Sunnyvale: Why This City Tops the List for Chinese Homebuyers
- Marketing Alpha
- Sep 24
- 7 min read
Sunnyvale
(*Historic Murphy Avenue, sourced from homes.com )
Strolling through the streets of Sunnyvale, you'll find a blend of modern technology parks and vibrant neighborhoods. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, this city attracts countless dreamers to settle down and buy homes.
(*Sunnyvale, from Google Maps)
Sunnyvale borders Mountain View to the north, Cupertino to the west, Santa Clara to the south, and San Jose to the east. With freeways 101 and 82 running through it, Sunnyvale offers a comprehensive transportation network, making it a key hub connecting major cities in the Bay Area.
(*Google Cloud, sourced from homes.com)
Sunnyvale has always been a popular choice for Chinese buyers. Not only are high-tech companies like Yahoo and LinkedIn headquartered here, but it also borders Google's headquarters in Mountain View and Apple's headquarters in Cupertino. It's also very close to cities like Palo Alto, Los Altos, San Jose, and Santa Clara, making it very convenient for both living and working. From north to south, the city is divided into four zip codes: 94087, 94085, 94086, and 94089. Let's take a look at each zip code.
1. Education & School District 94085 & 94086
94085 is located in the northern part of Sunnyvale, between the 101 Freeway and the Central Expressway. It is a true transportation home, but being too close to the highway means you have to consider the noise. This area is close to many important technology companies and is a popular choice for young professionals and first-time homebuyers. There is a relatively well-known community called Townhouse The Vale, but the neighborhood environment is average, with many Eichler homes and a large number of Superfunds, which many families are concerned about. Currently, the overall competition for housing is not very fierce . In terms of school districts, it mainly belongs to the Santa Clara Unified School District . SFHs in areas like Snail and San Miguel have seen a lot of appreciation due to convenient transportation . 94085 has many newly developed townhouse communities. In addition to The Vale mentioned above, there are also Nova at the Vale and Ov8tion, which are home to many new homes.
The 94086 area boasts a pleasant overall environment, home to Sunnyvale Downtown. Caltrain runs through 94086, nestled between the Central Expressway and Highway 82, with stops near Lawrence and downtown, making transportation very convenient. The area offers a wealth of commercial and entertainment facilities, including Whole Foods, Target, and AMC Theaters, making shopping and living very convenient. However, there are several Superfund sites and a large mobile home in the Ponderosa area, so buyers should be aware . The school districts include the Sunnyvale School District and Fremont Union High School District , with a small area serving the highly rated Homestead High School . Like 94085, 94086 also boasts many newer townhouse communities, such as Sandlewood and Classic. Compared to SFHs, these are more affordable and easier to maintain, making them a good choice for first-time homebuyers .
94087 & 94089
The 94087 area is both the best and most expensive ZIP code in the Sunnyvale school district. Known for its high-quality schools and family-friendly environment , it has always been a popular choice. Homes are mostly large, mid- to high-end units. Home prices are significantly higher than those in Sunnyvale as a whole, and competition is fierce . The area is within the Cupertino Union School District and the Fremont Union High School District , both of which enjoy high reputations in California. Some areas are home to the highly competitive Homestead High School (a California Distinguished School, a "Blue Ribbon School"), where Apple founder Steve Jobs graduated. A word of caution when buying a home in this area: the presence of high-voltage towers near Cumberland Elementary School has impacted housing prices.
94089 is Sunnyvale's northernmost area and boasts the lowest overall prices. Like 94085, it offers excellent transportation (Freeway 101, Freeway 237, and the Central Expressway), but its downside is the average . Furthermore, it's home to two of California's largest mobile home parks (Casa de Amigos and Plaza del Rey). The representative SFH unit in this area is the Eichler, a veterans' housing estate dating back approximately 1960, which can be purchased for $1.5 million . There are also some townhouse communities. This area's key feature is its proximity to the ocean and the fact that it's mostly located in a liquefied zone. It primarily serves the Santa Clara Unified School District , offering excellent educational resources.
(Note: It is recommended to combine the school district and residential address on the school's official website to confirm the school district. The school district must be confirmed based on the specific house address. Border areas may be included in other school districts. )
2. Community
(*Zipcodes map, sourced from unitedstateszipcodes.org)
Now that we have a basic understanding of Sunnyvale's school district divisions and location distribution, let's explore several major neighborhoods within the city in depth.
94085｜North Sunnyvale: A tranquil and livable neighborhood with excellent school districts, a warm haven for families
(Source: Google Maps)
The North Sunnyvale community in 94085 is tree-lined, with wide, clean streets and a mix of single-family homes and spacious townhouses.
