“Wealth,” said author Henry David Thoreau, “is the ability to fully experience life.”
And wealth, particularly in the United States, is a result of hard work, not social rank. It is the end product of bold ideas, daring imagination, courage, tenacity, and long, grueling hours. Wealth is earned, not given.
“To the victors belong the spoils,” said New York Senator William L. Marcy, and to the wealthy this means a rewarding lifestyle. This is why the San Francisco Bay Area is the chosen location for the likes of Golden State Warrior Steph Curry, WhatsApp founder Jan Koum, Google’s Eric Schmidt, and Facebook’s COO Sheryl Sandberg. Here are features that draw top-tier homebuyers to this area.
The Power Of An Address
With its stunning views, ready access to ocean, nature, and snow, quaint and safe neighborhoods, top schools, world-class cuisine, theater and amenities, and a vibrant, chic energy, the Bay Area is one of the best places to live in America. For the successfully wealthy, perhaps the greatest luxury symbol is their address. Among the areas prized by the elite are the following communities:
PALO ALTO
Home to an array of prestigious employers and one of the top universities in the world, Palo Alto is considered to be the heartbeat of Silicon Valley. It is centrally located between the metropolises of San Francisco and San Jose, giving it a prized setting imbued with vibrant energy, an extremely well-educated population, and highly acclaimed public schools.
ATHERTON
A constant leader at the top of Forbes magazine’s list of most expensive zip codes in the country, Atherton is the premier getaway for Silicon Valley’s most elite residents. Skyrocketing property values and persistent desirability continue to fuel this enclave’s reputation as one of the most exclusive residential communities in the world. It is home to tech execs like Sheryl Sandberg and Eric Schmidt.
HILLSBOROUGH
Steeped in natural privacy because of its hilly setting, Hillsborough has historically been an acclaimed retreat for high-earning Bay Area residents seeking a relaxed lifestyle. Since it is located between business hubs like San Francisco and Palo Alto, this exclusive town integrates sought-after centrality with a luxurious sense of seclusion.
LOS ALTOS HILLS
For heavy-hitters looking for a conveniently located, estate-sized home with privacy, large grounds, and scenic views, Los Altos Hills may be the perfect fit. Los Altos Hills is a residential-only town that has many of the advantages of living in adjacent Palo Alto, but without the hustle and bustle.
Embracing Eco-Luxury
Tech-savvy, well-educated, and environmentally conscious, the luxury property owners in the Bay Area also seek to equip their homes with the latest innovations.
“Earth-conscious does not mean doing without,” writes the editors at Christie’s. “Quite the contrary: chic, even dazzlingly beautiful homes around the world are sporting green roofs, drawing power from geothermal energy, and making use of solar panels year round. Green features also include humidity controlled indoor air, filtered drinking water, LED lighting, HEPA air filters, and ‘smart home’ internet systems and controls.”
In addition, because of increasing interest in health and wellness, residential edible gardens have entered high demand for luxury homes, says Christie’s, allowing a personalized “farm-to-table” experience. Private, large-scale gardens can permit residents to enjoy harvesting from their own fruit groves or to tend to a small, personal-use vineyard. Plus, gardens and orchards add desirable greenery to a home, providing natural beauty and even natural privacy for those high net-worth individuals seeking to avoid prying eyes.
High-Tech Preferences
Because of the Bay Area’s high-tech affiliations, it’s no surprise that affluent homebuyers prefer high-tech commodities. Whole-home automated systems are all the rage; the more features that can be operated through a smart device, the better. Cutting-edge systems by Control4, Savant, Crestron, and AMX can be programmed to control everything from lighting to temperature to surveillance. For some systems, less permanent fixtures like window treatments and portable lights can even be programmed to respond to commands given through your smartphone.
These smart-home setups are perfect for high-earning homeowners who are constantly flitting between multiple residences. Smart features allow optimal energy-saving and accessibility for a home, both when vacant and occupied. Furthermore, private security—a necessity for many elite buyers—is made even easier by these systems as many apps offer automated alerts, surveillance, and other security features, all at the touch of a finger.
Can We Help?
Serene, luxurious, eco-friendly, and tech-smart—a premier Bay Area lifestyle is choice for those who have made it to the top. It’s an apt reward for their hard-won success in one of the world’s premier locations.
Let Julie and her team’s wealth of experience in luxury real estate help you find your own place in this exclusive niche. Please contact Julie at 650.799.8888 or Julie@JulieTsaiLaw.com to schedule a free consultation.
