In the nineteenth century, when Milpitas was still farmland, the U.S. Postal Service decided to install the first post office in the city to serve the local growers and the small town that was emerging to serve them.

The problem was that the town didn’t have a name. The most logical choice was Penitencia, named for a small confessional building that stood near Penitencia Creek.

The idea didn’t last long, though. Joseph Weller, one of the most prominent farmers in the region, was convinced that Penitencia sounded too much like Penitentiary. Weller preferred to name the town after Rancho Milpitas, a property originally owned by some of the town’s oldest families. The name stuck, and the City of Milipitas was born.

A century later, Milpitas was slated to become part of San Jose. Local residents protested and formed the Milpitas Minutemen to protect their town’s independence. They eventually won an overwhelming majority in a 1961 referendum, and Milpitas remained a separate city, even though most of the population continues to work in San Jose. For people looking for an inexpensive home outside San Jose, Milpitas is an ideal, reasonably priced choice.

At 1356 Highland Court is a charming three-bedroom, one-and-a-half bath townhouse conveniently located near Highway 680, schools and shopping. This is a two-story unit located in a quiet cul-de-sac, with plenty of amenities for young families, including a pool and clubhouse. Built in 1971, the 1,150-square-foot unit has a combined dining room and living room, as well as an eat-in kitchen for less formal occasions. Outdoors, there is a private patio as well. The unit is selling for $238,900.

First time homeowners will like this beautiful, three-bedroom, two-bath home located at 1809 Blue Spruce Court. Its beautifully landscaped yards and a sunroom provide a connection to the outdoors from the interior of the home. The kitchen includes major appliances, such as a dishwasher, range, garbage disposal and microwave. The main feature of the combined living room and dining room is a beautiful wood-burning fireplace, perfect for chilly winter nights. The house is 1,040 square feet on a 3,060 square foot lot. It is selling for $299,900.

851 Vida Larga Loop is a stunning five-bedroom, three-and-a-half bath Mediterranean-style home that is part of an exclusive gated community. This is a community for families that love to play, with a pool and spa, basketball and tennis courts, and a playground for younger children. The house was recently renovated for $80,000. The spacious kitchen includes a breakfast bar that faces the family room. For more formal occasions, there is also a semi-separate dining room.  The bedrooms are all spacious and airy and the two uppermost bedrooms offer a beautiful view of the mountains. This house is selling for $699,000.

For more information about homes in Milpitas, check our listings at SanJose.com/realestate/.