Ampex, North Fair Oaks

Updated · 2,306 residents

Ampex is a dense suburban neighborhood in North Fair Oaks, characterized by a grid layout that offers exceptional walkability. The area features a functional mix of residential homes and light industrial spaces, providing a convenient urban-suburban environment for its residents.

Key Highlights

Moderate PrivacyAccessible Pedestrian NetworkStandard Suburban LandscapeLimited Pet SpaceMixed Suburban CharacterMixed Suburban EnergyHigh Noise LevelsMostly Clean AirMixed Industrial PresenceLimited Insurance AccessStrongly LiberalDiverse Age GroupsHigh Flood Risk
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About Ampex

Ampex functions as an integrated pocket of North Fair Oaks, defined by its grid-based street system and high pedestrian accessibility. The landscape is a distinct blend of single-family housing and light industrial zones, including various warehouses and commercial blocks. Residents have access to local green spaces like Hoover Park and a diverse selection of dining options, ranging from local barbecue spots to international cuisine. The neighborhood maintains a balanced, lively atmosphere where industrial activity meets residential life.

Living in the area involves specific trade-offs, particularly regarding privacy and environmental safety. Homes are closely positioned with minimal setbacks, and the proximity to industrial activity contributes to moderate noise levels primarily driven by road traffic. While the neighborhood benefits from good air quality and high walkability, prospective residents should be aware of regional challenges, including low scores for flood and fire safety. It is a practical choice for those prioritizing transit connectivity and local amenities over secluded, low-density living.

Neighborhood Scores Across 15 Qualities

Privacy Index
Score: 4.1 out of 10

Residential structures are positioned with relatively small setbacks, leading to less separation between neighbors than found elsewhere in the city. According to iHuus data, this density results in a mixed spatial arrangement where buildings are often closely packed.

Ranked #2 in North Fair Oaks →
Walkability
Score: 7.9 out of 10

Reliable sidewalk access and safe crossings are available throughout most residential streets. While a major rail corridor and industrial blocks create some interruptions, the overall walkability remains slightly above the city average according to iHuus data.

Ranked #1 in North Fair Oaks →
Visual Appeal
Score: 6 out of 10

Residential views consist of uniform tract housing and apartment complexes with limited greenery. This area offers slightly less visual variety than the city average due to high lot coverage and smaller yards.

Ranked #2 in North Fair Oaks →
Dog Friendliness
Score: 4.7 out of 10

Private fenced yards and a large sports field offer some walking options, but the lack of nearby public parks and narrow sidewalks make this area slightly less dog friendly than the city average, according to iHuus data.

Ranked #2 in North Fair Oaks →
Urban-Rural Index
Score: 5.8 out of 10

Streets and green spaces are distributed in roughly equal measure, though the area features a more prominent mix of industrial warehouses and commercial blocks than the North Fair Oaks average. According to iHuus data, the landscape transitions between low-rise residential pockets and dense industrial zones.

Ranked #2 in North Fair Oaks →
Neighborhood Vibe
Score: 5.6 out of 10

A diverse blend of light industrial zones and suburban green spaces provides more social activity and dining variety than the city average. While various restaurants and parks are accessible, much of the area requires a car due to the spread-out nature of the amenities.

Ranked #1 in North Fair Oaks →
Acoustic Comfort
Score: 1.9 out of 10

Frequent noise from nearby freeway and railroad traffic characterizes this area. According to iHuus data, acoustic comfort is notably lower than the city average.

Ranked #2 in North Fair Oaks →
Air Quality
Score: 6.8 out of 10

Air quality in this area is generally good with only rare instances of elevated readings. According to iHuus data, these levels are roughly in line with the city average.

Ranked #2 in North Fair Oaks →
Industrial Proximity
Score: 5.9 out of 10

Large warehouses, rail lines, and logistics hubs border residential pockets, resulting in slightly higher levels of commercial activity than the city average. Residents may experience moderate noise from truck loading docks and heavy vehicle traffic near these commercial zones.

Ranked #2 in North Fair Oaks →
Health Insurance Coverage
Score: 3.4 out of 10

Health insurance coverage among residents is notably lower than the city average, according to iHuus data. This lack of coverage may present challenges for accessing regular medical care within the community.

