Sunnyvale was once an agricultural town, but you wouldn’t be able to tell by looking at its current status as a tech hub. This is one of the most sought-after cities to call home in the San Francisco Bay Area, thanks in part to its laid-back atmosphere, proximity to San Jose and San Francisco, and plethora of start-up companies. If you’re planning a move to Sunnyvale, here are some things you should know about this South Bay city.

Sunnyvale Has A Unified Public Safety Department

Courtesy of Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety

Want to sleep easier at night? Know this: Sunnyvale is one of just a handful of cities in the entire country that boasts a unified public safety department. What that means is that every single public safety employee is trained to be a firefighter, police officer, and EMT. No matter what type of emergency arises, any member of the public safety department has the necessary skills to show up on the scene. Need more evidence that it’s super safe to live in Sunnyvale? Sunnyvale was named the safest city in America by SmartAsset.com three years in a row.

Everything You Need Is Nearby

Napa Valley and some of the best wine in the country is just a drive away from Sunnyvale / Shutterstock

One reason Sunnyvale is such a sought-after place to live is its prime location. It’s less than an hour away from the two biggest cities in the Bay Area: San Francisco and San Jose. It’s also a short drive away from the Pacific Ocean, where you can go surfing, boating, and kayaking. Exploring California’s famous redwood forests or sampling wine in Napa Valley wine country are all great day trips you’ll be able to take when you live in this South Bay city. Not to mention Lake Tahoe and Yosemite National Park are the perfect spots to take your family for a long weekend or even a holiday retreat. 

It’s Bike-Friendly

A group of bike-poolers in Sunnyvale / Photo by Richard Masoner / CC BY-SA

The morning commute around Sunnyvale is not quite as congested as it is in some other Bay Area cities. A large reason for that is that many people opt to use the plethora of designated bike paths. Since the city has gone to great lengths to build bike paths and encourage residents to use them, the National League of American Bicyclists has named Sunnyvale a Bicycle Friendly Community for multiple years. 

The Community Loves Festivals

Courtesy of Downtown Sunnyvale

If you move to Sunnyvale, you’ll probably end up taking part in a festival or two. Sunnyvale loves its festivals, hosting a Summer Series music event with live performances. The city also holds an Arts and Wine Festival, as well as the Magic of Sunnyvale Wine Stroll. The city likes to give the community plenty of excuses to come together in a festive atmosphere and enjoy a little wine now and then.

Fresh Produce Is Always Accessible and Plentiful

Courtesy of Sunnyvale Farmers Market

Sunnyvale is many things, but a food desert it is not. You’ll always be able to find plenty of fresh groceries in town, especially at the Sunnyvale Farmers Market, which is held every Saturday of the year. Get your hands on organic produce from local farms, fresh bouquets of flowers, and handmade candles, and stop by one of the many food stands for a freshly wrapped burrito or a corn on the cob hot off the grill.

There Are Many Options for Commuters

Aerial of the Caltrain heading to San Francisco from Sunnyvale

Many people who live in Sunnyvale commute to San Francisco for work, so rest assured that Sunnyvale is located directly on the Caltrain line. Hop on the train and zip up to the city. Sunnyvale is also sandwiched between highways 280 and 101, both of which can take you north to San Francisco. Mineta San Jose International Airport is a mere 15-minute drive away, while the San Francisco International Airport is 45 minutes away.