Having personally owned a 'Fakeler' (Fake Eichler) home in the Ranch Rinconada as well as an Uncle that owned an original back when they were slapped together in the 50's for the baby boomers I know of this area very well. This neighborhood has gone through a heavy transition over the last decade and is still transitioning into a more desireable, high-end neighborhood. There is still a good mix of large and small, older homes yet every year more and more of the 'Fakeler' homes are being torn down and rebuilt.

There are a few 'GIANTS' in the Rancho area that were built previously to the newer more restrictive building code. A typical lot in the Rancho is around 6000 sq. ft. which would now restrict you to a maximum total square footage of 2700 s.f. And the 2nd floor is restricted to 45% of the ground level floor.

The pros: an improving neighborhood, schools, and a great community to invest in.

Cons: Mix and match and minor crime still relevant.

"I turn your first-time home dreams into reality!"
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James Peterson..........................................................Phn: 408.836.9653
Keller Williams SV .......................................................Fax: 408.540.1781
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Hi Gowri,
The area was unincorporrated many years ago and hence you a mixture of very large newer homes next to smaller homes. Some or most of the older homes have 1 bathroom which can be an issue for a family of four. Construction of the older homes is not that great either. I'm not aware of the houses being in a flood zone. One reason the houses are cheaper, the schools being in Cupertino are not the best, but are good. Sedwick, Hyde and Cupertino high. However, you can apply for the alternative schools like Faria and Portal. As time goes the grades of the schools improve improve. Cupertino high is now in 3rd place next to Lynbrook and Montavista.
Getting back to the neigborhood, there are a large number of apt. complexes in a residential area.
Regards,
Roy, Sujit. sujitroy@yahoo.com

Pros: Cupertino schools, low price for entry-level homes in this district, convenient commute

Cons: modestly-built, poorly-insulated and small overall

Consider: inconsistent neighborhood - 50-year-old falling down shacks (land value) may be next to $1.5M luxury homes

Pros: 10 Year rate of return has been amazing!

One potential issue that there is a creek in RR. Homes close to it may require flood insurance and/or, (worse) may have foundation problems.

Grace:

Thanks for the insight! I appreciate it!

You are asking the Pros and Cons of buying a home in RR area of Cupertino.

1). Pros: The area has the lowest priced cupertino homes and the Cupertino schools are excellent here
such as Hyde middle and Cupertino High. It is a convenient locattion.

2). Cons:
The majority of those older homes were built without much insultation. It will be hot in the summer and cold in the winter. It cost $$ to warm or chill those kind of homes due to lack of insulation. A lot of them have large windows near roof line make it worse. This area is mixed in between small cracker box homes and the fancy large constructioned homes. It is not that uniform.

Thanks for the response Nina but we were hoping you would write about the problem with old construction in this neighborhood since this area construction mostly not complied with Cupertino code b/c it was not part of cupertino city 10 years ago!!

Hi Gowri,
Depends on what your personal needs are! The rancho rinconada area has some good homes, is a decent neighborhood....so there are so many aspects to buying a home, it all depends on what your needs are?? What are you looking for in your home?
Do get in touch with me, we can talk things through...
be well and safe, regards,
Nina Daruwalla