Maywood Park, Santa Clara: Mid-Century Modern Gem with Cupertino Schools
922 Celia Drive, Palo Alto 94303 - Mackay Mid-Century Modern Home - Sold by Boyenga Team
Maywood Park Neighborhood in Santa Clara with Cupertino Schools
Maywood Park in Santa Clara, California is a unique mid-century modern neighborhood blending architectural history with top-rated schools and Silicon Valley convenience. Home to a collection of Mackay tract houses from the 1950s, Maywood Park boasts the clean lines and indoor-outdoor ethos of California Modernism alongside a family-friendly community vibe. Below, we explore the neighborhood’s location, history, distinctive Mackay home design, real estate trends, school alignment, and the lifestyle that makes Maywood Park appealing to homebuyers, architecture enthusiasts, and investors alike.
Location and Neighborhood Overview
Maywood Park is located in the southwestern corner of Santa Clara’s 95051 zip code, near the border with Cupertino and West San Jose. The neighborhood sits just off Woodhams Road and Pruneridge Avenue, adjacent to the Cupertino city line. Neighborhood boundaries generally encompass the blocks around Maywood Park (the public park for which the tract is named) and Eisenhower Elementary School. Pruneridge Avenue forms a major boundary on one side (the park’s address is 3330 Pruneridge), and the area is nestled between key thoroughfares like Lawrence Expressway and Stevens Creek Boulevard. This places Maywood Park in a prime spot – it’s minutes from central Cupertino and a short drive to Santa Clara’s own shopping and dining hubs, yet tucked away in a quiet residential enclave with limited through-traffic.
Despite being within the City of Santa Clara, Maywood Park benefits from a “best of both worlds” location. Residents enjoy Santa Clara’s city services (including its notably lower-cost municipal electric utility) while being zoned to Cupertino’s coveted school district (more on that below). The neighborhood setting is suburban and peaceful: mostly single-story homes on tree-lined streets, cul-de-sacs that encourage play, and a well-maintained park at the heart. Maywood Park’s immediate surroundings offer convenient amenities – for example, Stevens Creek Boulevard’s shops and restaurants are just around the corner, and both Eisenhower Elementary and the namesake Maywood Park are within walking distance for local families. Overall, the geography of Maywood Park provides a balance of seclusion and accessibility, making it a sought-after pocket in the South Bay.
Development History of Maywood Park and John Mackay
Maywood Park’s origins trace back to the post-World War II housing boom and the vision of developer John Calder Mackay. In the mid-1950s, Mackay Homes (co-founded by John Mackay and his partner Lawton Shurtleff) built the Maywood tract as one of Santa Clara’s first mid-century modern subdivisions eichlernetwork.com boyengateam.com. Construction in Maywood Park took place circa 1954–1955 and included roughly 200 homes boyengateam.com, built in phases. Mackay was not alone in bringing modern architecture to Bay Area suburbia – he was a friendly rival to Joseph Eichler, the better-known modernist developer. In fact, Mackay hired the same architects (the firm Anshen & Allen) who designed many early Eichler houses eichlerhomesforsale.com. Together, Mackay and his architects introduced Santa Clara to the “California Modern” style: sleek single-story homes with open plans and integration of indoor and outdoor spaces.
John Mackay’s influence on Santa Clara’s housing was significant. He envisioned affordable modern homes that would “redefine suburban living” with forward-thinking design boyengateam.com. By the mid-1950s, Mackay Homes had become a prolific builder in Silicon Valley’s housing boom boyengateam.com. In Santa Clara, Maywood Park was one of three Mackay-developed modern tracts (along with the nearby Fairmede tract in 1957 and the earlier Sunshine Meadows tract in 1953) that formed a core of local mid-century modern homes boyengateam.com. Mackay’s developments even earned professional acclaim – for instance, his Sunshine Meadows project won a 1954 National Merit Award from the American Institute of Architects boyengateam.com, signaling that these weren’t just cookie-cutter houses but nationally recognized designs.
Mackay’s approach often mirrored Eichler’s ideals while adding his own twists. Ads of the era touted “Mackay Wonder Homes” with “dream kitchens” and “panoramic window walls and dramatic glass gables that bring the sunlight into your home… and into your life”eichlernetwork.com. Like Eichler’s communities, Maywood Park was planned to foster a neighborhood feel – cul-de-sacs, parks, and nearby schools encouraged interaction. Many original owners were young families moving into their first homes in the 1950s, and they found in Maywood a safe, friendly place to raise children. That legacy continues: the design and layout of the tract created a close-knit atmosphere that remains part of Maywood Park’s identity decades later eichlerhomesforsale.com.
Today, John Mackay is remembered as a “pioneer in modernist architecture” who left a lasting mark on Silicon Valley eichlerhomesforsale.com boyengateam.com. His Maywood Park tract stands as a living tribute to mid-century innovation – a neighborhood where history, architecture, and community intersect.
