The heart of Silicon Valley beats inside some of the most powerful tech campuses on Earth and many homes are right next door. Whether you’re eyeing a condo in Mountain View or a single-family home in Cupertino, the question often comes up: What’s it really like to live next to Google or Apple?

To find out, we spoke to actual neighbors living near these tech giants. Here’s what they had to say the good, the challenging, and the surprisingly ordinary.

The Neighborhoods in Focus

• Cupertino (Apple HQ): The homes around Apple Park range from older ranch-style houses to sleek new builds. You’ll find good schools, tight-knit neighborhoods, and… a lot of Teslas.
• Mountain View (Googleplex): Neighborhoods like Shoreline West, Old Mountain View, and North Whisman offer a mix of mid-century homes, townhouses, and newer developments. Close proximity to Google’s main campus and satellite offices means foot traffic and some high valuations.

The Perks of Living Next to Google or Apple

“My commute is a six-minute bike ride — and I don’t even break a sweat.”

— Marcus, lives off Middlefield Rd near Google HQ

Living next to your workplace is the kind of luxury most Americans dream about. For thousands of tech workers, this dream is a Mountain View or Cupertino zip code away. Many residents report almost surreal levels of walkability or bike access, especially those working at Google or Apple.

In addition to time saved, neighborhoods benefit from infrastructure investments. Roads are smooth. Bike lanes are freshly painted. City parks and public spaces? Immaculate.

“We’ve seen our home’s value triple since we bought in 2011.”

— Kavita, homeowner near Apple Park

It’s no secret: tech giants boost property values. Homes within a one-mile radius of Apple Park and Google HQ have consistently outperformed regional growth averages. Real estate here is often treated as a long-term asset with solid appreciation — even during market dips.

“There’s always something open, and the food options have improved a lot.”

— Diego, Old Mountain View resident

Thanks to tech employees, local businesses stay open later, and food choices have evolved. From vegan sushi to third-wave coffee, the area reflects the tastes (and paychecks) of a global workforce.

The Downsides You Might Not Expect Living Next to Google or Apple

“The traffic during event days? Forget it. You’re not getting anywhere fast.”

— Mei, lives near Wolfe Rd in Cupertino

While daily commute times may be short for employees, traffic congestion around these campuses can still be brutal during events, shift changes, or public town halls. Wolfe Road near Apple Park can get especially packed during peak hours.

“Parking is a headache when friends visit. People still treat our street like overflow.”

— Jorge, residential street near Google’s Charleston campus

In some areas, particularly near Googleplex, parking overflow has been an issue. Despite garage options on campus, some commuters still spill into surrounding neighborhoods. Some homeowners have petitioned for residential permit programs to keep their curbs clear.

“The homes around us are gorgeous, but some sit empty for months. Feels a little soulless sometimes.”

Priya, lives in a newer development near De Anza Blvd

With so many investors and executive-level buyers, some neighborhoods have a high concentration of part-time residents or renters. This can leave blocks feeling a bit transient, especially in newer luxury developments.

A Look at the Numbers

• Homes within 1 mile of Apple HQ appreciated an average of 6.8% annually over the past 10 years, outperforming Santa Clara County’s 5.2%.
• Mountain View homes near Googleplex consistently list between $1.4M to $2.3M, with townhomes and condos sometimes exceeding $1.1M.

Despite the high price tags, demand remains strong, not just from employees, but from families prioritizing school districts, walkability, and long-term investment value.

Living Next to Google or Apple, Final Word from RoosterListing

Living next to a tech campus isn’t for everyone, but for many, it’s a lifestyle upgrade. Proximity means convenience, higher property values, and access to a thriving, global neighborhood. If you’re interested in buying near Apple, Google, or any major tech hub in the Valley, we’re here to help you find a home that fits your life, not just your commute.