San Martin offers rural living outside of Silicon Valley
San Martin is a rural, unincorporated community in the Santa Clara Valley, situated between Morgan Hill and Gilroy . “It has a similar climate to the Napa Valley,” says Matt Telfer, broker and owner of South County Realty, who is a fifth-generation resident of Morgan Hill. “We get dry summers and wet winters. There’s also a fog influence that comes off the ocean and cools us off at night.” The valley’s climate has allowed vineyards and other forms of agriculture to thrive throughout San Martin. With access to transportation and proximity to Silicon Valley, it also appeals to commuters who are looking for more space.
Silicon Valley Skydiving and equestrian centers keep residents active
While nearby Morgan Hill and Gilroy have community parks with ball fields and playgrounds, San Martin’s rural setting accommodates large-scale hobbies. At the San Martin Airport, aspiring pilots can take private lessons, and Silicon Valley Skydiving offers skydiving classes. There are also several equestrian centers where locals can learn everything from basic horsemanship to horse archery.
The surrounding hills are home to additional recreation areas. To the east, the nearly 7,000-acre Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear Ranch County Park is open to camping, hiking and seasonal boating. The CordeValle resort, in the valley just west of the community, features an 18-hole golf course, pickleball courts and a pool that members can use.
Homes with acreage in San Martin
Along the relatively flat valley floor, private driveways branch off from paved roads, and decorative fences often line the edges of yards and hobby farms. “It’s not a subdivision community,” Telfer says. “There are a lot of ranchettes and homes with acreage.” Housing options include a mix of ranch-style residences and Mediterranean-inspired custom builds. Compact cottages and fixer-uppers may sell in the $500,000 to $1 million range, but the majority of sales run between $1.1 million and $2.83 million.
Homeowners maintain their own septic systems and wells. Heavy rains can cause flooding, especially near waterways, so lenders may require flood insurance. The area's CAP Index Crime Score is 2 out of 10, below the national average of 4.
Most kids attend Morgan Hill schools
Some children attend schools within the Gilroy Unified School District, but most San Martin residents are zoned for the Morgan Hill Unified School District. Both districts receive overall B-plus ratings from Niche. Morgan Hill Unified allows transfers within the district, and placement is determined by an annual lottery. San Martin/Gwinn Environmental Science Academy is a dual-language immersion school, and it gets a C from Niche. Britton Middle School and Live Oak High School earn B ratings. The district has partnered with San José State University to ensure that any high school graduate who meets SJSU’s admission requirements gets a spot.
Farm stands, wineries and the long-standing Rocca’s Market
A few businesses line the edges of Monterey Road, including a Boot Barn and the San Martin Café, known for its hearty breakfasts. Rocca’s Market — a Monterey Road landmark since the 1920s — sells locally sourced meats and sandwiches. Throughout the rest of San Martin, small plant nurseries, farm stands and boutique wineries dot the landscape. Many of the wineries serve light meals, but for more dining options, residents drive into Morgan Hill, which has a walkable downtown area filled with restaurants. Morgan Hill also has several grocery chains, including Safeway and Trader Joe’s, and big-box retail and outlet stores are in Gilroy.
Small winery events in San Martin, and Morgan Hill has more
Some San Martin area vineyards host live music or tastings on weekends and holidays, and the Wings of History Air Museum periodically holds food truck gatherings and open houses. Larger events take place in Gilroy and Morgan Hill, including the Morgan Hill Mushroom Festival, which often draws thousands of people.
Caltrain and VTA bus access, but many people drive to work
The community has a Caltrain station and a few Valley Transportation Authority bus stops, but many residents choose to travel by car, Telfer says. U.S. Route 101 connects drivers to San Jose , less than 30 miles northwest, and San Francisco is roughly 80 miles away. Emergency care is available through the St. Louise Regional Hospital, around 5 miles south in Gilroy, and the San Jose Mineta International Airport is about 30 miles away.
