Places

New Home Development

Aerial view of the new home development on Dairy Hill, c. 2005

The late 20th and early 21st centuries witnessed major changes to Dairy Hill and its surroundings. Dairy Hill comprised one portion of a much larger plan to develop housing throughout the Communications Hill area. One of the few "undeveloped" parcels left in the City of San José, the area was highly coveted to help ease the intense housing crunch in Silicon Valley. The masterplan for development on Communications Hill utilized "smart growth" principles. The approach calls for higher-density housing, such as townhomes, with stores, restaurants, and other services within walking distance, to maximize land use within the city.

Dairy Hill's particular development includes attached homes and townhomes as well as closely-sited detached homes with alley-loaded garages located beneath the home, thereby reducing the area devoted to vehicles. A playground, open green space, and well-lit sidewalks encourage residents to enjoy the out-of-doors while staying close to home. The place is vastly different in character from earlier home developments in the suburbs of San José, where most homes are ranch-style and each home has its own yard.

Learn more about the Things from Dairy Hill's History