Birdland Neighbors - Santa Clara, CA Area Guide

The history of Sunnyvale reads like much of Silicon Valley and Santa Clara County. Ohlone Native Americans ruled the land until the Spanish arrived in the 1770s, and then farming became the major economic driver. Farming was the way of life until World War II, when the demand for high technology, including aerospace and defense advancements, flipped the Silicon Valley economy on its head.

Although the days of farming in Sunnyvale are long gone, the 11-acre Full Circle Farm in Birdland serves as a reminder of the area's past. The farm remains the largest community-based urban farm in Silicon Valley. It hosts an annual Food & Farm Summer Camp where local kids learn about growing, harvesting and cooking recipes from around the world, in addition to the science, technology, and traditions behind the food.

El Camino Real along the northern edge of the neighborhood serves as the restaurant hotspot. A wide variety of Asian restaurants rank as local favorites, including JangTu Restaurant for Korean food, Rama V Thai Cuisine for Thai, Bhavika's Indian Vegetarian Food for Indian or Sawa Sushi for Japanese. Another Japanese eatery, Tanto Japanese Restaurant just across the street from Sawa might take the cake though. Head here for the tender and flavorful hot stone beef and sake, or treat yourself to the sashimi salad. Be sure to make a reservation as the restaurant constantly remains full.

Orenchi Ramen located opposite of El Camino in the neighborhood's southeast corner also garners much praise from local diners. Don't miss out on the karaage fried chicken or the signature dish, the orenchi ramen bowl. The authentic Japanese noodle preparation here makes you feel like you're actually eating in Japan. The crowds here can be even heavier than Tanto's, so plan accordingly.

Two minutes down El Camino from all the Asian restaurants sits Patio Bar, the best local watering hole with friendly people, a great atmosphere, and a wide drink selection. Locals come here to shoot pool and knock down a few of the affordably priced beers. Frequent themed parties also draw crowds from those outside of town, but the place always remains very welcoming and easygoing.

A number of transportation options exist for Birdland residents. While driving remains the most common, reliable public transportation options remain plentiful. Hailing cabs proves easy here, and the streets feel safe for walkers and cyclists. Within the neighborhood, the residential streets never feel dangerous to bike on, and most of the major roads surrounding the neighborhood have bike lanes for safe passage.

Public transportation commuters rely on three systems: VTA buses, VTA lightrail and Caltrains. Bus stops dot the four streets surrounding the square neighborhood, so residents never have to walk far. Lawrence Caltrain Station, 2 miles north, serves as the closest Caltrain station. Lightrail stations sits slightly more north at about 5 miles, but multiple bus lines from the neighborhood serve those stations. Frequent public transportation riders should pick up a Clipper Card, which provides convenience as well as cheaper rates.

While regular metered cabs can be hailed with relative ease along El Camino, Uber cabs remain the best option for Birdland residents. For the same rates, a few taps on your phone brings a cab right to your doorstep to take you anywhere in the Bay Area.

Drivers enjoy the access they have to major roadways as well as the ease of parking within the neighborhood. Street parking proves easy to find as most people park in their driveways or in parking lots. El Camino and I-280 stand as the closest major roadways, running parallel with each other, but the 101 and I-280 also run very near the neighborhood.

Right in the center of Birdland, Raynor Park serves as a neighborhood cornerstone. Kids absolutely love the dinosaur-themed play area, while separate playgrounds for older kids exist as well. The large field hosts various sports, both community organized and local pickup games, and nice picnic areas come complete with BBQ grills and horseshoe pits. Many residents bring their dogs to the park as well. Everyone in the park clearly brings a sense of community with them. The Raynor Park Neighborhood Association also hosts picnics in the park for community members. Everyone pitches in with side dishes, beverages, ice, coolers, charcoal and other items. The Association also often raffles off a few prizes.

The amenities, safety and general ease of living in Birdland creates a slightly higher cost of living relative to other Sunnyvale neighborhoods. For example, a one-bedroom apartment in Birdland costs an average of $1,641 per month. This falls about seven percent higher than the Sunnyvale average of $1,539 per month.

Transportation and dining costs also remain high. Locals pay about 23 percent more at the pump compared to national averages, and VTA riders, on both the bus and lightrail, pay $2 for each one-way trip. When heading out to a restaurant, expect entrées to start around $12 and beers around $5.

No main shopping area exists in or around Birdland. Many retailers, both commercial and local boutiques, exist in the area, but they remain relatively spread out rather than bunched in a single mall or shopping center. Local business supporters head to Shibuyasj on Wolfe Road for stylish women's clothing, including lingerie as well as cosmetics and other beauty supplies. Locals know Shibuyasj as a better Victoria's Secret. Pacific Scuba Divers, another longstanding neighborhood shop on Homestead Road, offers training and gear for scuba divers and snorkelers alike.

For groceries, locals primarily head to one of three Safeways, all of which sit just outside the Birdland limits. Two of the stores reside on Homestead Road to the east and west of the neighborhood, while the third and most popular sits on El Camino just north of the neighborhood. Specialty groceries stores such as India Cash & Carry and Hankook Super Deli also line El Camino closer to the neighborhood. Lastly, in addition to Summer Camps, Full Circle Farm also sells farm-fresh food. Pay this market a visit on Fridays and Sundays every week to pick up produce for yourself, or join the popular 13-week Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program.

Major retailers such as Apple, Target, Marshalls, Ross, T.J. Maxx, Payless, and Costco all sit well within reach from Birdland as well.