Architectural Characteristics of Mackay’s Mid-Century Homes
A Mackay mid-century modern home in Santa Clara, showcasing the low-pitched gable roof, open eaves, and simple facade characteristic of the style. These homes present a modest face to the street while opening up with glass walls to the private backyard.
The homes in Maywood Park are classic mid-century modern designs. Mackay’s houses were single-story, post-and-beam constructions with an emphasis on simplicity, light, and connectivity to the outdoorsboyengateam.com. Key characteristics of Mackay mid-century homes include:
Open floor plans and post-and-beam structure: Interior walls were minimized to create flowing living spaces beneath exposed beamsboyengateam.com. The post-and-beam architecture meant fewer load-bearing walls, allowing for “large spans of glass” and flexible layoutsboyengateam.com.
Extensive use of glass: Floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding glass doors are a defining feature. Many Mackay homes have “panoramic window walls”eichlernetwork.com that blur the line between indoors and outdoors. Living rooms often open onto patios or courtyards, creating an airy feel and inviting in natural light.
Indoor-outdoor integration: Like Eichler homes, Mackay houses orient their main windows toward private yards rather than the street. The street side of the house is typically more closed-off for privacy (sometimes presenting a blank or minimal window facade), while the rear features walls of glass facing the backyardboyengateam.com. This design creates a private outdoor living area – effectively an extension of the indoor space into the gardenboyengateam.com.
Atrium and courtyard elements: Although Mackay homes in Maywood Park do not have the large central atriums that some later Eichler models are famous for, many do feature small atrium-like courtyards or covered patios at the entry. These enclosed front patios provide a sheltered transition space and echo the mid-century modern emphasis on bringing light into the home. The overall layout often wraps around these patios or around back patios to maximize outdoor access from multiple rooms.
Roof designs: The tract showcases mid-century rooflines – primarily low-pitched gable roofs with open rafters and broad eaves, and in some cases twin-peaked or butterfly roof profiles that add visual interest eichlerhomesforsale.com. Unlike the flat roofs seen in certain Eichler models, many Mackay homes have a gentle A-frame or peaked roofline eichlerhomesforsale.com. These roofs are still quite low-slung (maintaining a horizontal, modern look from the curb) but give a bit more height and variation than a completely flat roof. The eaves often extend well beyond the walls, shading the glass and providing the characteristic mid-century modern silhouette.
Materials and finishes: Originally, Mackay homes featured natural materials consistent with the era. Exterior walls are typically vertical wood siding (sometimes grooved plywood panels or board-and-batten style) painted in earth tones or mid-century hues. Inside, the ceilings were often finished with Celotex fiberboard panels between beams, painted white eichlerhomesforsale.com, rather than the tongue-and-groove wood plank ceilings Eichlers used. Walls were usually drywall or Philippine mahogany paneling in living areas for a warm, wood-rich feel boyengateam.com. Floors in these homes, built on raised foundations, could accommodate hardwood flooring – indeed, some Mackay models came with hardwood floors originally eichlerhomesforsale.com. Large brick or stone fireplaces were common focal points in the living room, adding to the mid-century characterboyengateam.com.
Modern amenities for the era: Mackay homes were marketed as “Wonder Homes” partly for their modern kitchens and conveniences eichlernetwork.com. The “dream kitchens” often included built-in appliances and efficient layouts. While modest by today’s standards, these were cutting-edge in the 1950s. The homes also featured then-novel elements like sliding glass doors, exposed aggregate concrete patios, and radiant barrier roof sheathing to keep them comfortable. (Notably, one thing they didn’t feature was in-floor radiant heating – see the comparison to Eichler below.)
All these architectural features give Maywood Park a distinct visual cohesiveness. Driving through the neighborhood, you’ll see sleek mid-century silhouettes: broad, gently sloping roofs; clerestory windows under the eaves; and façades that often have carports or modest garage doors and minimal ornamentation. The emphasis is on horizontal lines and blending the house with the landscape. Even with various homeowner modifications over the years, many houses retain these hallmark traits, which is why Maywood Park feels like a step back into “California Modern” history.
Mackay Homes vs. Eichler Designs: Similarities and Key Differences
Given the similarities in era and even architects, it’s natural to compare Mackay homes in Maywood Park with the more famous Eichler homes found elsewhere in the Bay Area. In fact, at first glance a Mackay home can be easily mistaken for an Eichler – a point proven by the famous anecdote that Steve Jobs’s childhood home (a Mackay-built home in Mountain View) was long assumed to be an Eichler eichlernetwork.com! Both Mackay and Eichler developed mid-century modern tracts that exemplify indoor-outdoor California living. However, there are important differences in their construction and design details. Here’s a comparison:
Architectural DNA – Shared Roots: Mackay and Eichler homes share the same design ethos. Both are single-story modernist homes with open-beam, post-and-beam construction and extensive glass eichlerhomesforsale.com. This isn’t coincidence – Mackay actually hired Anshen & Allen, the architectural firm behind many Eichler designs, to create his models eichlerhomesforsale.com. As a result, a Mackay home in Maywood Park has the unmistakable Eichler-like feel: exposed beams, floor-to-ceiling glass walls, and seamless integration of indoor and outdoor spaces eichlerhomesforsale.com. Mackay even marketed his models as “patio homes” to emphasize the indoor-outdoor vibe eichlerhomesforsale.com, very much in line with Eichler’s philosophy of bringing “the outside in” with central courtyards and large windows.
