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Pierce Ranch

Pierce Ranch

Neighborhood in San Jose, California

Santa Clara County 95120

$2,369,612 Average Value
$989 Average Price per Sq Ft
2 Homes For Sale

Pierce Ranch sits at the edge of the countryside in suburban Almaden Valley

For much of the 20th century, Pierce Ranch was a vast dairy farm tucked away in the hills that extend from Almaden Valley out towards the rolling Santa Cruz Mountain Range. The farm shut its doors in the 1970s, and it was eventually replaced by suburban homes that sit just north of the California countryside. Today’s residents enjoy Almaden Valley’s highly rated schools, safe streets and enviable proximity to outdoor recreation in the rural expanse south of San Jose. “Almaden Valley is one of the most desirable areas in San Jose. It’s primarily residential, and it’s got some award-winning schools,” says Realtor Doug Goss of KW Bay Area Estates, who lives in Pierce Ranch.

Pierce Ranch offers suburban comfort near the hills of Almaden Valley and Santa Cruz Mountains.
Pierce Ranch offers suburban comfort near the hills of Almaden Valley and Santa Cruz Mountains.
Pierce Ranch delivers suburban peace with quick access to Almaden Valley’s natural beauty.
Pierce Ranch delivers suburban peace with quick access to Almaden Valley’s natural beauty.
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Pierce Ranch borders the sprawling mountains of Quicksilver County Park

Almaden Meadows Park, at the northern tip of the neighborhood, offers 15 acres of hilly open space, a playground and walking paths that cut across its meadows and stands of old oak trees. The vistas at the top of the hill offer up some nice views of the Valley. At the opposite end of the neighborhood are the hills and canyons of Almaden Quicksilver County Park. Covering more than 4,000 acres, the park sits atop San Jose’s long-defunct mercury mines. It has an array of hiking and mountain biking trails as well as a large reservoir where people can fish and boat. “I go to the park at least four or five times a week. There’s an entrance in the neighborhood. I usually do a two- or three-mile loop, but if you really wanted, you could do 20 miles. That’s how big it is,” Goss says.

Welcome to Almaden Quicksilver County Park.
Welcome to Almaden Quicksilver County Park.
Hike from Pierce Ranch to Guadalupe Reservoir, a hidden gem in Almaden Quicksilver Park.
Hike from Pierce Ranch to Guadalupe Reservoir, a hidden gem in Almaden Quicksilver Park.
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Almaden Valley schools are among the best-rated in San Jose

Students attend highly rated San Jose schools, starting with Simonds Elementary, which gets an A-minus rating from Niche, followed by B-plus-rated Castillero Middle. The last four years can be spent at A-minus-rated Pioneer High School. The high school is a magnet school of science and technology in addition to putting an emphasis on community service-related projects. It’s a four-time winner of the California Distinguished Schools Award. “Simonds Elementary and Castillero Middle are very close. You could walk to school there. The high school is a little further out,” Goss says.

Simonds Elementary in San Jose combines engaged teaching with a vibrant and inclusive school community.
Simonds Elementary in San Jose combines engaged teaching with a vibrant and inclusive school community.
Pioneer High School in San Jose offers strong academics and a spirited school community.
Pioneer High School in San Jose offers strong academics and a spirited school community.
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Newer homes on suburban streets

Pierce Ranch’s homes were primarily built in the late 1970s and ‘80s, although there are a handful that were built in the early 2000s as well. They typically feature Traditional architecture with Mediterranean flourishes like stucco walls and red-tiled rooftops. Peek-a-boo views of the mountains and backyard swimming pools are common features in the neighborhood. Prices range from $2 million to $3.5 million, putting it well-above the San Jose median. Safety is also part of the appeal — the neighborhood gets a CAP Index Crime Score of 1 out of 10, compared to 4 nationally.

Custom contemporary home in Pierce Ranch features arched stone entry and lush drought-tolerant garden.
Custom contemporary home in Pierce Ranch features arched stone entry and lush drought-tolerant garden.
Transitional ranch in Pierce Ranch combines modern updates with classic Almaden Valley charm.
Transitional ranch in Pierce Ranch combines modern updates with classic Almaden Valley charm.
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Residents shop at small commercial strips close to home

There are several small shopping strips nearby, including Almaden Oaks Plaza, where residents can stop off at Lucky grocery store and a handful of shops and restaurants. There’s also Redwood Plaza, which features several local eateries, a thrift store and a small grocer. The plaza is home to La Playita, a cozy Mexican restaurant with an outdoor patio that serves up Latin American classics. For everything else, it’s about 10 miles to Downtown San Jose bustling downtown district.

Pierce Ranch locals shop and dine at nearby Almaden Oaks Plaza, home to Lucky and casual eateries.
Pierce Ranch locals shop and dine at nearby Almaden Oaks Plaza, home to Lucky and casual eateries.
La Playita brings bold flavors and a relaxed patio vibe just minutes from Pierce Ranch.
La Playita brings bold flavors and a relaxed patio vibe just minutes from Pierce Ranch.
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Getting around the Valley and beyond

Residents live in the outskirts of south San Jose, making commute times a little longer than those who are closer to the city’s urban core. State Routes 85 and 17 are about 5 miles away. Kaiser Permanente San Jose Medical Center is the nearest hospital, about 10 miles east of the neighborhood.

Kaiser Permanente San Jose Medical Center, 10 miles east, is the closest hospital to Pierce Ranch.
Kaiser Permanente San Jose Medical Center, 10 miles east, is the closest hospital to Pierce Ranch.
State Route 85 is just five miles from Pierce Ranch, offering easy access across San Jose and beyond.
State Route 85 is just five miles from Pierce Ranch, offering easy access across San Jose and beyond.
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Pierce Ranch is at risk for wildfires because of its proximity to the mountains

The neighborhood’s proximity to the mountains puts it at a high risk for wildfires. To help protect residents from fires, Santa Clara County created a Community Wildfire Protection Plan in 2016 to bolster the defenses of fire-prone areas.

Daniel Berti
Written By
Daniel Berti
Elie Karam
Photography Contributed By
Elie Karam

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Linda Baker, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Norman Y Mineta San Jose International

21 min drive

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Pierce Ranch US
Homicide 1 4
Sexual Assault 1 4
Assault with Weapon 1 4
Robbery 1 4
Burglary 1 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 1 4
Larceny 1 4
Crime Score 1 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$2,200,000
Median Single Family Price
$2,288,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$989
Number of Homes for Sale
2
Last 12 months Home Sales
26
Months of Supply
0.90
Median List Price
$2,295,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
2%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-2%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
568
Median Year Built
1981
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,403
Above the national average
1,937
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
7,405

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Linda Baker, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
1,672
Median Age
46
Population Density
1 person/acre
Population under 18
23.9%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
20.2%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$224,658
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$224,873

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
94.9%
College Graduates
73.2%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
31.2%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
57.2%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
17''
Average Winter Low Temperature
43°F
Average Summer High Temperature
82°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

35 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

28 / 100

Some Transit

Transit Score®

26 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Pierce Ranch
Linda Baker
Milestone Realty
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