Ranked #2 in North Fair Oaks →
Ideological Lean
Score: 9.9 out of 10

Voting patterns and census indicators reflect a predominantly liberal community that is slightly more liberal than the North Fair Oaks average, according to iHuus data.

Ranked #1 in North Fair Oaks →
Population Age Profile
Score: 4.4 out of 10

Residents live alongside a varied mix of young adults, families, and older populations. This demographic spread is slightly more even than the average seen across the rest of the city.

Ranked #2 in North Fair Oaks →
Flood Safety
Score: 2.3 out of 10

Properties in this area are located within a designated floodplain, which presents a significantly higher risk of flooding than the San Mateo County average. According to iHuus data, residents should anticipate a likely requirement for flood insurance.

Ranked #2 in North Fair Oaks →

Address-Level Insights for Ampex

iHuus Neighborhood Intelligence Insights

Get address-level neighborhood insights for Ampex

  • Street-level scores — see how individual blocks compare, not just neighborhood averages
  • Micro-zone boundaries — identify quiet pockets, flood boundaries, and walkable clusters before you visit
  • 15 dimensions in full — walkability, noise, air quality, school quality, insurance coverage, population age profile, urban/rural index, and more
  • Boundary risk alerts — know if your address sits near a block boundary where scores drop, the kind of detail no listing will ever mention
  • School insights — individual school ratings and insights, not just district-level data
  • Compare before you commit — side-by-side data across neighborhoods, down to block precision

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Compare with Any Neighborhood

Compare with
DimensionAmpexFair Oaks
🚶
Walkabilityavg 7.78
Score: 7.9 out of 10
Score: 7.4 out of 10
🔊
Acoustic Comfortavg 3.39
Score: 1.9 out of 10
Score: 5 out of 10
🤫
Privacy Indexavg 4.45
Score: 4.1 out of 10
Score: 5 out of 10
🎨
Visual Appealavg 6.52
Score: 6 out of 10
Score: 7.1 out of 10
🐕
Dog Friendlinessavg 4.93
Score: 4.7 out of 10
Score: 5.1 out of 10
🗺️
Urban-Rural Indexavg 6.27
Score: 5.8 out of 10
Score: 6.9 out of 10
Neighborhood Vibeavg 4.96
Score: 5.6 out of 10
Score: 4.2 out of 10
🏥
Health Insurance Coverageavg 4.79
Score: 3.4 out of 10
Score: 6.5 out of 10
🌿
Air Qualityavg 6.94
Score: 6.8 out of 10
Score: 7.2 out of 10
🏭
Industrial Proximityavg 6.53
Score: 5.9 out of 10
Score: 7.1 out of 10
🌊
Flood Safetyavg 3.24
Score: 2.3 out of 10
Score: 4.2 out of 10
🗳️
Ideological Leanavg 9.81
Score: 9.9 out of 10
Score: 9.8 out of 10
👥
Population Age Profileavg 4.56
Score: 4.4 out of 10
Score: 4.8 out of 10
🔥
Fire Safety
Score: not available
Score: not available
🏫
School Quality
Score: not available
Score: not available

School Insights for Ampex

School Insights

See what's really behind every school rating near Ampex

  • Individual school ratings — each school's own score with outcome context, not just a district average
  • Enrollment & class size data — student-to-teacher ratio and how it compares to the state average
  • Full demographics breakdown — ethnicity and gender composition for every school in the enrollment zone
  • Every school in the district — all schools within the enrollment boundary ranked by rating, not just the closest one
  • Grade levels & benchmarks — elementary through high school, with below/above state-average flags

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ampex a walkable neighborhood?
Yes, Ampex features a highly walkable grid system with consistent sidewalks on both sides of the street, making it easy for pedestrians to navigate between residential and commercial areas.
What is the noise level like in Ampex?
The neighborhood experiences moderate noise levels, primarily driven by road traffic. According to iHuus data, the area averages around 58 decibels, reflecting its position as a mixed-use suburban and industrial environment.
Are there outdoor spaces for recreation in Ampex?
Residents have access to local green spaces, including Hoover Park, which provides areas for outdoor activities and dog walking. The area also features street trees that enhance the pedestrian experience.
What are the primary safety considerations for living in Ampex?
The area faces significant challenges regarding flood and fire safety, which are important factors for potential residents to consider. Additionally, the neighborhood has a high density of housing with minimal setbacks between properties.