Foundation & Heating: One of the biggest structural differences is in the foundation and heating system. Eichler homes sit on slab-on-grade concrete foundations with in-floor hydronic radiant heating pipes embedded in the floors, providing silent, even warmth (one of the “awesome little features” Steve Jobs fondly recalled) eichlernetwork.com. Mackay homes, by contrast, were built on raised perimeter foundations with crawl spaces and used forced-air heating or wall furnaces originally eichlerhomesforsale.com. In practice, this means a Mackay home typically has floor vents or a furnace closet (features you won’t find in an original Eichler) eichlerhomesforsale.com. It also means Mackay houses have a small step up at the entry and wood subfloors, whereas Eichler floors are concrete slab and level with the ground boyengateam.com. The pros and cons of each: Eichler’s radiant floors are wonderfully warm and unobtrusive (no ducts or noise), but can be harder to repair or upgradeboyengateam.com. Mackay’s raised foundation makes it easier to access plumbing or add ductwork for modern HVAC, albeit with a different heating experience eichlerhomesforsale.com. In short, Mackays have crawl spaces and conventional heating, Eichlers have slab foundations and radiant heat eichlernetwork.com.
Roof Styles: Eichler designs famously include many flat or nearly-flat roofs, as well as low-pitched gable roofs in later models eichlerhomesforsale.com. Mackay homes, on the other hand, more often sport low-gabled, A-frame, or even twin-peaked rooflines that give a slightly taller profile from the street eichlerhomesforsale.com. Some Mackay models have a butterfly roof or double-gable that Eichler didn’t commonly use until the 1960s eichlerhomesforsale.com. Both builders favored clean rooflines with deep eaves, but if you see a pronounced peaked (but still low-slope) roof on a 1950s modern home in Santa Clara, it’s likely a Mackay. Meanwhile, a completely flat roof with no attic is more likely an Eichler. These subtle distinctions in roof pitch can be a tip-off as to the home’s pedigree eichlerhomesforsale.com.
Atriums and Layout: Eichler’s trademark in the late ’50s and ’60s was the atrium, an open-air courtyard at the center of the home, enclosed by glass. No Mackay homes in Maywood Park have the large central atriums that Eichler models like the Eichler X-100 or later tract homes did. Mackay layouts are slightly more traditional in some respects eichlerhomesforsale.com. For example, many Mackays have a defined entry foyer or a hallway separating the kitchen from the living area, whereas Eichlers often have you step directly into an open great room or an atrium space upon entry eichlerhomesforsale.com. Mackay kitchens might face the street and be a bit more enclosed (galley style or with a pass-through), as opposed to Eichler kitchens which frequently open directly to the living room. While both builders embraced open concept living areas, the Mackay homes tend to have small courtyards or patios at the front or side rather than a big center atrium eichlerhomesforsale.com. Overall room sizes and square footages were quite comparable between Mackays and 1950s Eichlers – typically around 1,200–1,400 sq ft for a 3-bed, 2-bath – so the differences are in configuration more than scaleeichlerhomesforsale.com.
Interior Finishes: Inside an Eichler, you’ll often find open ceilings with exposed tongue-and-groove wood planks and beams stained in a natural or dark finish. Eichler also loved Lauan mahogany wall paneling in the mid-century period. Mackay homes, by contrast, usually had painted ceilings with fiberboard panels (Celotex) between the beams, and the beams themselves might be painted over or boxed in eichlerhomesforsale.com. Mackay tended to use regular drywall more extensively (many original Mackay interiors were finished in sheetrock and then painted), whereas Eichler’s homes leaned into the woodsy look with paneling eichlerhomesforsale.com. These choices mean Eichler interiors often feel a bit more textured and “modernist” with their wood ceilings, while Mackay interiors could feel slightly more conventional (flat white ceilings, etc.) – though both have the signature open beams and vaulted height in main rooms. It’s worth noting, however, that over the years homeowners may have altered these details; some Mackays now expose and stain their beams Eichler-style, and some Eichler owners have painted or covered theirs. But originally, the ceiling treatment is a differentiator eichlerhomesforsale.com.
