Are you considering moving to Milpitas CA? This vibrant city offers the best of both worlds: it’s right next to big tech companies yet maintains a welcoming, small-town feel with comparatively affordable housing.
Milpitas began growing rapidly in the 1970s, driven by Silicon Valley’s expanding tech industry, which brought both manufacturing and corporate offices to the area. Today, many young professionals are choosing Milpitas as their home, making it an increasingly attractive community in California.
Living in Milpitas CA can be a smart decision, especially if you’re relocating to California from another state. People are drawn here for the prime location, convenient access to jobs, reasonable housing options, and strong education.
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Where Is Milpitas CA?
Located in Santa Clara County on the southern edge of the San Francisco Bay, Milpitas sits within the vibrant suburbs of Silicon Valley, just minutes from San Jose. The drive from San Jose to Milpitas is about 11 miles, while heading north along the freeway, Milpitas CA to Fremont is 12 miles, and about 35 miles to Oakland.
To the east, the Diablo Range foothills offer sweeping views, hiking trails, golf courses, and even vineyards. Several creeks flow down from the hills, crossing Milpitas on their way to the San Francisco Bay to the northwest.
Milpitas is also well-connected. The BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) system links the city to the East Bay, while the VTA Rail and Buss Network makes commuting around Silicon Valley convenient. On top of that, Milpitas is considered bike-friendly, so getting around without a car is entirely doable.
Milpitas Population and Demographics
The population living in Milpitas CA is 77,321 people, growing by 16% since 2010. An attractive location and welcoming vibe make it popular for families. The population has a significant Asian majority, with 71% of the people living in Milpitas CA, Asian.
Demographic data for people living in Milpitas CA:
- 48% female and 52% male
- 20% of the population is younger than 18 years old, slightly below the national average of 21.7% Persons over 65 years old were 13.1%, with the national average at 17.7%
- Median age 38.6 years
- Median household income in Milpitas CA is $179,727
- The racial and ethnic composition of people living in Milpitas CA, is 71% Asian, 13% Hispanic or Latino, 10% White, 2% Black. 57.4% are foreign-born, versus 27.3% in California.
- 89.5% of the adult residents have graduated from high school, and 60.8% have a bachelor’s degree or higher.
- The average household size is 2.9 persons, slightly higher than the national average household size of 2.54.
Milpitas Crime Rate
How Safe is Milpitas CA? Overall, yes, living in Milpitas is generally considered safe. The city reports about 37 crimes per 1,000 residents, which may look high at first glance, but there’s an explanation. Violent crime rates are well below both the national average and California’s average. The higher overall figure comes mainly from property-related offenses, with theft being the most common.
There are roughly 34 property crimes per 1,000 residents, compared to the national average of 13.5. Much of this activity occurs in the southwest commercial area, which sees heavy daily traffic from businesses and visitors. For residents, this means the city feels much safer than the statistics might suggest.
Milpitas also has a friendly, community-oriented atmosphere. The city is served by the Milpitas Police Department, with a force of more than 94 officers working to keep the community safe.
Milpitas CA Cost of Living
Can I afford living in Milpitas, CA? The recommended budget for a family of four in Santa Clara County is around $193,000, one of the highest in the U.S. A common question is how the cost of living in Milpitas CA compares to the rest of the Bay Area. While real estate is still expensive by national standards, it is generally more affordable than areas west of San Jose.
Day-to-day living in Milpitas offers flexibility. The city has a wide range of grocery options, from ethnic specialty markets to a Walmart Supercenter, along with four large shopping malls and plenty of smaller shops and plazas.
Typical Expenses Living in Milpitas CA*
- 1 meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $20.50
- 1 gallon of milk: $5.63
- Loaf of fresh white bread: $4.68
- 1 pound of apples: $2.76
- 1 pound of potatoes: $1.94
- 1 gallon of gasoline: $4.83
- Average Milpitas utilities per month: $293.08
Source: Numbeo
*Prices for San Jose, as statistics for Milpitas are not available.
Milpitas Real Estate
Is housing affordable when moving to Milpitas CA? The median home price in Milpitas is about $1.3 million—well above the national average of $438,357 and the California average of $852,900. Living in Milpitas CA comes with typical Silicon Valley housing costs, though prices are well below those of some of the neighboring cities like Cupertino, Palo Alto, or Mountain View.
There are many new homes in Milpitas. The District, located near the BART station, offers modern townhouses and condos with excellent transit connections and a lively community atmosphere. The real estate market is very dynamic and competitive. Currently, buyers can find two-bedroom condos under $700,000, though closer to $800,000 is more realistic. A three-bedroom house typically starts around $1.4 million. Currently, there is a good selection of Milpitas homes for sale. If you’re thinking about buying a house in the Bay Area, it’s important to be well prepared.
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Most people in Milpitas own their homes (about 59%), but renting is also popular. You’ll find plenty of homes for rent in Milpitas, from studios to big family-sized units. On average, expect to pay around $3,200 a month Milpitas apartments for rent.
Milpitas Weather
Living in Milpitas, CA means enjoying a warm Mediterranean climate, with warm, dry summers and mild, comfortable winters. The best times to visit are late spring and early fall, when the weather is sunny and pleasant. July and August are the hottest months, but still comfortable, with most days in the low to mid-80s°F. In August, average daily highs are around 84°F, while in December, average lows dip to about 40°F. Overall, the climate stays pleasant year-round.
