Sunny Glen (1963–1967): San Ramon’s original over-50 community

Before the term "active adult community" had made it onto brochures, Sunny Glen was quietly making history as San Ramon’s first over-50 neighborhood. Built by Volk-McLain, the community opened with fanfare on June 30, 1963, drawing an estimated 2,000 families to its grand opening celebration.

Located at the base of the rolling hills and within walking distance of a country club and riding stables, Sunny Glen promised a lifestyle that was equal parts peaceful and perk-filled—AstroTurf lawns optional.

Location of the Sunny Glen neighborhood in San Ramon, California.

A “Carefree World” by design

Sunny Glen was originally conceived under the name Carefree World—a title that left little ambiguity about its target market. Plans called for 132 duplex units, 144 apartments, and 296 individual homes spanning both sides of the Alameda–Contra Costa county line.

From a June 1963 Daily Review ad—Sunny Glen promised an active, amenity-filled retirement: golfing, lawn bowling, poolside lounging, and plenty of ways to stay “carefree” (with just enough leisure to break a sweat).

This was a neighborhood strictly for those 50 and up—a feature that was both its selling point and, as the ads made clear, part of the appeal.

From a May 1965 Daily Review ad—after a lifetime of wishing kids would run and play, retirement marketing flipped the script: in Sunny Glen, they promised, children would be neither seen nor heard.

Community center, luaus, and lawn bowling

The heart of Sunny Glen was its community center, open to all residents. Volk-McLain touted its fabulous amenities and calendar of events, including:

• Dinners

• Fashion shows

• Square dancing

• Talent programs

• Themed parties (including the occasional luau, of course)

Outdoor facilities featured a swimming pool, whirlpool area, sunbathing deck, and lawn bowling green—a retirement-ready take on suburban recreation.

From a September 1964 Daily Review photo—a riotous Sunny Glen luau, where the leis were plentiful, the buffet endless, and retirement meant never saying no to a second helping.

Smaller lots, bigger promise

To create a more open, park-like feel, portions of the tract—especially to the north and west—were originally set aside as open space. Over time, however, these open areas were gradually filled in as development pressure and community needs grew.

The tradeoff? Smaller private lots in exchange for shared tranquility—at least, that was the pitch.

Sunny Glen model homes

The model complex was located at Neptune Place and Craydon Circle, with the sales office positioned at Neptune Place and Firecrest Lane. There were six model homes and two furnished apartments on display—essentially three floor plans, offered in variations with different garage sizes and lot configurations.

Site of the Sunny Glen model complex. The sales office was at the corner of Neptune Place and Firecrest Lane.

Pricing history

1963: $11,950 - $20,950
1964: $16,500 - $29,050
1965: $16,650 +
1966: $20,950 + (model homes)
1967: $9,300 + (townhouses)

1. The Plan 1 - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,310 sq. ft.

The original Plan 1 model today.

2. The Plan 2 (unknown name) - 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,165 sq. ft.

The original Plan 2 model today.

3. The Plan 3 (unknown name) - 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 960 sq. ft.

The original Plan 3 model today.

4. The Williamsburg - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,310 sq. ft.

The original Williamsburg model today.

From a May 1963 Oakland Tribune ad—the Williamsburg model in its heyday: fresh paint, manicured lawn, and all the mid-century optimism a three-bedroom ranch could hold.

5. The Normandy - 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 960 sq. ft.

The original Normandy model today.

6. The Plan 6 (unknown name) - 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,165 sq. ft.

The original Plan 6 model today.

Sales Office - the sales office was located in a modified Plan 3 home, with entry through the side—likely the least exciting part of the tour.

The original sales office today.

Buildout and what came after

By mid-1967, Volk-McLain had concluded its sales efforts at Sunny Glen. The development had underperformed, and only one full unit—149 homes and 92 apartments—was ever completed.

Volk-McLain exited the San Ramon Village development (which included Sunny Glen) in 1967, selling off the remainder to new owners. By 1969, the new developers were ready to re-energize the project—but the incomplete buildout left Sunny Glen with a financial challenge. With fewer households than planned, community upkeep costs climbed, and open land had to be developed to make ends meet.

Over the decades, several infill projects were added:

• Fairway Village apartments (late 1960s)

• Tangerine Court condominiums (~1983, approx. 40 units)

• Villa San Ramon and Ivy Park senior complexes (~1990)

Though the neighborhood's original vision shifted, Sunny Glen still holds the distinction of being San Ramon’s first over-50 community—complete with square dancing, AstroTurf, and a whirlpool bath under the sun.

Related post: Volk-McLain's San Ramon Village