Garages and Street Presence: Early Eichlers in the 1950s typically came with a carport (an open two-car carport with no garage door), as Joe Eichler believed in minimal street facade and an open feel. Many Mackay homes, in contrast, were built with an attached one- or two-car garage with a door from the start eichlerhomesforsale.com. In Maywood Park, you’ll see that most houses have a closed garage front, which is a giveaway that they’re Mackays, since Eichler tracts of the same era in nearby cities would more likely have carports. Additionally, because Mackays have crawl spaces, some even had hardwood flooring originally, whereas Eichler’s slab-floor homes were often finished with vinyl tile or concrete – so seeing original hardwood floors in a mid-century modern home can hint that it’s a Mackay eichlerhomesforsale.com. Externally, both Eichlers and Mackays present a modest face to the street (limited front windows, often a blank facade or just clerestory windows high on the wall for privacy) boyengateam.com. Both used vertical wood siding and contemporary styling. But the combination of the above clues – slab vs. crawlspace, carport vs. garage, roof pitch, ceiling finish – usually lets an expert tell them apart.
In summary, Mackay homes were very much “Eichler-like” – so much so that real estate agents sometimes affectionately call them “likelers” for being like Eichlerseichlernetwork.comeichlernetwork.com. Yet they are their own breed, with practical differences born out of John Mackay’s choices in construction. Whether one is “better” comes down to taste: Eichler purists love the silent radiant heat and purist modernist details, while Mackay fans appreciate the slightly sturdier build (some argue Mackays were better built and bolted for seismic safetyhejdoll.com) and easier upgrades. Both deliver the “clean design and simple taste” that Steve Jobs praised about mid-century modern homes eichlernetwork.com, bringing modern design to the masses in the 1950s. And both types contribute to the rich architectural tapestry of Silicon Valley.
Real Estate Trends: Home Sizes, Prices, and Remodeling
Maywood Park’s real estate is highly desirable thanks to its mid-century charm and excellent location. All the homes in the neighborhood are single-family houses, originally built between 1953 and 1958neighborhoods.com. Most are 3-bedroom, 2-bath layouts that were modest in size by today’s standards – typically around 1,100 to 1,300 square feet when built boyengateam.com, often with an attached one-car or two-car garage. A few larger 4-bedroom models were part of Mackay’s offerings (in the ~1,500 sq ft range), and over the years many homes have been expanded to gain more space boyengateam.com. It’s not uncommon now to find some Maywood homes that have 1,600 to 1,900+ square feet if owners finished a rear addition or built up. In fact, floor plans in the tract vary from 2-bedroom, 2-bath cottages of ~1000 sq ft up to expanded 3-bedroom, 3-bath homes over 2000 sq ft – though all sit on generously sized lots of around 6,000 sq ft or more, providing room for additions. The standard lot (about 0.14 acre) offers a backyard and often a front courtyard, an layout conducive to indoor-outdoor living.
Home prices in Maywood Park reflect the neighborhood’s strong demand. These “cozy homes” command very high values for their size, neighborhoods.com. Recent sale data shows closed prices ranging roughly from $1.72 million to $2.6 million, with a median around $1.93 million for the neighborhoodneighborhoods.com. Even the smaller unexpanded houses tend to sell well above $1.5M, and nicely remodeled or enlarged homes can approach or exceed $2.5M. For example, in 2023 a mid-century Mackay with about 1,700 sq ft and tasteful updates might attract bidding wars and go for around $2.3–$2.5M (some have sold for $200K–$300K over asking price due to competitive offers). These numbers are on par with, or even slightly higher than, many other parts of Santa Clara – largely because of the Cupertino school cachet and architectural appeal. Essentially, buyers pay a premium for Maywood Park as it offers the style of an Eichler-like mid-century home plus the top-tier schools that we’ll discuss next. The combination of design and district is a rare find, which has kept property values robust.
In terms of resale value and appreciation, Maywood Park has been a solid bet. Over the past decade, as mid-century modern architecture came back into vogue, these homes have attracted not only local families but also design-savvy buyers from all over the Bay. Many homes are now on their third or fourth owners, and each turnover often brings a new wave of renovations – so the neighborhood has seen significant investment in remodeling. Remodeling trends vary: some owners take care to preserve or restore the mid-century aesthetic (for example, keeping the exposed beams, installing period-appropriate fixtures, or using contemporary finishes that honor the home’s roots), while others opt for more mainstream modern upgrades (open up kitchens, recess lighting, etc.). A number of homes have been expanded with permitted additions, usually at the rear or by enclosing a patio, to gain a family room or an extra bedroom. Notably, because the lots are limited in size and one-story living is part of the charm, there have been relatively few second-story additions – but it’s not unheard of. The City of Santa Clara has allowed at least one Mackay home to add a partial second story for more space, and even new construction has occurred: recently a small Mackay home was torn down to be replaced with a brand-new larger home, highlighting the ever-increasing value of the land and location. The new build still had to conform to setback and height limits, but it indicates that in Maywood Park, even original mid-century homes sometimes give way to modern interpretations (a point of contention for preservationists).
