What suburb is family friendly for small kids (infant, 3 years)? (San Jose: cul-de-sac, apartment)

[Toddlermom476]

Hi! My husband and I may be relocating this summer. His job will put him in Sunnyvale near Cupertino. I’m looking for a family friendly city to start my home search. Ideally it would have access to resources for small children (parks, park district/kiddie classes, museums etc) Bonus points for good kindergarten/elementary schools in the area. We are looking to stay for 4-5 years and then move back to Chicago, but I’d my son to have a good start on his early childhood education. That being said, recommendations for private schools are also welcome! I literally have no idea where to start!

[ZeApelido]

How much can you afford, rent or buy?

[BRinSM]

Budget is key. There are lots of great options if budget isn't too much of a factor. My family ended up in Campbell after relocation and we are very happy here with two younger kids (preschool and 1st grade). The commute to Cupertino/Sunnyvale is reasonable and the school we're at has been great. Rent is also more manageable compared to other areas.

[Toddlermom476]

Great questions and points. We would like to rent. Ideally I want to stay under or around $3000/month for rent for a 2 bed/2 bath. Maybe up to $3500 but it would have to be well justified.

[Toddlermom476]

Are Cupertino/Sunnyvale not family friendly places?

[spicydreamt]

There are elementary schools every few blocks, so from that standpoint at least it's family-friendly. Google "cupertino elementary school" and expand the map. In fact where I live, there are two public elementary schools within one block of each other (Sutter vs Eisenhower) with at least three private elementary four blocks further north and east. I can't recommend enough to live within walking distance to the school, because traffic at drop-off time and pick-up time is hellish.

[jdhpa]

In south bay I consider Campbell to be the most family oriented (nice down town, activities, less insane cost of living, etc.).

[gizmo980]

Originally Posted by Toddlermom476

Are Cupertino/Sunnyvale not family friendly places?

They are very family-friendly, but also very expensive... so it really depends on what you need, in terms of space and type of housing. You can probably find a 2br apartment (duplex, townhouse, etc) for under $3000 in either town, but not likely a HOUSE.

FYI: My sister has raised her two children (now 9 & 11 years old) in Sunnyvale, but they go to a private school, and just moved to San Jose for a more "urban" environment. I also lived in Sunnyvale for two years, and it is kind of a boring suburb - but definitely fits under the category of family-friendly, safe, good schools, etc. Same with Cupertino, for the most part. Oh, and my sister will actually be renting their old house; probably more than you want to spend, though, since I think they'll be asking between $4000-5000/mo. It's a 4-bedroom Eichler home on a quiet cul-de-sac, kinda small but with a desirable location and architect.