Founded in 1777, just one year after the United States declared its independence, Santa Clara is one of California’s oldest cities. A taste of old Santa Clara can be found in this turn of the century colonial revival home at 1540 Homestead Road, in the Old Quad area. It’s a four-bedroom, two- bath house of 1,016 square feet, set in a 7,550 square foot lot, though keep in mind that much of the back yard is taken up by a gorgeous swimming pool.

The house’s entryway is off an inviting deck that looks out onto the front yard and the quiet street. For more outdoor privacy, there is a patio in the back, beside the pool. All the rooms are large, bright and airy. There’s a formal living room, but also a family room and a separate dining room, and for more informal occasions, a breakfast bar and a breakfast nook.

This is an older house, with plenty of old, established features, including a full-sized country kitchen with bright wooden floors. Downstairs there’s a basement with a separate entrance, which can be used for guests or older kids who want a little more privacy.

Yes, the house is a century old, but all the original moulding is intact. It has also been freshly repainted. It’s priced at $699,000.

Not too far away, in the Killarney Farms area is another lovely home that evokes memories of the county’s rural past. This is a three-bedroom, two-bathroom house at 3315 St Ignatius Place. This is a house for families that love to play, with a formal living room for entertaining, a family room for letting loose, and a separate rec room. There’s also a stunning wooden deck and solar heated pool out back and an expansive lawn in front.

This 50-year-old house itself is 1,770 square feet, and much of it has been redone. There are new tiles in the entryway and kitchen, which has been refurbished with new sinks, counter tops, stove, oven, and microwave. There’s plenty of light and plenty of room. This home is selling for $698,000.

Even large families can find a home in Santa Clara on a budget. At 584 Park Court, within walking distance of the Rose Garden and Santa Clara University, is a unique five-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath, 1,936-square-foot home that’s a true gardener’s paradise. There are hardwood floors as well as wall-to-wall carpeting and a tiled kitchen and bathrooms.

The kitchen itself is surprisingly spacious, and contains wooden cabinets and tiled counters. The master bedroom overlooks the carefully tended lawns. This beautiful home is available for just $399,000.