Cherry Chase, Sunnyvale – Silicon Valley’s Luxury Enclave of Charm and Convenience
Introduction
Cherry Chase is a coveted residential enclave in Sunnyvale’s prestigious 94087 ZIP code, at the heart of California’s Silicon Valley. This neighborhood is highly sought-after for its tight-knit community and fantastic schools, making it especially popular among affluent tech professionals, established families, and astute investors drawn to the area’s blend of innovation and lifestyle eichlerhomesforsale.com. Tree-lined streets and numerous cul-de-sacs give Cherry Chase a peaceful, family-friendly feel with minimal through-traffic. Yet despite its tranquil suburban atmosphere, Cherry Chase offers prime connectivity to the region’s economic engine – top employers like Apple and Google are only minutes away, and the neighborhood’s proximity to these major tech campuses commands a premium in the real estate market eichlerhomesforsale.com. In short, Cherry Chase real estate represents Silicon Valley luxury homes at their finest: an oasis of community charm and comfort paired with unparalleled access to the Valley’s opportunities.
Historical Overview
Like much of Sunnyvale, Cherry Chase’s roots trace back to the famed “Valley of Heart’s Delight” – an era when this area was blanketed by orchards of cherries, apricots, and prunes eichlerhomesforsale.com. As post-war prosperity hit Santa Clara Valley, Sunnyvale transitioned from fertile farmland into a hub of mid-century development. The Cherry Chase neighborhood took shape in the 1950s and 60s, when ranch-style tract homes and modernist designs blossomed where fruit trees once stood eichlerhomesforsale.com. Many of the roughly 2,500 homes built in this period are affectionately known as “Cherry Chase Charmers,” referring to the delightful mix of classic California ranch houses and iconic Eichler mid-century modern homes that dominate the streets eichlerhomesforsale.com. Indeed, Sunnyvale is often dubbed the “home of the Eichlers,” with over 1,000 Eichler homes citywide – Joseph Eichler’s distinctive post-and-beam creations that helped define the optimistic modernist aesthetic of the era. Cherry Chase itself isn’t a single tract but a tapestry of several Eichler enclaves woven among other mid-century subdivisions eichlerhomesforsale.com. Eichler contributed multiple tracts here (such as the Fairorchard and Rancho San Souci developments in the late 1950s–60s) alongside other builders eichlerhomesforsale.com, giving the neighborhood a rich architectural heritage. Over time, these homes have been lovingly maintained and sensitively updated, so the area today retains a cohesive 1950s–60s character even as it meets modern needs eichlerhomesforsale.com. Strolling through Cherry Chase, one can admire the low-slung profiles of mid-century homes beneath mature camphor and fruit trees – in spring, cherry blossoms true to the neighborhood’s name bloom along many streets eichlerhomesforsale.com. The community has taken pride in preserving this heritage: Sunnyvale’s Eichler Design Guidelines and resident advocacy have helped keep out-of-scale redevelopments at bay, ensuring that new renovations honor the mid-century roots of the area eichlerhomesforsale.com. What began as a citrus and cherry orchard has thus evolved into a living museum of mid-century California architecture, seamlessly adapted to 21st-century luxury living.
Lifestyle & Community
The lifestyle in Cherry Chase balances serene suburban comfort with an engaging, community-oriented spirit. Residents describe the neighborhood as peaceful, safe, and remarkably walkable, with a strong sense of community evident on every block api.us.nextdoor.com. Impeccably clean streets are lined with mature trees and well-tended lawns, and many end in quiet cul-de-sacs where children play freely. Cherry Chase has an active Neighborhood Association that brings neighbors together through block parties, holiday parades, and neighborhood watch programs eichlerhomesforsale.com. Longtime homeowners and newer families mingle at summer barbecues and kids’ bike parades (local lore jokes that many children here learn to ride in Eichler carports!). This neighborly camaraderie is one of Cherry Chase’s greatest assets – residents genuinely look out for one another and cultivate a welcoming, village-like atmosphere even amid Silicon Valley’s bustling pace.
