Famous for one of the Bay Area’s largest and most unusual shopping destinations, Milpitas shifted from an industrial community into a high-tech economy in the 1980s. The blend of booming industrial parks and lower home prices spurred an influx of new residents to this dynamic, rapidly growing, and family-oriented town. In 1994, the massive old Ford auto plant was renovated into the Great Mall of the Bay Area, a paradise of premier factory outlets that tends to dazzle the most worldly of Northern California shoppers.
Because of the sudden increase in population over a 20-year span, much of the housing is relatively new. Even long-established neighborhoods of smaller, older homes show evidence of pride of ownership. Both the homes and landscaping have a fresh appeal. Unlike Los Gatos with its historic town center, Milpitas decided to withdraw attention from its “old downtown” and build a beautiful new Town Center anchored by the civic complex.
An attractive suburban town with superb amenities, Milpitas enjoys a good commute to key Bay Area destinations. Interstates 880 and 680 as well as Highway 237 form links to major employment centers. Palo Alto, San Jose, and Fremont are particularly accessible, the latter offering BART connections.
Milpitas
Municipal Offices
408-586-3000
www.ci.milpitas.ca.gov
Chamber of Commerce
408-262-2613
www.milpitaschamber.com
