Alma-Almaden - San Jose, CA Area Guide

Originally an agricultural community, San Jose transformed over the course of the 20th century into the largest city in Northern California, with the vast majority of the city's growth occurring since the 1950s. Considered the capital of the Silicon Valley, the area's main industries remain computer-related.

Despite its urban setting, detached homes dominate the Alma-Almaden neighborhood. The neighborhood's location along the light rail, however, boosts its transit opportunities and the possibility of increased apartment space.

Numerous museums dot the area surrounding the neighborhood. The interactive History Park at Kelley Park rests less than two miles away from Alma-Almaden. Head downtown to the San Jose Institute of Contemporary Art or the Children's Discovery Museum. To enjoy the performing arts, plan a trip to downtown's Broadway San Jose or the California Theater.

The Alma-Almaden neighborhood has a variety of casual dining options representing a diverse range of cultures. Reyhan Persian Restaurant on Almaden Road serves Middle Eastern delicacies in a casual, friendly environment. Locals recommend starting with maast-o-khiar, a homemade yogurt with diced cucumbers and dry mint. Follow it with the Persian specialty koobideh, a well-seasoned kabob of ground beef, or ghormeh sabzi, a satisfying stew with beef and kidney beans.

Another neighborhood favorite, Flourishing Garden Seafood Restaurant, dishes out extraordinary dim sum. This family-run establishment has a reputation for extremely friendly customer service, even going so far as to occasionally offer free samples of various dishes. Try one of the signature dishes, such as Buddha's Delight, or opt for the delicate and flavorful shrimp balls or ginger lobster.

Locals swear by the food at El Rancho Liquor Store/Taqueria. The magnificently prepared food at El Rancho belies the business' simple appearance. This old-school operation stays open late, so stop in after a night out for an unbeatable tacos.

The Alma-Almaden neighborhood also has a great selection of bars. Go to Stanley's Sports Bar at Sharks Ice to drink a beer while watching a hockey game through the glass overlooking the rink. For live music, try Charley's LG in Los Gatos. Head downtown and duck into one of San Jose's many nightclubs, such as Studio 8 or the Tanq Bar.

Though public transportation has improved, San Jose remains a city of cars, and most commuters still rely on them. Alma-Almaden's location proves very convenient for drivers. Route 87 skims along the neighborhood's western edge, leading north to Route 101 and south to Route 85. The G8 and Almaden Road run north and south through the neighborhood. The city has numerous parking garages, and the downtown area has metered parking, but in Alma-Almaden, you can find free, on-street parking relatively easily. Alternately, hail a cab or arrange for a car service, such as Uber.

The neighborhood sits beside the CalTrain commuter light rail Tamien station that runs between Santa Teresa and Alum Rock. Convenient bus routes canvas the area ready to take commuters downtown in minutes.

Walk or bike throughout the Alma-Almaden neighborhood with ease. Biking enthusiasts have numerous options throughout San Jose, with a great number of dedicated and bicycle-friendly lanes throughout the city. The neighborhood welcomes bicyclists with nearby bike paths, such as the Guadalupe River Trail.

Compared to other big cities, San Jose has a much more relaxed feel. The gorgeous weather allows locals to spend more time enjoying the outdoors in one of the city's parks. Less than two miles away from Alma-Almaden sits San Jose's 172-acre Kelley Park. In addition to the incredible lawn areas where families toss Frisbees and enjoy relaxing picnics, the park houses popular family attraction Happy Hollow Park and Zoo and the peaceful and lovely Japanese Friendship Garden. Happy Hollow provides a conservation-based zoo and adventure park. Majestic landscaping filled with scenic pathways and numerous koi ponds characterize the Japanese Friendship Garden. Kelley Park doesn't charge admission and welcomes leashed pets, but entrance to Happy Hollow or the Japanese Friendship Garden requires a small fee, and these areas don't permit animals.

For more outdoor fun, visit the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds just south of Alma-Almaden or catch a flick in the Starlight Cinema travelling movie series during summer months. The city of San Jose hosts numerous festivals and outdoor holiday celebrations.

Living in Alma-Almaden costs quite a bit less than the average for the state of California. While a one-bedroom apartment in Alma-Almaden can be hard to find, expect to pay roughly $2,000 for a two-bedroom. Gas prices in the area sit at nearly 10 percent higher than the national average, but a one-way bus ticket to downtown costs just $2. Grab a beer in Alma-Almaden for between $4 and $6.

Shoppers don't lack for options in Alma-Almaden. Two shopping malls, Grand Century and Westfield Oakridge, sit just a few miles away from the neighborhood. The nearby Plant Shopping Center has big-name stores to satisfy all household needs, including Best Buy, Home Depot, and Toys R Us, and several big discount stores, such as Target and Ross.

Shoppers looking for distinctive women's apparel at affordable prices head to IBISS in Willow Glen. If the dog, cat, or rough-housing kids damage your favorite lounge chair, check out the great customer service at Aby's Custom Upholstery. The shop repairs furniture, car seats, and office furniture constructed from all kinds of materials. Upscale shoppers enjoy visiting Santana Row for stores that include Gucci and Kate Spade.

For groceries, the most convenient options include the Costco in the Almaden Plaza Shopping Center. For fresh produce and local wares, residents have their choice of several nearby farmers markets. The Farmers Outdoor Market at the Fairgrounds opens every Wednesday and Sunday year-round. The Downtown San Jose Farmers Market opens on Fridays seasonally.