Despite these changes, Maywood Park retains much of its mid-century character. In fact, long-time residents note that “much remains truly original” in the neighborhood eichlernetwork.com – many houses still have their iconic façades, and several even maintain original features like the Philippine mahogany walls or globe pendant lights. The community is conscious and proud of its architectural heritage. There’s an ongoing balance between preservation and modernization: homeowners want the comforts and efficiency of a 21st-century home (think solar panels, dual-pane windows, updated heating/cooling), but there’s also a strong appreciation for the historic value of these 1950s modern designseichlerhomesforsale.com. This has led to thoughtful renovations (like insulating roofs while keeping the tongue-and-groove ceiling look, or updating kitchens in a minimalist style that suits the home’s lines). The net effect for buyers is that houses in Maywood Park often come move-in ready with modern upgrades, yet still deliver that mid-century modern “wow” factor — vaulted ceilings, walls of glass, and retro flair — that is so hard to find in tract homes elsewhere.
From an investment perspective, the neighborhood’s fundamentals are excellent. The limit on housing supply (it’s a finite, established neighborhood), combined with sustained demand from both families (for the schools) and design enthusiasts (for the architecture), has kept values on an upward trajectory. Even in softer market cycles, homes here tend to hold their value better than average, thanks to the unique draw. Additionally, Santa Clara’s relatively lower property tax rate (compared to Cupertino’s new-build developments) and absence of additional Mello-Roos taxes make carrying costs a bit less, which can factor into investment decisions. For those looking to remodel and resell (fix-and-flip), Maywood Park offers a clear template of what buyers want: maintaining the mid-century style while adding contemporary comforts can significantly boost resale value. It’s not unusual to see listings highlighting “Mackay mid-century modern with Cupertino schools” in bold – a combination that reliably commands attention in the Silicon Valley real estate market.
Top-Rated Cupertino Schools for Maywood Park
One of Maywood Park’s biggest draws for families is its alignment with the Cupertino Union School District (CUSD) and Fremont Union High School District (FUHSD), meaning children attend some of the area’s best public schools. Although the homes are in the city of Santa Clara, they are zoned to Cupertino schools, which consistently rank among the top in California. Specifically, Maywood Park is served by:
Eisenhower Elementary School in the Cupertino Union Elementary District
Eisenhower Elementary School – a highly regarded neighborhood elementary school located right next to Maywood Park. In fact, the park and the school share a boundary, making it extremely convenient for families (kids can walk or bike to school without leaving the neighborhood). Eisenhower is part of CUSD and is known for strong academics and community involvement.
Hyde Middle School in the Cupertino Union School District
Hyde Middle School – the local middle school for Maywood Park, also in the Cupertino Union School District. Hyde Middle is a short drive or bike ride away (located in Cupertino), and continues the tradition of rigorous academics and diverse programs.
Cupertino High School in the Fremont Union School District
Cupertino High School – students attend Cupertino High in FUHSD, a highly ranked high school that offers robust college preparatory programs, Advanced Placement courses, and numerous extracurricular activities. Cupertino High (mascot: the Pioneers) has a long track record of sending graduates to top universities, and it benefits from the tech-rich community around it (including partnerships and events with Apple and other companies).
These schools are well-regarded “award-winning” campuses that make the neighborhood especially attractive to parents. It’s quite unusual for a Santa Clara address to feed into Cupertino schools – Maywood Park is one of those special pockets. For homebuyers, this means they can potentially get a more affordable property (per square foot) than in Cupertino proper, while still accessing the same educational advantages. The Cupertino School District is known for high test scores, active PTAs, and a focus on STEM and arts education, reflecting the values of the community. For example, Eisenhower Elementary often boasts strong performances in math and reading, and Hyde Middle offers excellent science and music programs, all feeding into Cupertino High which has been recognized in rankings like U.S. News & World Report’s Best High Schools list.
Beyond formal rankings, there’s a real community connection to the schools. Maywood Park families often meet each other at school events or on the walk to pick up kids. The adjacency of the elementary school and park means that after-school playdates at the playground or family picnics are common. Eisenhower Elementary and Maywood Park are both within walking distance for residents, as a local realtor points out. This convenience can’t be overstated – imagine strolling with your child to school through the neighborhood, or spending an afternoon playing tennis or soccer in the park next door after the last bell rings.
For those without kids, the school districts still matter for property value stability. Homes in good school districts tend to appreciate more and resell faster. It’s not just families who value this; even investors know that a Cupertino schools rental will attract tenants willing to pay a premium. In short, Maywood Park’s alignment with Cupertino Union and Fremont Union High schools is a cornerstone of its appeal. It means future-proofing your investment with built-in demand from education-conscious buyers, and for families, it offers an everyday practical benefit – some of the best public education around, without the need to pay for private school.
Community Features and Neighborhood Lifestyle
Beyond architecture and academics, Maywood Park offers a warm, livable community with features that enhance everyday life. Demographically, the neighborhood has evolved over time but remains a mix of long-time residents and newer arrivals. Many original owners (or their families) stayed in the homes for decades, creating a tight-knit feel. In recent years, a new wave of young professionals and families (often employed in tech) have moved in, drawn by the schools and the retro-modern vibe. This blend has energized the area – neighbors of all ages get to know each other, and there’s a sense of pride in the community.