Leisure opportunities abound in and around the area. The neighborhood is anchored by two excellent parks that contribute to Cherry Chase’s family-friendly lifestyle. De Anza Park, an expansive 9-acre green space in the heart of the community, offers something for everyone – picnic areas, sports fields, a basketball court, and one of Sunnyvale’s only skateparks amid an Aztec-themed playground. Just a quick bike ride away is Mango Park, which features a city swimming pool and tennis courts adjacent to Sunnyvale Middle School, providing swimmers and tennis enthusiasts a perfect local outlet eichlerhomesforsale.com. Weekends often find Cherry Chase families gathering at these parks for pickup basketball games, kite-flying on the lawns, or playdates at the playgrounds. Beyond the parks, everyday conveniences are at hand: a handy Starbucks café sits at the edge of the neighborhood and a full-service Safeway grocery is just down on El Camino Real, along with a variety of shops and eateries. In fact, Cherry Chase’s northwest Sunnyvale location means residents are only minutes from a diverse array of dining and retail – from the trendy restaurants and farmers’ market along Sunnyvale’s Murphy Avenue downtown, to countless international cuisines and boutiques lining El Camino Real and nearby Mountain View’s Castro Street. Despite being so centrally situated, the neighborhood itself remains quiet and residential after hours, truly encapsulating suburban tranquility with urban convenience. Clean, walkable, and community-centric, Cherry Chase delivers a lifestyle that is as prestigious as it is comfortable api.us. nextdoor.com – a rare combination that its residents dearly love.
Real Estate & Architecture
Home styles in Cherry Chase exude mid-century charm and modern elegance. The neighborhood’s signature look comes from its blend of single-story ranch houses and mid-century modern Eichler homes, many lovingly nicknamed “Cherry Chase Charmers” These homes typically feature open floor plans, abundant natural light, and seamless indoor-outdoor flow – hallmarks of 1950s California architecture that remain prized by today’s buyers. Eichler models, in particular, are mid-century modern icons characterized by post-and-beam construction, floor-to-ceiling glass walls, and central open-air atriums that blur the line between indoors and outdoors eichlerhomesforsale.com. It’s common to find Eichlers with their original tongue-and-groove wood ceilings, globe pendant lights, and mahogany paneling intact, reflecting the community’s reverence for design authenticity eichlerhomesforsale.com. These sit comfortably alongside classic ranch-style homes, with low-pitched roofs and clean lines, which also dominate Cherry Chase’s streets. The result is an architectural tapestry that feels cohesive and steeped in character. Notably, unlike many Silicon Valley neighborhoods, Cherry Chase has largely resisted teardowns – instead of McMansions, you’ll find tasteful remodels that respect the mid-century aesthetic eichlerhomesforsale.com. Where expansions or new builds have occurred, they tend to be well integrated: some grand two-story residences now occupy larger lots (up to ~10,000 sq ft) in the area, providing modern luxury without overwhelming the neighborhood’s scale. Most lots, however, are generous by Bay Area standards (often 7,000–8,000 sq ft eichlerhomesforsale.com), allowing ample space for outdoor living – whether it’s a backyard pool, an ADU, or a lush garden under the canopy of a fruit tree. Front yards in Cherry Chase often feature mid-century touches like rock gardens or drought-tolerant landscaping that complement the homes’ architecture, while backyards are private and verdant, perfect for California’s indoor-outdoor lifestyle.
Pricing and market offerings: Cherry Chase properties are firmly in the luxury tier of Sunnyvale’s market. In recent years, typical single-family homes here have commanded on the order of $2.2–2.5 million as a median price point boyengarealestateteam.com, with updated or larger homes often exceeding that range. It’s not unusual to see attractively remodeled 4-bedroom homes trading in the high $2 millions, and new or expanded builds can approach the $3–4 million mark, reflecting the neighborhood’s desirability. Smaller townhomes or original-condition houses (when available) might occasionally list closer to the low $2 millions, but virtually all Cherry Chase homes list well into seven figures and sell briskly eichlerhomesforsale.com. Buyers are willing to pay a premium for the combination of architectural character, lot size, and location – especially when a property features preserved mid-century details or a comprehensive luxury renovation. Lot sizes and the prevalence of single-story layouts also appeal to those seeking estate-like grounds or multigenerational living; many homes have room for expansions, accessory dwelling units (ADUs), or extensive outdoor amenities. In terms of buyer preferences, demand often centers on move-in-ready homes with modern upgrades that enhance comfort while respecting the original style. Open-concept gourmet kitchens, spa-like bathroom remodels, and smart-home features like EV chargers and solar panels are common expectations. At the same time, architectural authenticity (e.g. intact atriums or vintage materials) is valued – a “design-forward” renovation that blends mid-century charm with contemporary luxury can significantly boost a home’s appeal and price. Overall, Cherry Chase offers a limited inventory of homes, each with unique character, and as such its real estate is seen as both a lifestyle purchase and a blue-chip investment in Silicon Valley’s thriving market.
