The South Bay’s most affluent market.
City Limits
Saratoga is a suburban town located on the west side of the Santa Clara Valley, at the base of the Santa Cruz Mountains. With a population of just about 30,000, it is known locally for its small-town feel, local wineries, high-end eateries, and arts and cultural attractions, including Villa Montalvo, Hakone Gardens, and the Mountain Winery.
Within its borders, Saratoga features lush redwood forests, foothills covered with hiking and biking trails, and a valley basin of single family homes, schools, and churches that like most of Silicon Valley was once covered with prune and apricot orchards.
Consistently ranked among the most educated, affluent, and expensive housing markets in the United States, more than 70% of Saratoga households have an income of over $100,000. In 2018, the U.S. Census American Community Survey revealed that Saratoga was the 8th wealthiest city in the country.
SARATOGA By the Numbers
Population: 31,013
Median age: 49
Median household income: $173,136
Median single-family home value: $3.8M
#TOLLTOWN
Saratoga’s original name was McCarthysville. The town was formed around a toll, which was located at the present day intersection of Big Basin Way and 3rd St. Other names for the town included Toll Town and Bank Mills. The name Saratoga was made official in 1865..
#CloseEncounters
Legendary filmmaker Steven Spielberg, who directed Jaws, E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Jurassic Park and others, is a graduate of Saratoga High School.
Where to go: Chic’s Picks
Mountain Winery – French transplant and vinter Paul Masson opened this winery in the small, secluded town of Saratoga in 1905. A year later the winery's cellar was destroyed by the great San Francisco earthquake, but it was rebuilt by 1907. Today, a concert bowl constructed in 1958 plays host to A-list contemporary and legendary performers, and the property remains a popular choice for weddings and corporate retreats.
Montalvo Arts Center – An extraordinary physical environment, a rich diversity of visitors, and artistically excellent programs combine to make Montalvo a unique place for people of all ages and all walks of life to engage in meaningful, accessible, and inspiring experiences. The Don Lucas Artists Residency Program (LAP), which hosts over 100 artists each year from around the world, is the third-oldest artist residency program in the United States.
Hakone Estate and Gardens – One of the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s premier sites and 100 years old, Hakone is one of the oldest Japanese estate, retreat, and gardens in the Western Hemisphere. It has also been on the National Register of Historic Places since 2013 – 18 acres of magnificent beauty nestled in the verdant hills overlooking Silicon Valley.
Where to Eat, Drink & Hang
The Hero Ranch Kitchen – This is the latest restaurant from Angelo Heropoulos, known for the Opa! brand of restaurants and owner of an Almaden Valley ranch that’s the source of most of the food and wine in this kitchen. The emphasis here is on small plates, which encourages mixing, matching, and sampling up and down the menu.
The Basin – For two decades, this has been the neighborhood restaurant where friends and family can come together to celebrate the best things in life: good food, good health, and good wine. During the shelter in place, they’re offering “Basin Basics” for take-out, including produce, meat, and seafood boxes, and pantry essentials.
Enoteca La Storia – In literal terms, “enoteca” is Italian for “wine shop.” This modern wine shop focuses on Italian and domestic wines, but also pays homage to the rest of the international spectrum, including wines from France, Spain, Germany and the Southern Hemisphere. And did we mention the fabulous family-style Italian cuisine?
Want to learn more?
SARATOGA SCHOOLS
Fremont Union High School District