One of the jewels of the neighborhood is Maywood Park itself – a spacious 9.5-acre public park that serves as a communal backyard for residents. The park is impeccably maintained by the city and offers a variety of amenitiessantaclaraca.gov:
A large open lawn for soccer, frisbee, or just running around.
Two lighted tennis courts for those who enjoy a game in the eveningssantaclaraca.gov (they’re popular, often used by both kids and adults).
A children’s play area with modern playground equipmentsantaclaraca.gov, where you’ll often see kids climbing and swinging while parents chat on nearby benches.
Picnic and barbecue areas under the treessantaclaraca.gov – perfect for weekend family BBQs or even neighborhood potlucks.
A small neighborhood recreation building and restroomssantaclaraca.gov, which are used for community meetings, classes, or can be rented for private events like birthday parties.
Plenty of off-street parking in case you have friends coming by to join you for a picnic or tennis matchsantaclaraca.gov (though most locals just walk over).
Living adjacent to this park greatly enhances walkability and outdoor recreation in Maywood Park. It’s not unusual to see residents doing morning jogs around the park’s perimeter or families having impromptu soccer games on the grass. The park effectively extends the living space of those smaller mid-century homes – giving everyone a place to stretch out, play, and convene.
The neighborhood vibe in Maywood Park is often described as peaceful, friendly, and a bit “like stepping back in time.” On quiet afternoons, you might hear the sound of children playing basketball in a driveway or riding bikes in the cul-de-sac, harkening to an earlier era of suburban life. In fact, residents say the community today resembles how it was in the 1950s when first built – “Kids [are] play[ing] all over the neighborhood”, and longtime neighbors note it’s “sort of back to the way it was in 1955, ’56” with young families bringing new energyeichlernetwork.comeichlernetwork.com. Neighbors tend to know each other; there’s a tradition of hospitality, whether it’s borrowing a tool, sharing surplus fruit from a backyard tree, or chatting during an evening stroll. Maywood Park doesn’t have a formal HOA, but it has an informal network of community spirit – some streets host block parties or group garage sales occasionally, and around the holidays you’ll see coordinated lights and decorations adding cheer.
When it comes to local shopping and dining, Maywood Park is conveniently near a variety of options. Just outside the neighborhood, along Stevens Creek Boulevard and nearby Saratoga Avenue, are numerous restaurants (ranging from casual eateries to popular chain restaurants and local cafes) and grocery stores. For example, within a short drive (5 minutes or so) you can reach Westwood Oaks Shopping Center or Lawrence Plaza, where there are supermarkets, coffee shops, and services. A few minutes further east on Stevens Creek brings you to the upscale Santana Row and Valley Fair Mall area (about 10–15 minutes by car), offering endless shopping, dining, and entertainment choices from luxury boutiques to movie theaters and trendsetting eateries. Heading west, the Main Street Cupertino development near Vallco is also close, featuring restaurants, a Target, and other conveniences. Closer to home, several neighborhood centers and plazas cater to daily needs – whether it’s a quick grocery run, picking up takeout, or mailing a package, you’ll find what you need without going far.
For weekend leisure beyond the immediate park, residents enjoy proximity to other Santa Clara amenities. Central Park (with its library, lake, and sports facilities) is not too far, and Cupertino’s Rancho San Antonio Open Space with hiking trails is a short drive away for those who like to venture into nature on weekends. There are also nearby community centers, swim clubs, and libraries. Being in Santa Clara, residents can use the Santa Clara Central Library and partake in city events like the Art & Wine Festival or summer concerts. Meanwhile, being next to Cupertino means easy access to that city’s events and parks too. It’s truly a connected location.
Safety and services in Maywood Park are excellent. Santa Clara is known for its responsive city services – police and fire departments that know the area well, quick utility response (important given the unique electric utility in the city), and well-maintained streetscapes. Street lighting is adequate, and the neighborhood’s low-crime reputation adds to peace of mind. Many residents appreciate that Santa Clara provides things like free street tree maintenance and the aforementioned low electric rates, which add practical value to living here.
Overall, the lifestyle in Maywood Park is one of comfort and community. It’s the kind of place where you can spend a Saturday morning reading the paper on your patio, afternoon playing tennis in the park, and evening having a friendly chat with your neighbor over the fence. The walkability (to the park and school, at least) and the tranquil ambiance make it feel a bit like a small town enclave, even though it’s in the heart of bustling Silicon Valley.
Apple Park Campus located down the street from Maywood Park
Commute Convenience and Proximity to Tech Hubs
Living in Maywood Park means you’re in the center of Silicon Valley’s tech corridor, with many major employers and commute routes extremely close by. For anyone working in the tech industry (or investing with an eye toward tech professionals as tenants or buyers), this location is hard to beat:
Apple Park: The neighborhood is practically next-door to Apple’s headquarters. Apple Park (the iconic “spaceship” campus) is roughly a mile or so away, just across Lawrence Expressway into Cupertino. This means that some Maywood Park residents can bike or even walk to Apple. For example, an Apple employee living here could hop on a bike and be at their office in about 10 minutes using local streets – no freeway needed. The proximity to Apple also has side benefits: the presence of Apple’s campus has spurred new restaurants and amenities in the area, and Apple runs shuttles that likely pass near the neighborhood for other campuses.
