Piedmont has long occupied a unique place in the East Bay real estate market. While buyers can often find larger homes elsewhere in Oakland or neighboring communities, many continue to prioritize Piedmont because of its schools, community atmosphere, and long-term desirability. One of the most common questions I hear is simple: "What does about $2 million buy in Piedmont today?"

The answer depends on location, condition, and architectural style, but understanding the broader picture helps explain why buyers continue to compete for homes in this small city of fewer than 12,000 residents.

What Does Approximately $2 Million Buy in Piedmont?

In today's market, a budget around the $2 million range can provide access to a variety of property types…

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June 11, 2026

The East Bay offers no shortage of attractive communities, from hillside estates in Oakland to elegant homes in Berkeley and Lafayette. Yet Piedmont continues to occupy a category of its own. Buyers who explore the luxury market throughout the East Bay often find themselves returning to the same conclusion: there simply isn't another place quite like Piedmont.

An Independent City With a Strong Identity

Unlike many neighborhoods that fall under the jurisdiction of a larger municipality, Piedmont operates as its own city. Residents benefit from dedicated city services, a strong sense of civic engagement, and a community identity that has remained remarkably consistent over time.

This independence contributes to the character of the…

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When CBS announced its new television series "Cupertino", curiosity quickly followed. Was the show inspired by the real Cupertino, California? Does it accurately portray life in one of Silicon Valley's most recognizable communities? And perhaps most importantly for locals, what exactly is fact versus Hollywood fiction?

While the television series takes creative liberties, the real Cupertino has long captured national attention for entirely different reasons. Home to Apple Park, top-performing public schools, and some of the most sought-after neighborhoods in Silicon Valley, Cupertino has become synonymous with innovation, education, and an exceptional quality of life.

Is CBS's "Cupertino" Based on the Real Cupertino?

Although CBS has drawn…

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When most people think about luxury real estate, they focus on square footage, finishes, or price. Yet one of the most valuable features of a property is often the one that cannot be replaced: land.

In Piedmont, some of the city's most desirable homes sit on residential lots that would be difficult — or impossible — to recreate today. As development opportunities throughout the Bay Area become increasingly limited, larger parcels continue to command significant buyer interest.

Why Lot Size Matters in Piedmont

A home can be remodeled, expanded, or rebuilt. A lot generally cannot. This simple reality is one reason why buyers often place a premium on larger parcels. Additional land can provide:

  • Greater privacy from neighboring homes
  • Mature…

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When most buyers think about Cupertino real estate, neighborhoods like Monta Vista often receive the majority of attention. Monta Vista's reputation, schools, and luxury homes have made it one of the most recognizable neighborhoods in Silicon Valley. However, buyers willing to look beyond the obvious choices often discover a neighborhood that offers many of the same advantages while maintaining a more approachable price point: Rancho Rinconada.

Located in the eastern portion of Cupertino's 95014 ZIP code, Rancho Rinconada has quietly become one of the city's most attractive neighborhoods for buyers seeking location, convenience, schools, and long-term value.

For a complete neighborhood overview, visit our Rancho Rinconada Real Estate Guide.

What…

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Why Monta Vista High School Continues to Influence Home Values in Cupertino

Few schools have a greater impact on local real estate values than Monta Vista High School in Cupertino. Consistently ranked among California's top public high schools, Monta Vista has become one of the primary drivers of housing demand throughout western Cupertino.

For many buyers relocating to Silicon Valley, the school district is often just as important as the home itself. Families frequently begin their home search by identifying desired school attendance areas before narrowing their focus to specific neighborhoods.

A Reputation Built Over Decades

Monta Vista High School has earned a national reputation for academic excellence, strong college preparation programs,…

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280 Indian Road Piedmont CA — A Rare Mediterranean Estate Offered at $22,500,000

There are homes that impress with size, and there are homes that linger in memory because they create an atmosphere that is nearly impossible to replicate.

This extraordinary Mediterranean estate at 280 Indian Road in Piedmont belongs firmly in the latter category.

A Private European-Inspired Estate in the Heart of Piedmont

Tucked behind a gated entry and surrounded by more than four acres of magnificent grounds, the residence immediately evokes the timeless romance of a European villa, while quietly incorporating every modern luxury expected in a world-class estate.

Completed in 2007 with interiors by the celebrated design firm Tucker & Marks, the home is a…

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Updated September 2026

The affordable housing planned at The Rise in Cupertino has changed substantially since the former Vallco Mall redevelopment was first approved under California's SB 35 law. The original 2018 SB 35 project proposed 2,402 homes, including 1,201 affordable homes. A later version increased the overall residential count to 2,669 homes while reducing the affordable component to approximately 890 homes. The current plan continues to include approximately 2,669 homes overall but calls for approximately 356 affordable homes.

Those numbers can be confusing because they come from different versions of the project and different affordability calculations. They also should not be confused with Town Square West, the first major phase of…

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Growing Up at 235 Highland Avenue in Piedmont

First time on the market in over 50 years, 235 Highland Avenue is more than a classic Tudor Revival home — it is a property deeply connected to the traditions, walkability, and community life that continue to define Piedmont today.

Located prominently at the corner of Highland Avenue and Oakland Avenue, directly across from Havens Elementary School, the home has been part of the same family since 1972. Over the decades, it became more than simply a place to live. It became the backdrop for friendships, traditions, neighborhood gatherings, and everyday routines that continue to shape how the family remembers growing up in Piedmont.

235 Highland Avenue Tudor Revival home in Piedmont CA across from Havens Elementary and near downtown Piedmont.

A Childhood Centered Around Community

There are some places…

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The Rise redevelopment at the former Vallco Mall site in Cupertino, California

Cupertino’s long-anticipated redevelopment of the former Vallco Mall site, now known as The Rise, has taken a major turn. What was once positioned as one of the South Bay’s most important housing projects is now moving forward with a significantly smaller affordable housing component than many expected.

For buyers, investors, and anyone watching Silicon Valley development, this is more than a planning update. It is a real-world example of how difficult it has become to build large-scale housing in the Bay Area, especially when rising costs, delays, and political friction collide.

What Is The Rise in Cupertino?

The Rise is the redevelopment of the former Vallco Mall property in Cupertino, located near Apple Park and one of the most…

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