Schools & Education
One of Cherry Chase’s strongest draws is its access to top-tier schools, which anchor the community and consistently bolster property values. The neighborhood is served by the Sunnyvale School District for elementary and middle grades, feeding into the Fremont Union High School District for high school. In particular, Cherry Chase Elementary School – located right in the neighborhood – is a California Distinguished School celebrated for high test scores and an engaged parent community eichlerhomesforsale.com. Families can literally walk their young children to Cherry Chase Elementary and Sunnyvale Middle School, and even bike to Homestead High, making for an idyllic, park-like educational journey each day. Sunnyvale Middle (serving 6th–8th grades) continues the tradition of excellence, preparing students to attend Homestead High School, one of the region’s most sought-after public high schools known for its rigorous academics and wide array of Advanced Placement courses. (Homestead High, which consistently ranks among the top schools in California, is technically in Cupertino and serves portions of Sunnyvale, including Cherry Chase reddit.com.) Residents cherish this seamless K-12 pathway: Cherry Chase Elementary, Sunnyvale Middle, and Homestead High are often cited as a trifecta of outstanding public education reddit.com. The presence of these schools not only fosters a strong community (with many neighborhood events revolving around school activities) but also commands a premium in real estate – homes within these attendance boundaries are perpetually in high demand. Indeed, Cherry Chase & Cumberland (a neighboring area with a similar school combo) are noted as among the most expensive micro-markets in Sunnyvale, precisely because of their excellent schools feeding into Homestead High.
For those interested in private education, Cherry Chase offers convenient options as well. The neighborhood itself hosts the Stratford School’s Sunnyvale campus, a highly regarded private institution known for its accelerated curriculum in technology, science, and the arts. Within a short drive are other esteemed private schools and charter programs, such as The King’s Academy (a college-prep Christian school for grades 6–12) and Basis Independent Silicon Valley (a STEM-focused private school), among others boyengarealestateteam.com. This breadth of quality education – from public to private – creates a rich learning environment that is a major selling point for Cherry Chase. It’s common for residents to cite schools as a primary reason for choosing the neighborhood, and even empty-nesters benefit from the resale value that these schools impart on every home. In Cherry Chase, education is truly part of the community fabric, contributing to a culture that values growth, youth activities, and lifelong learning.
Commuting & Location
Nestled in West Sunnyvale near the borders of Cupertino and Mountain View, Cherry Chase enjoys a strategic Silicon Valley location that makes it ideal for commuters and cosmopolitan professionals alike. The neighborhood sits roughly equidistant from the region’s two major north-south arteries, Interstate 280 and Highway 101, and it has almost instant access to two other critical freeways: Highway 85 (just to the west) and Highway 237 (to the north). This freeway connectivity means residents can drive to employment centers in San Jose, Santa Clara, Palo Alto, or San Francisco with relative ease eichlerhomesforsale.com. In particular, Apple’s corporate headquarters – both the futuristic Apple Park campus and the classic Infinite Loop campus – are only a short drive or even a bike ride away, straight down Homestead Road into Cupertino. Google’s main Mountain View campus and its numerous Sunnyvale offices are likewise within 15–20 minutes by car, as are LinkedIn, Amazon Lab126, Meta, Nvidia, Microsoft and many more household-name tech companies dotted along the Highway 101/237 corridor. For Cherry Chase homeowners, this proximity means short commutes to major tech hubs – a priceless advantage in a region where time is money. It’s no exaggeration to say a professional could leave their Eichler home and be at their desk in Cupertino or Mountain View in under 20 minutes, barring traffic. Such convenience makes Cherry Chase extremely attractive to high-earning engineers and executives who want a luxurious home life without sacrificing easy access to work. It also positions the neighborhood well for future demand, as the Sunnyvale/Cupertino area continues to be a nexus of Silicon Valley innovation.