Other Apple Offices: Besides Apple Park, the older Apple Infinite Loop campus and associated offices in Cupertino are only a few miles west (about a 5-10 minute drive straight down Stevens Creek or Homestead). So, whether you work at Apple’s main campus or satellite offices, Maywood Park is extremely convenient.
Google and Alphabet: While Google’s primary Googleplex is in Mountain View (approximately 10 miles northwest), the commute from Maywood Park to Mountain View is relatively straightforward via highways (one could take Lawrence Expressway north to US-101, or use nearby SR-85). In non-rush times it’s a 15-20 minute drive; during peak times, many Google employees use corporate shuttles that pick up along major routes – living here, one could catch a shuttle in Cupertino or Santa Clara. Additionally, Google and other tech firms have many satellite offices in Sunnyvale and North San Jose which are even closer. For example, Google’s Sunnyvale facilities or LinkedIn’s campus are perhaps a 15-minute drive. So while not as close as Apple, Google is within a reasonable commute range.
NVIDIA & Santa Clara Tech: NVIDIA’s headquarters on San Tomas Expressway in north Santa Clara is only about 5-6 miles away. Driving there might take 10-15 minutes via San Tomas, which is conveniently accessible from Maywood Park. Similarly, other Santa Clara tech employers (Intel, Applied Materials, Oracle, etc.) are a short drive – typically 15 minutes or so, without having to get on a major freeway. Cisco and other companies in North San Jose can be reached via 101 in under 20 minutes in off-peak hours.
Other Silicon Valley Employers: Being near Interstate 280 is a huge advantage. The on-ramps to I-280 (one of the main east-west freeways along the Peninsula) are just a few minutes from Maywood Park (you can jump on 280 via Lawrence or Saratoga Ave). This means quick access to cities like Sunnyvale, Mountain View, Palo Alto to the northwest, or to West San Jose, Saratoga, and Cupertino to the southwest. Even downtown San Jose is only about 15-20 minutes down 280 to the east. Meanwhile, Highway 85 (heading towards Google’s way or down toward South San Jose) is reachable via Stevens Creek or Homestead in about 10 minutes, and US-101 (toward Santa Clara’s north or SF direction) is accessible via Lawrence Expressway in roughly the same time. In short, you can get on 280, 85, 101, or 237 fairly quickly from here – making it centrally located for someone whose work might be anywhere in the Santa Clara Valley or Peninsula.
For those who prefer not to drive, Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) buses serve the area, and the Lawrence Caltrain station is a few miles north (a drive or bike ride) for commuter rail into Palo Alto, San Francisco, etc. However, the vast majority of residents here do use cars given the plentiful parking and the need to reach various sprawled-out campuses. Ride-share and tech shuttles are common sights in the morning.
One often overlooked benefit: because Maywood Park is south of the US-101 corridor, it means that commuting to places like Mountain View or Palo Alto is reverse traffic for many, since a lot of Silicon Valley traffic flows north in the morning and south in the evening. Similarly, going into San Jose (south-east from Santa Clara) can avoid some choke points. Of course, local surface street commutes to Apple or nearby offices are a breeze.
Finally, the location is great for more than just work. Being near major roads means weekend getaways are easier too – whether you’re heading to Santa Cruz mountains (you can be on SR-17 toward Los Gatos/Santa Cruz in 15 minutes), or up to San Francisco (about 45 minutes to an hour north via 280), or over to Mineta San Jose International Airport (only ~15 minutes away for business travel or vacations). Living in Maywood Park situates you in a very well-connected spot.
All told, commuters find Maywood Park exceptionally convenient. You spend less time in traffic and more time at home in your beautiful mid-century house or with family at the park. And for employers like Apple, it’s literally at the doorstep, making this neighborhood highly coveted among employees who value a short commute.
Appeal and Conclusion: Who Is Maywood Park Perfect For?
Maywood Park’s unique blend of attributes gives it broad appeal across several groups of homebuyers and residents:
Families: It’s hard to imagine a more family-friendly setup. You have spacious yards and a safe, quiet environment for kids to play (with cul-de-sacs and local streets that see little outside traffic). The top-tier Cupertino schools provide an excellent education from K-12, and the elementary school is within walking distance – a rarity in much of car-centric Silicon Valley. The presence of Maywood Park (the park) with its playground, sports facilities, and open space is like having an extended backyard for every family. Parents will also appreciate the sense of community – neighbors look out for each other, and children find plenty of playmates on the block. The stories from long-time residents about kids roaming freely and enjoying the neighborhood in the 1950s are coming true again today eichlernetwork.com. For a modern family that wants both quality education and a wholesome environment, Maywood Park is ideal.
