Milpitas sits at the northeastern corner of Silicon Valley, offering renters a strategic location with access to major tech employers. Originally a farming community known for its cornfields (the name "Milpitas" means "little cornfields" in Spanish), the city transformed into a technology hub when Ford Motor Company built an assembly plant in the 1950s. Today, the Great Mall of the Bay Area — formerly the Ford plant — stands as the largest enclosed shopping mall in the region, surrounded by numerous tech campuses housing companies like Cisco Systems, KLA Corporation, and Flex.

Renters in Milpitas enjoy excellent transportation options with three major highways (I-880, I-680, and SR-237) connecting to neighboring cities, plus the Milpitas Transit Center offering both BART and VTA light rail service. The eastern foothills provide scenic views and outdoor recreation at Ed R. Levin County Park, where residents can enjoy 6.7 miles of hiking trails, designated hang gliding zones, and a spacious off-leash dog park. The city maintains 17 neighborhood parks throughout its residential areas, featuring playgrounds, sports courts, and picnic facilities. The newer Midtown district offers shopping, dining, and the recently renovated Milpitas Public Library.

Housing options in Milpitas range from established neighborhoods with single-family homes to newer townhome communities and luxury apartment complexes. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is approximately $2,800, reflecting the city's desirability and proximity to major employers. The city's strong technology sector and convenient location continue to attract professionals to the area. Milpitas offers diverse dining options reflecting its multicultural population, with a particularly rich selection of Chinese, Vietnamese, and Indian restaurants found throughout its shopping centers and commercial districts.