Milpitas

by The Linguist

Milpitas, California

Milpitas is a city located in the southern part of the San Francisco Bay Area in Santa Clara County, California. As of the 2020 census, Milpitas had a population of 80,476, making it the 23rd largest city in the San Francisco Bay Area and the 117th largest city in California.

Population

The population of Milpitas has grown steadily over the past several decades. In 1970, the population was recorded at 15,106. By 1980 it had reached 37,820 and in 1990 it was 50,686. In 2000 the population count was 62,698 and by 2010 it had grown to 66,790. The latest census in 2020 put the city’s population at 80,476.

Milpitas has a diverse population with a large Asian and Hispanic/Latino community. According to the 2020 census, over 70% of residents identified as Asian, Hispanic or Latino, or multi-racial. The city has several thriving ethnic enclaves and a rich cultural environment.

History

The area where Milpitas sits today was originally inhabited by the Tamyen group of the Ohlone people. The Ohlone lived in the area for thousands of years prior to the arrival of Spanish explorers and missionaries in the late 1700s. The Milpitas area was part of the Mission San José outpost established in 1797.

In 1835, Mexican governor of Alta California Jose Castro granted the 8,000 acre Rancho de las Milpitas land grant to José María Alviso. Alviso Adobe, built in the 1850s by his descendent, still stands in Milpitas and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

In the 20th century, Milpitas began to develop into a residential community to support the growing industries in nearby San Jose. In 1954, Milpitas incorporated as a city with a population of about 800 residents. Through the 1960s and 70s, the population boomed as Milpitas became home to manufacturing plants and electronics companies like Ford, General Instruments, and Western Electric.

Today, Milpitas remains an important center for electronics and manufacturing. The economy has diversified in recent decades, with companies like Cisco Systems, KLA Corporation, and View, Inc. now calling Milpitas home.

Economy and Major Employers

Milpitas has a robust and diverse economy anchored by high tech manufacturing, retail, healthcare, professional services, and more. Some of the largest employers in Milpitas include:

  • Flex – Electronics manufacturer, 10,000+ employees (Website, 408-577-6000)
  • Cisco Systems – Telecommunications equipment, 5,000+ employees (Website, 408-526-4000)
  • KLA Corporation – Semiconductor equipment, 1000+ employees (Website, 408-875-3000)
  • View, Inc. – Smart building technologies, 1000+ employees (Website, 408-263-9200)
  • Milpitas Unified School District – Public education, 1000+ employees (Website, 408-635-2600)
  • Walmart – Retail, 500+ employees (Website, 408-946-1600)

Other major industries and employers include logistics, healthcare, retail, hospitality, public services, and more.

Public Transportation

Public transportation in Milpitas is provided by the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA). The VTA operates an extensive bus network throughout Milpitas, with over a dozen routes connecting major employers, shopping centers, residential neighborhoods and more. Many routes offer frequent service, arriving every 15 minutes during peak times.

In addition, the Milpitas BART station provides regional rail service on the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system. The station opened in 2020 as part of the BART Silicon Valley Extension project. Trains depart frequently from Milpitas, providing service to downtown San Jose, Fremont, Oakland, San Francisco and other points throughout the Bay Area.

For additional information on routes, schedules, fares and more, visit the VTA website.

Public Library

The Milpitas Public Library serves the community with books, media, digital resources, programs and more. The library opened at its current location at 160 N. Main Street in 2006. The modern 50,000 square foot building features designated children’s, teen and adult areas, meeting rooms, and a literary garden.

The Milpitas Public Library is part of the Peninsula Library System cooperative which allows cardholders access to the collections of over 30 other libraries in San Mateo County. Services also include eBooks, online classes, adult literacy support and more.

For more information visit the Milpitas Public Library website or call 408-262-1171.

Local Attractions and Landmarks

Some of the top attractions and landmarks in Milpitas include:

Great Mall of the Bay Area

One of the largest indoor outlet malls in Northern California with over 200 stores, located at 311 Great Mall Dr. Visit the Great Mall website for store listings and hours.

Santa Clara County Fairgrounds

Home to festivals, expos, rodeos and other community events throughout the year. Located at 344 Tully Rd. More information can be found on the Fairgrounds website.

Jose Higuera Adobe Park

A 16-acre park surrounding the historic Alviso Adobe, built in 1859 by early Milpitas settler Jose Higuera. Offers picnic grounds, playgrounds and gardens. Located at 1200 S. Park Victoria Dr. See the city parks website for details.

Milpitas Sports Center

A premier sports and recreation venue with indoor courts, aquatics center, senior center and more. Located at 1325 E. Calaveras Blvd. Visit the Sports Center website.

Milpitas BART Station

A key transportation hub linking Milpitas to the greater Bay Area by rail. Features a large public art installation. Located at 100 Montague Expy. See BART website for details.

GPS Coordinates for Landmarks:

  • Great Mall of the Bay Area: 37°25’19.0″N 121°53’45.4″W
  • Jose Higuera Adobe Park: 37°25’00.9″N 121°54’15.3″W
  • Milpitas Sports Center: 37°26’01.8″N 121°53’20.9″W

Here is a map of Milpitas showing the location of these landmarks:

Museums and Cultural Attractions

Milpitas is home to the following museums and cultural institutions:

Milpitas Museum of Modern Art

Showcases contemporary art exhibits by local Bay Area artists. Located inside the Milpitas Library at 160 N. Main St. More information can be found on the Museum website.

Milpitas Historical Society Museum

Preserves the history of Milpitas through exhibits and programs focused on local agriculture, businesses, families and events. Located at 108 S. Main St. Visit the Historical Society website.

India Community Center

Celebrates and shares the culture of India through classes, performances, and festivals. Located at 525 Los Coches St. More details can be found on the ICC website.

County Information

Milpitas is located in Santa Clara County. The county seat is San Jose. Some key information on Santa Clara County:

  • Population: Approximately 1.9 million (2020 Census)
  • Size: 1,291 square miles
  • County Website: www.sccgov.org
  • Address: 70 W. Hedding St, San Jose, CA 95110
  • Phone: (408) 299-5001

School Districts

Public education in Milpitas is provided through these school districts:

Milpitas Unified School District

Operates elementary, middle and high schools in Milpitas. Serves over 10,000 students. Website: www.musd.org

Santa Clara Unified School District

Operates schools in the northern section of Milpitas. Website: www.santaclarausd.org

East Side Union High School District

Operates public high schools in the eastern part of Milpitas. Website: www.esuhsd.org

In addition to standard public schools, Milpitas is home to charter schools, private schools and specialized education facilities.

Local Resources

Some other useful resources for Milpitas residents and visitors:

For additional details on visiting, living in or relocating to Milpitas, California, contact the Milpitas Chamber of Commerce at (408) 262-2613.