Design and Architecture Enthusiasts: Fans of mid-century modern design are naturally drawn to Maywood Park. Here you can own a piece of 1950s modernist history – a home with bona fide mid-century architecture (often including original elements designed by Anshen & Allen) but at a fraction of the cost of a comparable Eichler in, say, Palo Alto. The neighborhood has become somewhat of a hidden gem for architecture lovers. Many homeowners lovingly maintain the mid-century aesthetic, and you’ll see features like Eichler-style globe lights, clerestory windows, and period-appropriate landscaping (think agave plants and retro breeze block fences) that make the whole area photogenic and special. Living here offers the joy of daily experiencing classic California Modern style – the play of light and shadow from the exposed beams, the view of your private zen garden through floor-to-ceiling glass, the minimalist lines that inspire uncluttered, modern living. There are even local networks and contractors familiar with Mackay/Eichler homes for those who want to restore or renovate in style. In short, Maywood Park is mecca for mid-century aficionados who want authenticity without pretension.
Professionals and Tech Workers: For young professionals (single or couples) working in Silicon Valley, Maywood Park offers an attractive lifestyle upgrade from apartment or townhouse living. You get a single-family home with a yard (perhaps room for that home office or hobby workshop) in a charming neighborhood, while being exceptionally close to major employers. The convenience of the commute – especially to Apple or other Santa Clara/Cupertino companies – means more time to relax at home. And when working from home, what better environment than a bright, open mid-century space with floor-to-ceiling glass looking out on greenery? Many tech workers who appreciate design find this neighborhood a perfect fit, as it reflects a certain creative, independent spirit (versus cookie-cutter developments). Plus, Santa Clara’s lower utility costs (thanks to Silicon Valley Power) mean running all those devices and air conditioning won’t break the bank compared to surrounding areas.
Investors and Developers: Real estate investors see a lot to love in Maywood Park’s fundamentals. The Cupertino school district alignment ensures perennial demand (families will always want to get in). The mid-century modern cachet has only grown with time, suggesting values will continue to benefit as more people appreciate these homes. Some investors have bought smaller original-condition Mackays and tastefully updated them – knowing that a stylish remodel that respects the architecture can command top dollar from eager buyers. The neighborhood’s price trajectory has been strong, and since supply is fixed (no new homes can be added except replacing old ones), it’s a relatively safe long-term hold. Even as an income property, a 3-bedroom home here can fetch high rents given the school district and proximity to jobs. There is also an upside for redevelopment: as we saw with a recent teardown-rebuild project, the land is so valuable that building a larger modern home could be profitable while still fitting the community character. That said, any investor should be mindful of the local pride in the neighborhood’s look – overly large or out-of-character constructions might face pushback. But overall, as an investment, Maywood Park has a track record of strong appreciation and resilient value, making it attractive for those looking to invest in Silicon Valley real estate.
Empty Nesters / Retirees: Interestingly, the neighborhood can also appeal to older buyers who want single-story living (no stairs) and a pleasant, peaceful environment. With the kids gone, some might downsize from larger Bay Area homes to a manageable 3/2 Mackay where they can enjoy gardening in the courtyard and walking in the park. They still remain near world-class amenities (cultural venues, medical centers like Kaiser Santa Clara, etc., are nearby) but in a quieter zone. The community’s friendly vibe certainly can be comforting for retirees. And if grandchildren come to visit, the park and space are perfect for family gatherings.
In conclusion, Maywood Park is a rare find: a neighborhood that encapsulates the best of Silicon Valley living – innovation, community, and opportunity – all grounded in a rich sense of history and design. Its geographic location gives residents urban convenience and suburban calm. Its mid-century modern Mackay homes deliver style, character, and a connection to a transformative era of architecture. The Cupertino schools and family-friendly amenities speak to a nurturing environment focused on the future of the next generation. The community spirit and preserved mid-century atmosphere give it a charming, almost nostalgic quality in an area often dominated by new developments. And the ever-present draw of Silicon Valley’s tech economy ensures it remains a vibrant and prosperous place to live.
For homebuyers seeking an engaging blend of design, education, and location, Maywood Park checks all the boxes. It invites you to become part of a living story – one that started in the 1950s with John Mackay’s dream of modern living, and continues today with each family and individual who adds their chapter. Whether you’re a young family planting roots, a tech innovator drawing inspiration from your mid-century home office, or an investor betting on timeless value, Maywood Park welcomes you with open arms, panoramic window walls, and the promise of a bright future in a truly special neighborhood.
Sources:
Eichler Network – Meet the Mackays (Dave Weinstein) eichlernetwork.com
Boyenga Team – John Calder Mackay: Modern California Architect boyengateam.com
Boyenga Team – Field Guide: Eichler vs. Mackay eichlerhomesforsale.com
Eichler Network – Research Trumps Rumor eichlernetwork.com
Neighborhoods.com – Maywood Park Overview neighborhoods.com
City of Santa Clara – Maywood Park Facility Details santaclaraca.gov
Eichler Homes For Sale (Boyenga Team) – The Timeless Appeal of Mackay Homes eichlerhomesforsale.com