Beautiful living environment
The community boasts a high green coverage rate, with parks and green spaces aplenty, providing residents with opportunities to connect with nature. Children can play in the parks, while residents can stroll and jog along the tree-lined streets, enjoying a peaceful and relaxing lifestyle. The community's diverse architectural styles, from traditional American to modern minimalist, cater to the aesthetic needs of every family.
High-quality educational resources
The schools in this community's district excel in both academic achievement and overall well-rounded development. Focusing on the well-rounded development of students, the schools not only rigorously pursue academic excellence but also actively engage in various sports, arts, and science activities to cultivate students' interests and specialties.
94086｜Downtown Sunnyvale: A vibrant hub with convenient living, a destination for young professionals
(Source: Google Maps)
Downtown Sunnyvale, located in the 94086 area, is the vibrant heart of the city, brimming with modernity. Its vibrant skyline, including many office buildings for tech companies, showcases the city's technological prowess. It also boasts a wealth of stylish apartments, offering high-quality living options.
Convenient commuting
Located in the heart of the city, the area is well-connected to numerous major thoroughfares and just minutes from Highway 101. For commuters working at major Silicon Valley tech companies, this makes commuting easy and efficient, saving significant time and energy.
Rich life
With a Walkability Index of 90, it's a truly pedestrian-friendly community. Residents can easily reach a variety of amenities on foot. Stylish shopping malls offer a wide range of international brands and trendy stores, satisfying residents' shopping needs. Unique restaurants crisscross the streets, serving cuisine from around the world, offer residents a feast for the senses. Lively bars and cafes provide a great place for residents to relax and socialize.
94087｜West Sunnyvale: A blend of innovative technology and nature, an ideal home for tech talent
94087 is adjacent to the Science and Technology Park, home to the R&D centers of many well-known companies, providing a convenient working environment for scientific and technological talents. It is also highly sought after by families for its excellent school district, providing a solid educational foundation for their children's growth and development.
Strong technological atmosphere
Closely connected to the Science and Technology Park, residents can experience the charm of technology and the vitality of innovation up close. Many tech startups have also chosen to set up offices here, enjoying the rich technological atmosphere and convenient talent resources.
Excellent school district
The community's educational resources are also highly regarded. These include the Cupertino Union School District and the Fremont Union High School District, both highly regarded in California. Public schools in the area, such as Cherry Chase and Cumberland Elementary School, are renowned for their high-quality teaching staff and outstanding academic performance, making them popular with families. Some areas are also zoned for the top-tier Homestead High School, providing students with excellent opportunities for further education.
94089｜North Sunnyvale North: Riverside Living + Connected to the Tech Core, Quiet and Efficient
3. Housing
(Housing Market, sourced from Redfin)
(Listing, sourced from Zillow)
Housing price trends:
Sunnyvale's real estate market is very competitive. On average, a home in Sunnyvale receives 5 offers and sells in approximately 13 days.
In July 2025, the median home sale price in Sunnyvale was $2.08 million, up 9.5% from the same period last year.
4. Population
(Data from datausa )
In 2023, Sunnyvale's population was 153,455. The median age was 35.1 years old, and the median household income was $181,862.
5. Noise & Air Quality
(Air Quality, from IQAir)
Leisure resources:
Sunnyvale boasts a wealth of recreational resources. Baylands Nature Preserve, a sprawling nature reserve, boasts extensive wetlands, meadows, and forests, where residents can enjoy hiking, birdwatching, and other activities to connect with nature. The Sunnyvale Community Center is also a popular destination for recreation and entertainment, featuring a gym, swimming pool, and library.
Air Quality:
Sunnyvale's air quality is excellent, with an average PM2.5 concentration of [4.7] μg/m³, which is better than the California average. The air quality is particularly pleasant in communities away from industrial areas and major traffic arteries.
Noise situation:
Aside from areas near Highway 101 and some busy commercial areas, most residential areas in Sunnyvale are relatively noise-free. The city's strategic planning separates residential areas from commercial and industrial areas, minimizing noise disruption to residents' lives.
Sunnyvale's real estate market benefits from its location in Silicon Valley and its growing economy. Whether it's the affordability of 94085, the central location of 94086, the excellent educational resources of 94087, or the convenient location of 94089, Sunnyvale offers a diverse range of residential options to meet the needs of different homebuyers.
If you also want to find a place in Silicon Valley that can help your career take off while enjoying a good life, and want to learn about Sunnyvale's high-quality properties, please contact us to get exclusive community analysis and the home purchase plan that best suits you!
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