Metropolitan Cupertino (San Jose, San Francisco, San Mateo: rent, condo, neighborhood)

[chilllilal]

Hey guys. I'm interested in buying a 2 bedroom/2 bath condo in Cupertino around Vallco/Cupertino Square. I'm interested in the Cupertino area because of the proximity to high tech companies, the convenience of the Asian supermarkets and restaurants, and the reputation for good schools. Not that I have children or that I will raise my children in a condo, but that last point gives me a sense of assurance that the property value will deteriorate less, if at all as time goes on.

I've stepped into a nice complex called Metropolitan Cupertino and I read some blog last year about the about rate of this complex something along the lines of +-$500Ks for a 1 bedroom, low to mid $600Ks for a 2 bedroom, and +-$700Ks for a 3 bedroom. It's located at the intersection of Steven's Creek and Wolfe.

I understand that there is a new AMC theater, Strike bowling alley, and plans for Apple to expand its campus to this area. For the people living in or around the area, do you think that these changes will affect the community in a good or bad way? In my point of view, I think it's great because it brings more entertainment to the area, and if I ever decide to move out, I can rent my place out to the employees of Apple. However, I'm looking at these changes from the outside, and would like to gain some insight from an insider's perspective. There may be traffic complaints, crime, conflicts of interest between the community and businesses, and other issues that I might not have thought about.

Lastly, I'm not asking for recommendations on whether to buy now or wait, or whether Cupertino more or less exciting than some other area. I'm more focused on thoughts on the future of the Cupertino Square/Vallco area. But given that I'm new to the area, I am interested all recommendations as long as we don't get too far off topic!

I'm headed off to explore San Francisco, but I look forward to hearing from this forum which has been very informative.

[chilllilal]

I guess there was too much information in the first post. Let me restart this thread by asking what are the pros and cons of living in the Cupertino Square area?

[missingcol]

pros: very convenient location. close to everything.
cons: not much family neighborhood community feeling. not in the best school area even it is in the Cupertino school district. This may affect the property value.

That is all I can think of. Also you need to get used to a large Asian (Chinese) population percentage in Cupertino.

[sissy910]

Originally Posted by chilllilal

I'm more focused on thoughts on the future of the Cupertino Square/Vallco area. But given that I'm new to the area, I am interested all recommendations as long as we don't get too far off topic!

This is not the best area of Cupertino, however it is very convenient to shopping and not far from nice Cupertino areas.

Vallco is being renovated in hopes of bringing in more business. Right now it is still kinda dead at times and not much action there, but that could change depending on how well they renovate, what type of retail they bring there, and how well the community responds.

Good Luck!

[Luke9686]

I used to live about 1/2 mile from Vallco. The AMC definately helped it. I'm not convinced that these things will help nor hurt the area value wise.

There is a strong family feel in Cupertino, but most are asian families if that makes a difference or not. I noticed Asians keep to themselves and dont strike up a whole lot of conversation, say at the park and such...

[Alexus]

I own property near this location. Sure, property values are stable and generally do better on average than much of the area. But this place is a ghost town. Plenty of asians who stick to themselves. I find Cupertino to be an incredibly boring place. It feels like Skokie, Ill except it has nicer weather.

In fact, Cupertino is probably one of the most boring areas that I have ever seen.

[Luke9686]

I agree... Cupertino=very boring.

I love the Willow Glen area.

[RLangben]

Cupertino is very boring, you will find an abundance of tech companies, but is is way to expensive for not that nice of an area. I lived there for about 5 or 6 months then got sick of it then moved back to San Jose

[chilllilal]

Thanks for all the feedback! I moved to the area for a couple months but then moved up to San Mateo which I feel has a nicer downtown feel.

[sonarrat]

Good choice. San Mateo has a lot going for it.