New Townhome Development in Santa Clara

Shea homes has resumed development on their Boulevard project in Santa Clara. After leaving the project dormant for almost a year they have opened up their sales center and resumed construction. This is one of many townhome developments in the the Santa Clara and Sunnyvale areas that buyers should consider for home buying.

I visited the new Santa Clara development a few months ago to take a look at the product. Being familiar with the area I remember the site when it was previously Underwriter's Laboratory which occupied the current location. Although its not my favorite location in Santa Clara, I will admit that their are some advantages. Its very close to El Camino, Mervyn's Plaza and other shopping. Unfortunately the Albertsons and Mervyns are now gone, but there remains other shopped and conveniences near buy especially for the ethnic Indian community..

[caption id="attachment_208" align="alignright" width="342" caption="Interior of Shea Homes Boulevard Model"][/caption]

The stlye of townhomes is tri-level with a rear garage, no back yard or limited private out door space. Similar to which Shea built in Rivermark a few years back. However, the floorplans are quite different. They offer three floor plans named after famous jazz musicians; Armstrong, Ellington, and Coltrane.

They are quite versatile and would work for different individuals and life styles. The Armstrong has a first level bedroom and a top floor bedroom, with living area and kitchen on the middle floor. The Ellington has a downstairs den, which my experience is usually not as utilized, and two upstairs suites and again living area and kitchen in the middle floor. The Coltrane, has a 2-3 bedroom configuration. Two upstairs bedrooms and a first floor bedroom, with living and kitchen on the middle floor. Each have well designed living and kitchen areas. Bathrooms are not as large as their Rivermark counterparts but functional of course.

Don't fall for the lavishly decorated models, those come at an upgraded price and your unit is not likely to look anything like that. Kitchen amenities are fine, with different styles to choose from, interior of the cabinets are still melamine. Another nice feature is the garages are all two car side by side, which make it very convenient. And now that they have dropped their prices about 10 percent, it makes for a better deal. Amenities are simple, which I feel most prefer. A small park or plaza type area in the middle of the development, no pool or clubhouse but that will keep the HOA low, and I'm sure that's more of what the homeowners are looking for. I would give the overall development a B- citing mostly location as a drawback and still feel price and incentives should be higher.

Pruneridge Villas in Santa Clara

[caption id="attachment_200" align="alignleft" width="320" caption="Exterior Pruneridge Villas Townhome"][/caption]

The Pruneridge Villas are located in the old commercial lot adjacent to the Chevron gas station and the Oakridge apartments on Pruneridge Avenue near the Westwood Oaks neighborhood of Santa Clara.

Rockwell homes has constructed 8 tri-level style townhomes in the location. The townhomes are 2 bedroom 2.5 bath units approximately 1400 squar feet with 2 car garages and back yard patios. I applaud the developers ability to construct some back yard space for these units, all to often this style of townhome features no private outside area.

Schoolwise there are located in the Cupertino School District with enrollement area encompasing Eisenhower Elementary, Hyde Middle and Cupertino High. For brand new homes and good schools there appears to be some good value here for home buyers.

[caption id="attachment_201" align="alignright" width="320" caption="Interior of Pruneridge Villas Townhome"][/caption]

The Floor plan is typical for a tri-level style townhome development. The first level is the garage, second level kitchen and living area, and third level is the two bedrooms which are both suites. Bedroom sizes are reasonable, living room size is spacious. Kitchen I felt to be a bit small and closed in. I would have preferred to see a open kitchen with center island, wouldn't we all. Decor and amenities, I would rate as a B. The home used granite and tile in the bathrooms and kitchen, colors where not pleasing to me, but this is personal tasted. Kitchen cabinetry was decent as were the entry level stainless steel appliances.

Overall considering the price tag of $600K I feel these are a reasonable value, and buyers who are looking for a townhomes in the Cupertino School District should try and negotiate and purchase one of these units.

Santana Row Short Sale

Great Santana Row loft with spacious exterior patio. This unit features a one bedroom one and a half baths and den. Open living area with dramatic 22 foot tall ceilings and large windows. Unit also features an extra dedicated parking spot and custom paint. Check out the slideshow for the contemporary decor.