community in Santa Clara, offering a place for worship and community gatherings. It follows Sikh traditions and practices, providing services such as prayer, community meals (langar), and religious education.

    Shiv Durga Temple

    A Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Durga, this temple is a center for cultural and religious activities. It hosts various religious ceremonies, festivals, and cultural events, serving the Hindu community in Santa Clara.

    Social Santa Clara

    Oldest Santa Clara
    Businesses

    Santa Clara University

    (Founded 1851)

    The Santa Clara

    (Founded 1922)

    Santa Clara Merc Co.

    (Founded 1928)

    Mission City Federal Credit Union

    (Founded 1959)

    Mountain Mike's Pizza

    (Founded 1978)

    Popular Spots!

    California's Great America

    This major amusement park offers a variety of thrill rides, family attractions, and a water park. It's known for its roller coasters, live entertainment, and seasonal events like Halloween Haunt and WinterFest.

    Intel Museum

    Located at Intel's headquarters, this museum showcases the history of Intel and the evolution of its technology. It offers interactive exhibits about computer technology, chip design, and the semiconductor industry.

    Levi's Stadium

    Home to the NFL's San Francisco 49ers, Levi's Stadium is not only a sports venue but also a site for concerts and other major events. The stadium features a museum dedicated to the 49ers, offering an immersive experience into the team's history and achievements.

    Triton Museum of Art

    This art museum focuses on both local and regional artists. It offers a range of exhibitions, educational programs, and community events. The museum is dedicated to making art accessible to the community.

    Restaurants We Love

    Restaurant Gish

    Restaurant Gish offers a modern and unique dining experience with a focus on Korean-American cuisine. Their menu features creatively prepared dishes using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.

    Puesto Santa Clara

    Puesto is a popular Mexican restaurant known for its inventive tacos, fresh guacamole, and vibrant atmosphere. They offer a modern take on Mexican street food with a focus on quality ingredients and bold flavors, accompanied by a selection of craft cockta

    Il Fournaio

    Il Fornaio offers authentic Italian cuisine, specializing in freshly made pasta, wood-fired pizza, and a variety of regional Italian specialties.

    Orenchi Ramen

    Known for its delicious ramen, Orenchi often has lines out the door. Their signature Tonkotsu Ramen is a must-try.

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