$4,894,114Average Value$1,502Average Price per Sq Ft1Home For Sale
Montalvo offers access to highly rated schools and hiking trails
Montalvo is a Saratoga neighborhood in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Although it is considered part of Silicon Valley, the tree-shaded streets and hilly setting lend a private, serene feel. “It’s kind of an exclusive community,” says Christine Perry, Realtor with Christie's International Real Estate Sereno, who grew up in the nearby Los Gatos area. “You’ve got great access to hiking trails, but it’s close to downtown Saratoga, where there are some amazing restaurants.” Children who live in Montalvo can attend Saratoga’s highly rated schools, another draw for some buyers.
The Santa Cruz Mountains frame everyday life around Montalvo.
A paved route through redwoods makes for a peaceful Montalvo walk.
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Villa Montalvo and Hakone Estate and Gardens anchor the neighborhood
Two of Saratoga’s most notable green spaces are in Montalvo. One of them is the community’s namesake, Villa Montalvo, which was once a privately owned estate. A portion of the property now serves as a county park with miles of forested hiking trails, and the home and its surrounding gardens are part of the Montalvo Arts Center, a popular event venue. The other is Hakone Estate and Gardens, home to a Japanese garden that was established over 100 years ago.
Other nearby attractions include the Saratoga Country Club, around 5 miles north. Members can use its nine-hole golf course, pool and tennis courts. Big Basin Way runs along the edge of the neighborhood, leading toward Sanborn County Park and Castle Rock State Park — both offer a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities. “You’re also about 10 minutes from the Mountain Winery,” Pullin says. “It’s a great space that hosts concerts and comedy shows.”
Steps open to Villa Montalvo’s Great Lawn and roomy picnic spots.
Saratoga Country Club adds golf and green space close to Montalvo.
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Custom homes in the Santa Cruz Mountains
Tall redwoods and Douglas firs provide shade for the flatter, northeastern section of Montalvo. From there, streets wind upward into the Santa Cruz Mountains, and live oaks line the edges. Houses typically rest at the end of private, paved driveways. “Homes are mostly custom, and there is a cool variety of styles — colonials and Mediterranean-style architecture,” Perry says. “Lots tend to be much bigger than in downtown Saratoga. It has a more woodsy, exclusive feeling, and some estates are gated.” Sales often range from around $3 million to $12 million.
A private driveway and wide lot capture Montalvo’s custom-home feel.
Some Montalvo homes are priced up to $12M in the Saratoga foothills.
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School options include Saratoga High
Montalvo residents are served by two different school districts: the Saratoga Union School District, which covers elementary and middle grades, and the Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District. Parents of elementary-aged children can rank their preferences for Argonaut, Foothill and Saratoga elementary schools. Placement depends on the number of seats available at the student’s grade level, and the district tries to keep siblings together when possible. All three elementary schools and Redwood Middle School earn A grades from Niche.
Saratoga High School receives an A-plus, and it is ranked the No. 1 college-prep high school in the Bay Area by Niche. High schoolers can take dual-enrollment classes through Saratoga’s West Valley College, and qualifying students can opt to spend their senior year at West Valley College.
Argonaut Elementary School serves student grades K-5.
Saratoga High School welcomes students grades 9-12.
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Proximity to renowned restaurants in Saratoga Village
Although the community has a somewhat secluded feel, it’s only a couple of miles from Historic Saratoga Village. This walkable downtown area features homes and businesses dating back to the 1800s, as well as art galleries, day spas and exercise studios. It is also known for its upscale restaurants, including The Hero Ranch Kitchen, a farm-to-table concept, and the Michelin-starred Plumed Horse.
On Saturday mornings, locals can shop for fresh produce at the farmers market on the West Valley College campus. Old Town Los Gatos, a large shopping center, and several major grocery chains are within a 5-mile radius.
International ingredients are easy to find near Montalvo and Saratoga.
A stop at Big Basin Cafe adds a cozy Saratoga Village ritual near Montalvo.
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Plays, cultural events and festivals in Montalvo
The Montalvo Art Center keeps an active calendar of year-round cultural events, including plays and concerts. The center tries to mitigate traffic during festivals by operating a shuttle service to and from an off-site parking lot. Hakone Estate and Gardens hosts regular tea ceremonies and lectures, as well as holiday celebrations.
Hakone Estate and Gardens is a great place to visit in Saratoga.
Families picnic near sculptures on the grounds of Villa Montalvo.
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Car travel for connecting with Silicon Valley jobs and services
Residents rely on cars for travel, and state Route 9 is the primary thoroughfare. The nearest entrance to the West Valley Freeway is about 5 miles away, and both Netflix's and Apple’s campuses are within a 10-mile drive. El Camino Health-Los Gatos Hospital is also less than 10 miles away, and San Jose Mineta International Airport is roughly 20 miles northeast.
Poor air quality is a concern throughout the Greater Bay Area.
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
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to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Montalvo
US
Homicide
2
4
Sexual Assault
1
4
Assault with Weapon
2
4
Robbery
3
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
3
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Montalvo Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Montalvo, Saratoga sell after 20 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Montalvo, Saratoga over the last 12 months is $6,675,000, up 16% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Ideal for building an estate, vineyard, or simply as a private retreat, the property offers a rare blend of tranquility and proximity just minutes from the heart of Silicon Valley, yet a world away in peaceful seclusion. Private trails throughout the property ideal for hiking, biking and trail riding. Some preliminary engineering completed, reports available. Utilities are at the street. Topo,
Discover a hidden gem high above Silicon Valley - a serene 8.8-acre parcel nestled within Saratoga's majestic Wildcat Ridge. Just minutes from downtown Saratoga, this tranquil property feels worlds away - ideal for a weekend nature retreat, private hiking or biking escape, or the future site of your dream home. Gated private road shared with your neighbors provides extra security. With its dense
This stunning mansion is located in Saratoga's most prestigious Montalvo neighborhood, and has just completed a beautiful interior remodel.. Wrought iron gates and granite cobblestone driveway welcome you to this one-of-a-kind masterpiece on almost one acre. The French limestone balustrades and dormer windows overlook exquisite landscaped gardens. The home features high-quality custom finishes,
Kirsten Marie TrapaniChristie's International Real Estate Sereno
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
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.
