Moving to the South Bay: A Practical Guide

Compare cities, then neighborhoods

Each of Diana's community guides covers where homes are, home prices, getting around and the school districts, with links to official sources. Start with two or three cities near work, then look at neighborhoods within them.

Getting around

Caltrain runs up the Peninsula from San José to San Francisco, VTA runs light rail and buses across the county, and BART reaches Milpitas and San José's Berryessa station. Many employers run shuttles. Try the commute at rush hour before you choose.

School districts

Many South Bay cities are served by more than one school district, and boundaries do not follow city lines. Check any address with the district itself before you rely on it. You can also search homes by school district.

Setting up utilities

PG&E provides gas and delivers electricity in most cities. In San José the power itself is bought by San José Clean Energy, and in many other cities by Silicon Valley Clean Energy, with PG&E still delivering it and sending the bill. Palo Alto and Santa Clara run their own electric utilities (City of Palo Alto Utilities and Silicon Valley Power). Water and trash depend on the city. Set them up a week or two before you move in.

After you move

• Driver's license: California asks new residents to get one within 10 days
• Vehicle registration: within 20 days
• Register to vote at your new address
• File for the homeowners' exemption if you bought (see the property tax guide)

Buying from out of the area

Diana works with buyers who are moving here, with video tours, disclosure reviews and offers signed online. Contact Diana to plan a visit or a remote search.