Ardenwood - Fremont, CA

Ardenwood and the surrounding areas began their industrial transformation during the 1950s and '60s, when five disparate neighborhoods fused together to form Fremont. Since then, this neighborhood has become a haven for tech moguls like Apple computers, which got its start here. Since the 1980s, hundreds of tech companies have flocked to Fremont for its proximity to the rest of Silicon Valley. With the influx of new residents, Ardenwood became not only more diverse, but more expansive, as newly developed communities took shape in and around the area.

Learn about Ardenwood’s history at the Ardenwood Historic Farm, an active farm in the middle of town. Tour its Patterson House, soaking up the events and artwork inside. Bring a few bucks, though, as tickets are $6 per adult, $4 for children.

Ardenwood’s restaurant scene reflects its diverse population, with cuisines from all over the world, including Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese, or Indian. Scarf down the freshest-caught fish in the bay at O’Sushi. Start with a fried spicy tuna roll and a side of miso soup, and let your stomach expand while you nibble at the complementary strawberry or green tea ice cream. Bring your friends on game nights — you can eat all you want while watching the Golden State Warriors play.

Head to CoCurry Thai Cuisine for flavors from the other side of the China Sea. Start off your lunch with a Thai sampler and pineapple fried rice while you sip on free Thai iced tea. Choose your level of spiciness from the pepper chart on the wall, or, if you’re unsure, ask for an extra pepper tray to get a sampler of chili sauce, pickled peppers and dried red peppers.

Large groups can test out their singing voices at K-Pop Cafe on Fremont Boulevard. Start your night with soy garlic or hot-and-spicy wings and a drink of mango soju. Warm up your vocal cords during happy hour with 50 percent off alcoholic drinks. Gather your nerves at the karaoke machine and croon a soft tune for the other patrons.

Living between the easily accessible Interstate 880 and the 84 Freeway, Ardenwood residents tend to drive to run their daily errands. With the local BART system, however, commutes to and from Oakland and San Francisco are simple. To get to San Jose, take BART to connect with an ACE or Capitol Corridor or VTA train right into downtown. Travel by bus on the AC Transit public lines or on The County Connection, which can take you all the way to Richmond or San Francisco. Choose from three major airports out of Oakland, San Jose and San Francisco, as all are roughly equidistant from Ardenwood.

For those without cars who dislike public transportation, use Uber car for night or weekend trips. Neighborhoods are walkable, but beware of the traffic around you. Fremont is currently transitioning to make the city more bike-friendly, and you can already ride on numerous bike paths and marked routes to take you around town.

Smack in the center of Ardenwood sits the Ardenwood Historic Farm, an actual working farm surrounded by wildlife and country scenery. Stroll around the property to hang out with any of the hundred species identified in the park’s fields and orchards. Make corn husk dolls at the annual Harvest Festival, or hop on the hay ride after making ice cream with the kids. Admission is just a few dollars per person.

Soak up the views of the hills and the bay at the dog-friendly Coyote Hills Regional Park. A public land covering more than 950 acres, this expansive preserve was once the home of the native Ohlone Indians. Hike, bike or run through its winding paths, stopping for lunch at one of the barbecue pits. Use the parking lot for a small fee, or park farther away and walk to the park entrance.

Ardenwood living tends to cost more than the Oakland city average, depending on the neighborhood. Average for one-bedroom apartments run between $1,700 and $1,800, compared to the Oakland average of $1,500. BART rides to the center of Oakland cost $4.20, while gas prices are 8 to10 percent lower than the Oakland average. A beer at a local bar sets you back about $5.

Travel outside the local Ardenwood area to find the larger shopping centers in town. Inner geeks rejoice at the NewPark Mall, just minutes away in Newark, where customers find the latest movies and video games at competitive prices. Chat with the sales guy about the newest game console before trying on clothes at New York & Company or Forever 21.

While many residents prefer the large chain grocery stores around Ardenwood, 99 Ranch Market exists for authentic ethnic cooking. With a variety of Asian and other ethnic foods, the market impresses visitors with its massive selection of produce not found in other chain stores. If you get hungry while getting lost in the aisles, try an authentic barbecue duck dish from the freshly baked food department.

Walk or bike to the Centerville Farmer's Market at the corner of Bonde Way & Fremont Boulevard for a small but varied batch of organic fruits and veggies. Shop in season for local peaches, nectarines, strawberries and more on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.