In addition to driving, Cherry Chase offers access to robust public transit and alternative commute options. The Sunnyvale Caltrain station is only a few miles away (an easy bike ride or brief car trip), linking commuters by rail to the entire Peninsula up to San Francisco. Santa Clara Valley’s VTA buses also serve the area, and many tech employers operate private shuttle services with stops near Cherry Chase, further easing the commute for those who prefer not to drive. The neighborhood’s flat terrain and investment in bike lanes encourage cycling as a viable option – it’s common to see residents biking to work at nearby campuses or to downtown Sunnyvale. For frequent fliers, San Jose International Airport (SJC) is only about 15–20 minutes away, and even San Francisco International (SFO) is reachable in under 45 minutes, making business or leisure travel convenient. Locationally, Cherry Chase also benefits from being near the nexus of several vibrant cities: to the west lies Cupertino (with its upscale shopping and dining around Main Street and Stevens Creek Blvd), to the north is Mountain View (with its lively Castro Street scene and Shoreline tech parks), and just east is central Sunnyvale (including the downtown CityLine development and historic Murphy Ave). Yet despite this centrality, Cherry Chase itself remains quietly residential – a sanctuary amid the Silicon Valley hustle. Commuters return home from the frenzy of nearby tech corridors to find calm, wide streets and a sky often clear of the congestion they left behind. In sum, Cherry Chase offers the best of both worlds: a premier residential location that grants swift access to the Valley’s opportunities, while insulating its residents in a peaceful pocket of suburban bliss.
Market Trends
The Cherry Chase real estate market exemplifies the dynamism and competitive nature of Silicon Valley’s housing scene. Sunnyvale as a whole is consistently ranked among the most competitive markets in the nation, and Cherry Chase is a prime example of why. Demand here perpetually outstrips supply, fueled by the neighborhood’s unique combination of attributes – excellent schools, proximity to major employers, and architectural charm – that few other areas can match. Homes in Cherry Chase often ignite bidding wars as soon as they hit the market. Turnkey properties in top school zones like this frequently receive multiple offers, sometimes well above asking price boyengarealestateteam.com eichlerhomesforsale.com. It’s common for listings to sell in a week or less, with the average days-on-market often in the single digits boyengarealestateteam.com. Inventory is tight: many homeowners stay for decades (some original 1960s owners remain, a testament to the neighborhood’s enduring appeal eichlerhomesforsale.com), and those who do sell find a ready pool of qualified buyers eager to move in. In recent times, off-market transactions have also become more prevalent in West Sunnyvale’s luxury niches – some sellers discreetly find buyers through networks without ever officially listing, reflecting how hot and exclusive the demand can be boyengarealestateteam.com.
