Updated June 22, 2026 · 1,067 residents
Saint Francis Acres is a highly walkable neighborhood defined by its well-maintained Ranch-style homes and lush tree canopy. Residents enjoy convenient access to local dining and green spaces, though the area experiences noticeable ambient noise from nearby road traffic.
Key Highlights

Saint Francis Acres is a quiet, tree-canopied neighborhood in Mountain View, California, bordered by El Camino Real, Permanente Creek, El Monte Avenue, and Gilmore Street. Prior to the 1950s, the area was agricultural land dominated by plum, apricot, and prune orchards, much of which was originally owned by 19th-century pioneer Benjamin Bubb. During the post-war tech boom of the 1950s and 1960s, these orchards were cleared to build a residential subdivision of modestly sized, single-story Ranch-style homes. Built on relatively spacious lots of 5,000 to 5,700 square feet, the neighborhood was designed with numerous cul-de-sacs to eliminate through-traffic. Today, Saint Francis Acres maintains a close-knit, traditional suburban character, defined by its proximity to McKelvey Park, its lack of streetlights on certain blocks, and its long-standing community traditions like annual block parties.
The neighborhood offers a distinct suburban atmosphere characterized by its dense network of sidewalks and manicured landscapes. It features a variety of local amenities, including popular spots like Bagel Street Cafe, Le Petit Bistro, and Pizza My Heart, which contribute to a lively community vibe. According to iHuus data, the area maintains a strong sense of place through its residential layout, which avoids heavy industrial sites and prioritizes pedestrian connectivity.
While the area is well-suited for families and professionals, potential residents should note the acoustic environment, as road traffic contributes to a consistent noise level throughout the day. The neighborhood is served by high-performing school districts, making it a desirable location for those prioritizing academic access. With its combination of private backyard spaces and proximity to community parks, the area balances the demands of modern suburban living with a traditional, close-knit feel.
Residential structures feature typical suburban spacing with some buffers between neighbors. This level of density is closely aligned with the average for Mountain View.
Pedestrian connectivity is exceptional here due to a comprehensive grid of sidewalks and clear crosswalks. This area offers superior ease of movement on foot compared to the rest of Mountain View.
Large single-family homes with well-maintained landscapes and private pools contribute to a visual quality that is slightly above the Mountain View average. Residents can expect to see frequent upscale amenities and spacious property layouts across the area.
Abundant green corridors, wide tree-lined sidewalks, and proximity to large parks with sports fields make this area highly suitable for pet owners. According to iHuus data, the availability of connected walking trails and safe paths is notably higher than the Mountain View average.
Residential blocks feature a mix of single-family homes and multi-story apartment complexes. This landscape sits closely in line with the typical suburban density found throughout Mountain View.
Diverse dining, local services, and various entertainment spots create a noticeably more active atmosphere than the Mountain View average. According to iHuus data, the neighborhood features a healthy balance of social hubs and green spaces.
Steady sounds from nearby busy streets are present, though the level of acoustic disturbance is notably higher than the Mountain View average according to iHuus data.
Air quality in this area fluctuates between acceptable and unhealthy levels, mirroring the typical conditions found across Mountain View. Sensitive groups may experience occasional concern during certain periods according to iHuus data.
Quiet streets and open green spaces define most of the area, though some parts remain under active EPA monitoring due to a former manufacturing site. This presence of light commercial activity makes the industrial footprint slightly higher than the Mountain View average, according to iHuus data.
Most residents in this area are covered by health insurance, though the coverage rate is slightly lower than the Mountain View average.
Voting patterns and census indicators show a very high concentration of liberal-leaning residents, which is slightly above the Mountain View average according to iHuus data.
Residents live alongside a balanced variety of young adults, families, and older individuals. This demographic spread is largely in line with the typical age distribution found across Mountain View.
Properties in this area are situated within a designated floodplain, which indicates a higher susceptibility to flooding compared to the rest of Mountain View. According to iHuus data, residents should anticipate a higher likelihood of needing flood insurance.
iHuus Neighborhood Intelligence Insights
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| Dimension | Saint Francis Acres | Blossom Valley |
|---|---|---|
| 🚶 Walkabilityavg 9.25 | ||
| 🔊 Acoustic Comfortavg 3.27 | ||
| 🤫 Privacy Indexavg 5.11 | ||
| 🎨 Visual Appealavg 6.67 | ||
| 🐕 Dog Friendlinessavg 6.99 | ||
| 🗺️ Urban-Rural Indexavg 6.59 | ||
| ✨ Neighborhood Vibeavg 4.37 | ||
| 🏥 Health Insurance Coverageavg 8.96 | ||
| 🌿 Air Qualityavg 6.1 | ||
| 🏭 Industrial Proximityavg 6.34 | ||
| 🌊 Flood Safetyavg 4.11 | ||
| 🗳️ Ideological Leanavg 9.81 | ||
| 👥 Population Age Profileavg 4.83 | ||
| 🔥 Fire Safety | ||
| 🏫 School Quality |
Los Altos Elementary School District is a premier 'Blue Chip' organization characterized by elite academic performance, robust community financial backing, and significant operational stability. With 89% math proficiency and consistent 10/10 school ratings, the district remains a top-tier California performer despite regional cost-of-living pressures and minor enrollment declines. The recent resolution of facility sharing agreements with Bullis Charter School further solidifies its stability, while record-breaking private foundations ensure specialized programs remain better funded than state averages, making it a definitive destination district.
Schools
MVLA is a 'Blue Chip' district characterized by elite academic performance, financial transparency, and modern facility infrastructure. Its terminal high schools are national leaders in STEM and college readiness, supported by a stable tax base and successful local bond measures. While the district faces community debate over curriculum modernization and high-pressure environments, its proactive investment in wellness centers and sustained 'Green' financial audits indicate a highly stable and well-managed organization that remains a primary draw for the region.
Schools
Mountain View Whisman Elementary School District is a high-achieving but bifurcated organization, characterized by prestigious 10/10 campuses and significant pockets of academic struggle at Title I schools. The district is currently navigating a sensitive transition period marked by executive leadership turnover and budgetary adjustments necessitated by declining enrollment and the expiration of one-time state funds. Despite these operational headwinds and an evident achievement gap, the district remains a destination for families due to its strong STEM programs, innovative teacher housing initiatives, and proficiency scores that consistently outperform California benchmarks. It sits firmly as a 'Mixed/Transition' district that possesses the financial baseline of a higher-rated entity but currently lacks the leadership stability and portfolio-wide consistency required for a 'Solid/Stable' designation.
Schools
Below average outcomes; significant attendance and academic challenges.
School Insights
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