How many times have you been on vacation and wished you could live in the place you are visiting? In the case of Santa Clara, Calif., those choosing to stay will find living in the city just as affordable as visiting it. Santa Clara, located in the heart of the Silicon Valley, has become a thriving destination for those seeking an affordable place to relax and unwind. Moderate temperatures throughout the year make Santa Clara a pleasant place for just about anybody.

Santa Clara owns and operates an electric utility known as Silicon Valley Power. The plant generates electricity for the city's residents. The result is electricity offered at lower prices than what others in Northern California normally pay. The result is generally lower utility bills for most of the city's businesses and residents. The end result is an affordable place to visit and live.

Thanks to the thriving Silicon Valley, Santa Clara is also an attractive place to work with an unemployment rate much lower than the state average. The city is a popular destination for families thanks to the Great America theme park and the city's Central Park. Those visiting the city will find affordable hotels with reasonable rates. Those choosing to stay will find affordable housing with mortgage rates below the national average, making Santa Clara an ideal location to visit, live and work.

The city is home to more than 4,500 companies and includes over 100,000 residents. Santa Clara real estate includes reasonable prices and affordable mortgage rates. Many properties in Santa Clara present enjoyable views year-round with lush greenery, picturesque beaches, rolling hills and sprawling valleys.

Neighborhood schools are part of two main school districts in the area. Grocery stores, restaurants, specialty shops, bars, beauty shops, churches and recreation centers make choosing to live in any Santa Clara community convenient for anybody. Residents, both old and new, will have no shortage of activities to enjoy ranging from free summer concerts to art shows and community parades and celebrations. Santa Clara living is ideal for college students, families or anybody looking for a thriving, productive community to call home.