Google headquarters are located in this hip, diverse city in the heart of Silicon Valley.
As the home of one of the biggest tech companies in the world, Google, Mountain View's reputation as the heart of Silicon Valley precedes it. This hip and diverse town between the San Francisco Bay and the Santa Cruz Mountains is known for its creative atmosphere and thriving economic base that includes small businesses and international corporations.
Mountain View residents even receive free, public, outdoor Wi-Fi, primarily within the downtown district, courtesy of Google. Once a blue-collar town, Mountain View has evolved and grown substantially into a high-tech hub that serves as a base for notable companies like LinkedIn and Intuit. There is even a NASA research center located in the city.
What to Love
Home of The Google Complex
Access to free Wi-Fi
Excellent school system
Beautiful Shoreline Park
Many family-friendly attractions
Lively downtown area
People & Lifestyle
Mountain View is consistently ranked as one of the best suburbs to live in and one of the best to raise a family. Young professionals, innovators, families, students, and couples without children flock to Mountain View because of its trendy vibe and technology-centered community.
The downtown area is walkable and dotted with several great bars, restaurants, and nightlife options. With great schools, proximity to the Google campus, a lively downtown, and several neighborhoods to choose from, it's easy to see why Mountain View is highly regarded by locals and visitors alike.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Amber India in Mountain View is the flagship location of this upmarket Indian chain known for spicy specialties and a fantastic lunch buffet. There is no better option for excellent and authentic Indian cuisine.
Stop by Roger Bar & Restaurant for happy hour or meet up with friends for a cocktail at this new open-air dining establishment with an indoor/outdoor bar. For something more traditional, South Bay's premier craft cocktail destination, The Emerald Hour, offers a fresh take on classic cocktails made with high-end spirits.
Mountain View's other international offerings include the Michelin-recommended tapas spot Cascal for Pan-Latin cuisine and the Michelin-starred contemporary French restaurant, Chez TJ. Scratch is a New American spot serving comfort food in downtown Mountain View if classic American eats are more your style.
Top off your meal with a trip to Alexander's Patisserie, where guests can peruse lit cases full of colorful pastries, macarons, tarts, and other tasty treats.
Things to Do
Mountain View features numerous parks, open space preserves, and trail systems for outdoorsy types. Stevens Creek Trail is a scenic, multi-use trail weaving through the tidal marshlands across Stevens Creek popular for walking, cycling, dog walking, and wildlife-watching.
Shoreline Regional Park is home to the heavily-trafficked Bay Trail and the picturesque Shoreline Lake, a scenic spot for strolling, bird-watching, hiking, biking, and other recreational activities. Other notable outdoor areas include the neighborhood spot Cuesta Park and the small, serene Pioneer Memorial Park.
The award-winning Mountain View Farmers Market has provided the community with fresh produce, handcrafted products, arts and crafts for more than two decades. Those who like theater and musical performances frequent Shoreline Amphitheater, an outdoor venue on the shores of Shoreline Lake that offers a range of entertainment throughout the year.
Educational pursuits are in abundance in Mountain View. Visit the NASA Ames Visitor Center to learn more about NASA’s work and see fascinating exhibits. Moffett Field Historical Society Museum showcases a variety of exhibits documenting the history of aviation and aircraft. Then there is the famous Computer History Museum, dedicated to preserving artifacts from the information age.
Schools
Known for its highly-educated population, Mountain View boasts an excellent public school system and several top-notch private schools.