How many acres is Morgan Hill?

Cracking the Code on Morgan Hill’s Size: It’s Bigger Than You Think!

Morgan Hill. Just the name conjures up images of sunny California, right? Nestled in Santa Clara County, it’s that sweet spot at the southern end of Silicon Valley, where tech meets vineyards. But have you ever stopped to wonder, “Just how big is Morgan Hill?”

Well, let’s get down to brass tacks. Officially, the City of Morgan Hill clocks in at 12.94 square miles, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Now, square miles can be a bit abstract, so let’s put that into acres – a unit most of us can visualize a bit better. Turns out, we’re talking about roughly 8,281.6 acres. That’s a decent chunk of land!

But here’s where it gets interesting. That 8,281.6 acres? That’s just the land within the city limits. When you start looking at the areas covered by Morgan Hill’s ZIP codes – 95037 and 95038 – you’re suddenly talking about a much larger area: a whopping 120.08 square miles! That’s a significant difference, and it includes areas just outside the official city boundaries. Think of it as Morgan Hill and its surrounding countryside.

It makes you wonder about the history, doesn’t it? Back in the day, the Murphy family basically owned the place. We’re talking about 70,000 acres by 1870! Can you imagine? That massive estate eventually evolved into the community we know and love today. It’s a far cry from those early days, that’s for sure.

Now, while Morgan Hill itself doesn’t have any natural lakes or ponds within its borders, the surrounding hills are dotted with reservoirs. These aren’t just pretty to look at; they’re crucial for flood control and water storage, managed by the Santa Clara Valley Water District. Plus, they offer some great recreational opportunities.

Location-wise, Morgan Hill is sitting pretty. It’s a comfortable 24 miles south of downtown San Jose, and just 13 miles north of Gilroy. You’re also only about 15 miles from the Pacific coast. Talk about having the best of both worlds! Geographically, it’s smack-dab in the Santa Clara Valley, hugged by the Santa Cruz Mountains to the west and the Diablo Range to the east.

So, next time you’re cruising through Morgan Hill, remember: it’s more than just a dot on the map. It’s a vibrant community with a rich history, nestled in a beautiful landscape. And now you know, it’s also bigger than you might have initially thought!