Los Trancos Woods/Vista Verde, Portola Valley

Two residents living in two different neighborhoods at the southern end of Alpine and Los Trancos roads give the same reason for moving there: to get away from the hustle and bustle of Silicon Valley.

Peter Tapscott moved to Los Trancos Woods in 1984 and John Walsh bought a house in Vista Verde back in 1987. They both like the unincorporated area of San Mateo because it's surrounded by thousands of acres of wooded open space where the deer, coyote, bobcats and quail play. Yet, Highway 280 is less than a 10-minute drive downhill. "It's really only a hop, skip, and jump away from major civilization," says Mr. Walsh.

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Located at the top of a ridge, Vista Verde's 100-plus homes were developed in the early 1960s on land that was previously owned by California Governor "Sunny Jim" Rolph. Mr. Walsh lives on one of the more secluded lots on several steep acres in a Tahoe-style A-frame house. He has a fine view of Fogarty Vineyards. His neighbors' homes are more visible from the road, and more modern looking. As for the residents' ages, he says, "It's quite a mix," but he has managed to meet many of his neighbors through the Vista Verde Community Association. Every year the group promotes a progressive dinner at local homes, called "Spring Fling" and puts on a summer potluck at Pony Tracks Ranch. The group also practices first-aid, fire and earthquake emergency exercises on a regular basis, and keeps neighbors informed via e-mail.

The Los Trancos Woods Community Association is very active, too. The organization uses e-mail, and publishes a bi-monthly newsletter and directory of residents to keep in touch. The association sponsors an annual picnic, and keeps neighbors abreast of new developments such as sewer expansion and how to combat Sudden Oak Death.

"We saw this kind of rambling wreck that we could afford," Mr. Tapscott says of his home when he first moved into the area. The house dates back to as early as the 1920s when there were little vacation homes in the woods with redwood siding or cedar shingles, he says. The family has kept the original homemade stone fireplace intact, but they have remodeled the house a couple of times and bought the lot next door. The yard features a 100-foot-tall oak in the front, and forests draped with Spanish moss on all sides. Neighbors may live close by, yet there's a real sense of privacy.

Jane Catterson first fell for Los Trancos Woods as a newlywed 22 years ago. Back then she rented "an old cottagey house," but was forced to leave when she switched jobs. She always knew she wanted to get back to the tranquil neighborhood and finally did this year -- buying an older house that overlooks the Bay.

"I love the area and how you can get out in nature really quickly and hike; there's a huge network of trails, right out my door," she says.

Ms. Catterson has moved around and calls this "the friendliest neighborhood I've ever lived in. Neighbors watch out for me, and I feel so safe."

She is delighted to be back, and has yet to take advantage of the monthly book group meetings, but takes comfort in knowing that her community offers that sort of welcoming opportunity.

-- Kate Daly