Young Americans Series: 1969–1970 Sunset homes in Livermore

Cover photo showing a single-level ranch-style house from the Young Americans Series, built in 1969–1970 by Sunset Homes in the Sunset East neighborhood of Livermore, California. The home features a low-pitched roof, wide eaves, and a simple, horizontal layout typical of mid-century suburban architecture.

Welcome to the Young Americans Series by Sunset Homes

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.

The idea struck a chord. 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.

Where they were built

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.

Map showing Sunset East neighborhood in Livermore where Sunset’s Young Americans homes were built
unset East included more than 1,000 homesites—Young Americans homes are clustered on Vancouver Way, Hudson Way, and De Leon Way.

The homes of the Young Americans Series (700 Series)

The model complex was located on Belfast Court, directly across from the earlier 600 Series model homes on Vancouver Way. There were four models in the 700 Series, each designed with young families, couples, and creative homeowners in mind. These weren’t just starter homes—they were canvases for a modern lifestyle.

Location map of Sunset’s Young Americans Series model complex on Belfast Court in Livermore
Map of the model homes for the Young Americans Series on Belfast Court—just across from the original 600 Series sales center.

Pricing history

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

Model homes

1. The Licata - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Simple but never boring, the Licata blended efficient design with elegant detail.

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.

2. The Palermo - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms.

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.

3. The Torino - 3 or 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,419 sq. ft. Compact, clever, and endlessly livable. A floor plan designed for maximum flexibility.

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.

4. The Sorento - 3 or 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,436 sq. ft. The Sorento offered options galore—ideal for the couple planning to grow, or just dreaming of a hobby room with shag carpet and built-in bookshelves.

Young Americans today

Here are the former model homes as they appear today.

The Licata today

Original Licata model home from Sunset’s Young Americans Series, now with a home addition
The original Licata model today (with addition).

The Palermo

The Palermo model was camera shy, for now.

The Torino today

Original Torino model home from the Young Americans Series in Sunset East, Livermore
The original Torino model today (with olive tree).

The Sorento today

Original Sorento model home from the 1970 Young Americans Series in Sunset East
The original Sorento model today.

The end of a chapter

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.

A lasting legacy

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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