Price trends in Cherry Chase have seen robust appreciation over the past decade, mirroring Silicon Valley’s tech-driven growth. Even as the broader market ebbs and flows with interest rates or economic shifts, Cherry Chase generally retains its value and then some, thanks to its foundational desirability. In downturns, it is relatively insulated (families and investors alike target top school districts in any market), and in upcycles, it often outpaces average gains. The current median prices around the mid-$2 million mark a historical high boyengarealestateteam.com, and neighborhood records have been set by beautifully expanded or rebuilt homes achieving prices in the $3–4 million range. Luxury touches that are increasingly prevalent – solar power, high-end landscaping, ADUs for extended family or rental income – not only meet buyer expectations but also contribute to rising property values as Cherry Chase homes modernize. Buyer demographics remain dominated by dual-income tech households and international buyers with cash, all of whom are discerning and willing to pay for quality boyengarealestateteam.com. These buyers often seek out features like open great rooms for entertaining, home offices or gym space (especially in a work-from-home era), and outdoor decks or kitchens for the sunny climate boyengarealestateteam.com. Savvy sellers in Cherry Chase have responded by presenting homes in immaculate condition – often with strategic remodeling and staging to highlight both modern conveniences and the “California modern” pedigree of the house. The result is that Cherry Chase homes not only sell fast, but also serve as showpieces of the Silicon Valley luxury market. In summary, the market here is characterized by high prices, high demand, and low inventory, but also by strong fundamentals that make it a sound long-term investment. As one local real estate report put it, the combination of design appeal, community vibe, and educational excellence in Cherry Chase virtually guarantees intense competitiveness for any home that becomes available eichlerhomesforsale.com. For buyers and sellers alike, this neighborhood represents the pinnacle of Sunnyvale’s real estate scene – a micro-market where each sale tells the story of Silicon Valley’s persistent prosperity.
Work with the Boyenga Team
Navigating a high-end market like Cherry Chase requires seasoned expertise and innovative strategy – and few know this better than Eric and Janelle Boyenga of the Boyenga Team. As founding partners of Compass and leading luxury Realtors in Silicon Valley, the Boyenga Team brings decades of experience, architectural sensitivity, and unparalleled local knowledge to the Sunnyvale market boyengarealestateteam.com. Their approach goes beyond the conventional. With a passion for design and a deep appreciation of mid-century modern architecture, the Boyengas have a keen eye for the unique features that make Cherry Chase homes special. They recognize the hidden potential in an Eichler atrium or a ranch layout and know how to position modern upgrades to maximize a home’s value boyengarealestateteam.com. This design-forward philosophy means they don’t just sell houses – they curate and showcase the lifestyle and aesthetic that today’s luxury buyers crave. From advising on architectural enhancements that honor a property’s original character, to managing full-scale home preparation and staging (through their in-house concierge and renovation services), the Boyenga Team ensures every Cherry Chase listing becomes a standout. Their marketing is similarly elevated: professional cinematic video tours, drone aerial photography, and immersive 3D virtual walkthroughs are standard, all tailored to capture the attention of high-net-worth and international buyers. Moreover, the Boyengas leverage Compass’s cutting-edge technology and their own vast network – including the Compass Private Client Network – to give clients an edge. Buyers working with the Boyenga Team gain access to exclusive off-market “private listings” in Cherry Chase and other 94087 neighborhoods boyengarealestateteam.com, a critical advantage in a supply-constrained market. Sellers benefit from the team’s data-driven pricing insights and strategic negotiation skills, honed from hundreds of luxury transactions in Silicon Valley. The Boyenga Team prides itself on white-glove service and fiduciary excellence; whether it’s guiding a family through a complex trust sale or orchestrating a seamless relocation, Eric and Janelle bring a steady hand and personalized care to every client interaction boyengarealestateteam.com.
What truly sets the Boyengas apart is their fusion of market intelligence and design savvy – a combination ideally suited to a niche like Cherry Chase. Often called the “Property Nerds,” the team delves into micro-neighborhood analytics (school zones, architectural styles, lot values) to inform their strategy, while also understanding the intangible appeal of Cherry Chase’s community and history. They have successfully represented numerous buyers and sellers in the Cherry Chase area over the years, cultivating a track record that speaks to their specialized expertise. Clients routinely cite the Boyenga Team’s ability to make the process both profitable and enjoyable: providing honest advice, adding value through smart improvements, and ultimately achieving results that exceed expectations. In a competitive arena like Cherry Chase real estate, having trusted advisors who are not only top 1% negotiators but also genuine enthusiasts of the neighborhood’s architecture and lifestyle is an invaluable asset. Eric and Janelle Boyenga exemplify this rare blend. As Compass’s founding agents and long-time Silicon Valley innovators, they stand ready to guide you through the Cherry Chase market with a level of insight and dedication few can match boyengarealestateteam.com. Whether you’re dreaming of buying into this cherished community or considering selling your Cherry Chase home for maximum return, the Boyenga Team offers the definitive partnership to ensure your goals are realized.