The most likely natural hazards in Milpitas are earthquakes and flooding, both of which are typical risks in the Bay Area.
Things to Do in Milpitas CA
Milpitas CA is primarily a calm, residential community with a focus on family-friendly living. The close proximity to San Jose, and at the same time to great outdoor activities, makes it a great place to live. Its close proximity to San Jose and access to a wide range of outdoor activities make it an attractive place to call home. Whether you enjoy culture, sports, or even boating on the Bay, Milpitas offers plenty of high-quality entertainment options.
The city hosts year-round community events, including farmers’ markets, festivals, and sports activities. Plus, residents living in Milpitas CA have easy access to the entire San Francisco Bay Area, making it convenient to explore all the region has to offer.
Great Mall
Milpitas is a premium shopping destination. The Great Mall offers a wide range of fashion stores, shops, and entertainment options, making it a great place for a family outing.
447 Great Mall Dr, Milpitas, CA 95035, (408) 956-2033
LEGOLAND Milpitas Discovery Center Bay Area
Located in the Great Mall, LEGOLAND Milpitas offers rides, play zones, and building workshops. The 4D cinema is awesome, and miniature LEGO replicas of Bay Area landmarks offer fun for both children and LEGO enthusiasts.
870 Great Mall Dr, Milpitas, CA 95035, (669) 213-0612
Ed R. Levin County Park
Right in Milpitas lie several parks that are popular with 19 miles of trails, a dog park, picnic areas, and two public golf courses.
Within the city, there are 30 parks, playgrounds, and green spaces to explore. Cardoza Park is a local favorite, especially on weekends, offering plenty of space for sports, picnics, and community gatherings.
3100 Calaveras Rd, Milpitas, CA 95035, (408) 262-6980
Milpitas Restaurants
There is a wide variety of great restaurants in Milpitas, offering authentic ethnic cuisine from around the world. Residents living in Milpitas CA can enjoy Chinese, Indian, Filipino, and many other flavors. Here’s a list of some local favorites to explore:
Kakuna Sushi
A highly rated sushi spot with a focus on fresh food made with high-quality ingredients. Portions are generous, with bento boxes and a wide variety of sushi options.
75 S Abbott Ave, Milpitas, CA 95035, (408) 824-5978
Ichika
An Asian fusion restaurant with a modern vibe. Menu highlights include popcorn chicken, sizzling beef plates, and Boba teas.
1728 N Milpitas Blvd, Milpitas, CA 95035, (669) 226-5215
Casa Azteca
A genuine Mexican restaurant with a great atmosphere for a relaxed dinner. Margaritas are a standout, and the menu offers solid, flavorful options.
20 N Abel St, Milpitas, CA 95035, (408) 946-0466
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Schools in Milpitas
Is living in Milpitas CA, a good place for families? Absolutely! With excellent schools, plenty of parks, and green spaces, Milpitas is a great place for families to settle. The Milpitas Unified School District includes ten elementary schools, two middle schools, and three high schools, serving over 10,000 students.
The schools are highly rated, placing the district in the top 10% of California school districts. Milpitas High School, the top-ranked school in the district, has an impressive score of 94/100. In addition to public schools, there are several private schools offering faith-based curricula, Montessori programs, or STEM-focused education. In addition, the Bay Area has several other private high schools to choose from.
For higher education, the Bay Area is home to some of the world’s best universities, including Stanford University, UCLA and Berkeley University, among many others.
The modernised Milpitas library provides a vibrant learning environment for the residents living in Milpitas CA.
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Milpitas Jobs
Interested in city of Milpitas jobs? Many people living in Milpitas, CA, work for companies throughout Silicon Valley. The city’s location provides easy access to major employers like Tesla, Cisco, Nvidia, and Samsung. In fact, Cisco is the largest single employer in Milpitas, followed by other tech firms. The biggest public employers are the Milpitas Unified School District and the City of Milpitas.
Smaller businesses in the area also offer service and retail jobs, which can often be found on Indeed.
A frequently asked question is what the commute from Milpitas to Silicon Valley is like. The median commute time for people living in Milpitas CA is 28 minutes, roughly in line with the California average of 29 minutes. Driving to many corporate campuses in the heart of Silicon Valley can take as little as 20 minutes, depending on traffic, although main roads like Calaveras Blvd can get busy during rush hour. Public transportation in Milpitas offers convenient and well-connected options to many of the big companies.
The average base salary in Milpitas CA is approximately $114,000 per year, well above the national average, reflecting the area’s strong tech-driven economy.
Milpitas Statistics and Information
- Milpitas County: Santa Clara, California
- Milpitas area: 13.5 square miles
- Milpitas CA zip code: 95035, 95036
- Milpitas area code: 408 and 669
- Milpitas time zone: Pacific Time Zone (UTC -7 and -8)
- The closest airport to Milpitas: San Jose International Airport, 7 miles from Milpitas.
Milpitas Map
Explore this map of Milpitas to find the best places to live and the most exciting things to do.
Is Living in Milpitas CA for You?
If you’re considering moving to Milpitas CA, our Milpitas movers can help. We offer a wide range of moving services to make your transition as smooth as possible. From packing and loading your belongings to transport and storage, Berkins can handle it all. Contact us today at (650) 284-2931 or fill out our online form to get started on a free quote!
