Introducing: Alum Rock

In the heart of East San José, stretching from Downtown to the foothills, Alum Rock is one of the oldest established neighborhoods in California and has served an important role in the state’s history and the cultural evolution of the city. The area features countless restaurants, bakeries, and cafes of all flavors, with delicious Mexican and Asian options around every corner.

Heading east toward Mount Hamilton, every turn of the road provides stunning views of the Santa Clara Valley, and at the summit lies one of the valley’s signature landmarks, Lick Observatory (keep reading). You won’t find a more welcoming, diverse, and eclectic community anywhere else in Silicon Valley!

Learn more in the Neighborhoods section of our website.

Chic vs. Geek: Our (Online) Home

What’s your favorite part of the Chic ‘n’ the Geek website?

CHIC (PEARL)

I find myself getting lost in the section where we highlight different cities and neighborhoods in Silicon Valley. It’s amazing how much this region has to offer for people with any background or personality. Check it out, and let us know your favorite neighborhood — other than where you live!

GEEK (KEVIN)

Did you know I’m a blogger? Well, now you do! Every other Monday, you can read my market updates from Silicon Valley, the Bay Area, California, and beyond. As always, you can email us for more information or to schedule a conversation. We also offer free workshops for buyers and sellers!

Introducing: Evergreen

Located in East San José, Evergreen has undergone an evolution from its agricultural past that is common to Santa Clara Valley neighborhoods. The area has experienced rapid development in the past few decades, which has led to multiple communities and private country clubs. It is generally bounded by Tully Road to the north, Capitol Expressway to the west, San Felipe Road to the south, and foothills to the east.

Joseph D. Grant County Park features trails overlooking the city skyline, and Brigadoon Park is a well-known attraction and home to popular cement slides. Visitors and locals enjoy shopping at nearby Eastridge Mall, golfing at The Ranch or The Villages, and airshows at Reid-Hillview Airport that hearken back to another part of Evergreen’s rich history...

Learn more in the Neighborhoods section of our website.

Chic vs. Geek: A Time to Buy — or Sell?

What’s the latest advice for homeowners and homeseekers?

CHIC (PEARL)

According to the California Association Realtors (CAR), about 30% of buyers think it’s not a good time to buy. This is up just slightly from 2018 and 2019, which means COVID-19 and the shelter in place haven’t put a damper on homeownership dreams.

GEEK (KEVIN)

According to the same CAR poll, sellers don’t share the same optimism, with about 50% reporting that they removed listings from the market to wait for the right time. But with no end to the crisis in sight, the right time might be right now.

Introducing: Cupertino

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Rich in opportunity, culture, and sunshine, Cupertino is as progressive and diverse as its Silicon Valley surroundings. The city’s renown as a center of innovation far surpasses its moderate size of approximately 60,000 residents. Located on the western edge of Santa Clara Valley, against the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains, Cupertino is 42 miles south of San Francisco.

Around the world, Cupertino is famous as the home of high-tech giant Apple Inc. To the locals, it’s known as a city with excellent public schools and close-knit neighborhoods. That’s part of what makes Cupertino a desirable address for a highly educated and culturally diverse population. More than 60 percent of residents 25 years or older hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and more than 40 percent were born outside of the United States.

Learn more in the Neighborhoods section of our website.