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Those who crave a lifestyle that includes easy access to mountains and shorelines will find Mountain View a perfect fit. Located in the San Francisco Bay Area, in the heart of the Silicon Valley, the city has 76,000 residents who thrive within an abundance of natural beauty and healthy industry. The city is remarkably safe and family-friendly, thanks to an excellent school system. With all that to offer, Mountain View is a great choice for people with children or those just starting their careers.
The median age of Mountain View residents is 34.6 years; half of the population is between the ages of 20 and 54. A bevy of industries, especially tech and research, keep the city humming. Well-known tech companies, including Google, Mozilla and Intuit, are headquartered in Mountain View. Because of the city’s industry and proximity to San Francisco International Airport—offering flights to 37 international cities—Mountain View’s population is diverse and well-educated.
You won’t often need a car to navigate Mountain View; the public transit system provides access to all points within the city, San Francisco and the airport. But you might want a bike, given the large number of bike paths. Mountain View is known for its beautiful parks, well-built playgrounds and other free recreational facilities. Don’t get too cozy in your own neighborhood; there’s much to see beyond The bustling city of San Francisco is a mere 35 miles north, and the Santa Cruz Mountains, home to Big Basin Redwoods State Park, California’s oldest state park, is about 37 miles to the east.
Mountain View has no shortage of entertainment options. The Center for Performing Arts, located downtown, is a world-class facility offering locals and visitors everything from ballet to musical theater. Downtown Mountain View is teeming with restaurants, farmers’ markets, music events and festivals for all ages, including the Thursday Night Live festivals.