Young Americans — Sunset Homes tract series in Livermore (1969)

In September 1969, Sunset Homes launched a bold new idea: homes built specifically for younger buyers who didn’t want to compromise on style or quality. These new homes—part of what would become known as the Young Americans Series—were smartly priced, a little smaller than their predecessors, but full of thoughtful design and forward-thinking flair.

1970 newspaper ad for Sunset Homes’ Young Americans Series grand opening in Livermore
From a February 1970 Argus ad—Masud Mehran’s “Homes for Young Americans” made their debut in the Sunset East neighborhood.

Where are the Young Americans in Livermore?

The Young Americans homes were built exclusively within the Sunset East neighborhood in Livermore, mostly concentrated along Vancouver Way, Hudson Way, and De Leon Way.

These homes represented the second major phase of building within Sunset East, a neighborhood that would eventually include more than 1,000 homes.

Annotated aerial map showing the boundaries of the Sunset East neighborhood in Livermore.
Annotated aerial map of the Sunset East neighborhood in Livermore, California. Young Americans homes are clustered on Vancouver Way, Hudson Way, and De Leon Way. Base imagery from Google Maps.

Selling the series

Sunset’s ads promised “style for young families” and emphasized open kitchens, flexible floor plans, and affordability. While the series debuted under the broader Sunset East brand, it was later known as the 700 Series, distinguishing it from the earlier 600 Series models built just a block away.

Photograph of the Licata model from Sunset Homes’ Young Americans Series, published in the May 1970 Contra Costa Times.
From a May 1970 Contra Costa Times photo—the Licata model from Sunset’s Young Americans Series in Sunset East.

September 1969 newspaper ad from the Daily Review featuring an artist’s rendering of the Torino model from Sunset Homes’ Young Americans Series.
From a September 1969 Daily Review—an artist’s rendering of the Torino model from Sunset’s Young Americans Series.

May 1970 Oakland Tribune newspaper ad featuring the Palermo model from Sunset Homes’ Young Americans Series, advertised for sale at a reduced price.
From a May 1970 Oakland Tribune ad—when the Palermo model went up for sale, and for a discount.

Pricing history of Young Americans homes

  • 1969: $23,950 +
  • 1970: $23,950 +

The homes of the Young Americans Series

When the Young Americans Series opened, buyers toured a carefully staged collection of Sunset model homes showcasing the neighborhood’s mix of architecture, indoor-outdoor living, and family-oriented floor plans. Though individual elevations varied, these original models helped define much of the neighborhood’s visual identity.

The four original models opened in 1969 on Belfast Court, directly across from the earlier 600 Series model homes on Vancouver Way.

Location map of Sunset’s Young Americans Series model complex on Belfast Court in Livermore
Annotated aerial map of the Young Americans model home complex on Belfast Court. Base imagery from Google Maps.

Model homes of the Young Americans

1. The Licata - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms.

2. The Palermo - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms.

3. The Torino - 3 or 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,419 sq. ft.

4. The Sorento - 3 or 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,436 sq. ft.

Current appearance of the original Licata home in Livermore's Young Americans.
The original Licata model today (with addition) via Google Street View.

The Palermo model was camera shy, for now.

Current appearance of the original Torino home in Livermore's Young Americans.
The original Torino model today via Google Street View.

Current appearance of the original Sorento home in Livermore's Young Americans.
The original Sorento model today via Google Street View.

Legacy of the Young Americans

By late 1970, Sunset had sold off its remaining 700 Series models. The company would continue building in Sunset East, introducing additional home series in the years that followed. But the Young Americans Series stood out—not just for its fresh approach, but for the confidence it gave to a new generation of homebuyers.

Today, Sunset East remains one of Livermore’s most architecturally diverse and historically rich suburban neighborhoods. The original brick entry signs, still standing, quietly echo a time when bold ideas met practical design—and when homeownership became a dream within reach.

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