[5] The Henry W. Coe State Park and Pacheco State Park, the Sierra Vista Open Space,[6] and Blue Oak Ranch Reserve[7] preserves, along with the Mount Hamilton Lick Observatory, and the Ashrama retreat center are also located in the area.

Although some agriculture exists, many ranches in the area are used for livestock grazing or hunting game.

As of the 2010 US Census, the population was 1,508 residents of whom 55.2% were non-Hispanic white, 26.4% Hispanic, 12.7% Asian, and 5.7% of other races, with a median age of 42.6 years old.

[9] Most residents and businesses in the area use postal ZIP codes from neighboring cities of Livermore, Milpitas, San Jose, Morgan Hill, Gilroy, or Hollister.

It is home to recovering populations of tule elk,[10] golden eagles, and Bay checkerspot butterflies.