Blackford - San Jose, CA

Sometimes referred to as the Capital of Silicon Valley, San Jose has been a central player in the high-technology industry for several decades. Before that, however, it was a small farming community.

The Winchester Mystery House near Blackford provides residents a glimpse into the mind of Sarah Winchester after the death of her husband and child. The Winchester Mystery House was built in the later 1800s, seemingly without a master building plan. The eccentric mansion can be toured daily, with special event tours happening on each Friday the 13th, and select dates in October.

Diverse restaurants make up the dining choices in the Blackford neighborhood. Many of the options line up along Saratoga Avenue on the west side. On the north side of Interstate 280, Santana Row and Westgate Mall provide several dining and nightlife options. Amato's Cheesesteaks claims to have the best cheese steaks in the world, and the small sandwich shop has been featured in the San Jose Metro Magazine and the San Jose Mercury News, so it might be true. The family-owned restaurant serves up some of the largest sandwiches in the city. Several cheesesteak options grace the menu, giving you a choice of homemade spins on the traditional sandwich, such as the pizza steak with provolone cheese and sauce. Try Kyuse Burmese Cuisine, a neighborhood favorite voted Most Authentic Menu during Silicon Valley's Restaurant Week Diner's Choice Awards in 2013. Try the tea leaf salad, which features a mix of pickled Burmese tea leaves, fried beans and garlic, dried shrimp, and fresh tomato over a bed of cabbage and lettuce spiced with hot chili. After the spicy dish, calm your taste buds with noh chauk gyaw or a samosa. Originating in Nagasaki, Japan, Ringer Hut on Saratoga Avenue is the restaurant's only location in the United States. The restaurant specializes in champon, a dish that blends fresh vegetables, calamari, fish cake and meat in a spiced broth filled with noodles. Enjoy the dish alone, or pair it with gyoza, donburi or yakimeshi. Conveniently situated on Saratoga Avenue and Interstate 280, the location of the Redi Room or Park Bar and Grill makes it easy to meet with friends and colleagues after a long day. Patrons gather here to throw darts, play some pool or watch the big game.

Neighbors enjoy walking along the sidewalks of their tree-lined streets in Blackford. All the homes feature private parking, and additional parking can be found on the streets. Bicyclists will find dedicated bike lanes along Williams Road leading to trails along Saratoga Creek.

Blackford residents enjoy easy access to Interstate 280 to the north and San Tomas Expressway to the east. If you find that you don’t want to drive, grab your smartphone and request a Lyft or Uber ride, since you won't find taxis roaming the streets.

Commuters have several options when it comes to public transportation. Bus stops along Williams Road and Saratoga Avenue help residents get around, while express and limited routes along Moorpark Avenue and San Tomas Expressway help them get there fast. The Mountain View – Winchester light rail track to the east terminates in Downtown San Jose, where you can catch a ride via Caltrain for trips to San Francisco.

The neighborhood park in Blackford, Starbird Park, contains a playground, softball field, two basketball courts and two horseshoe pits stretched over 7 acres of grassy area. The park also features picnic areas with barbecues for those who like to get outdoors on pleasant California afternoons. If you enjoy taking your dog to the park, the closest off-leash dog park sits to the west of the neighborhood at Saratoga Creek Park. Here you'll find a fenced-in run area with benches to enjoy with your pup.

The cost of living in Blackford rises 80 percent above the national average, but only 19 percent higher than the cost of living in San Jose. Housing costs account for much of the increase rising to over three times the national average, with an average one-bedroom apartment running around $2,340.

If traveling to San Jose via bus, expect a commute time of approximately 30 minutes. One-way fare costs approximately $2, while you can purchase a monthly pass for $70. Public transportation can be an enticing choice, as gas prices in San Jose can rise as high as 24 percent above the national average. You can expect to pay around $7 for a pint of beer at local bars and restaurants.

Residents need to drive just over 2 miles northwest to buy groceries at Safeway. Old Macdonald's Farmers Market on the corner of Saratoga Avenue and Williams Road carries fresh local produce and open its doors daily. When you want to buy a gift that will never be forgotten, stop by Beau Bijou at Santana Row. Specializing in unique jewelry and accent pieces from around the world, the boutique offers affordable gifts for every age. Wine lovers appreciate the eclectic collection of wines at Vintage Wine Merchants. Located in the heart of Santana Row, the shop prides itself on having a bottle of wine for every type of customer. The shop also runs events highlighting wineries and select vintages, as well as the work of local artists. You can find the latest high-end fashion trends at Santana Row or Westfield Valley Fair on the north side of Interstate 280. Whether customizing your new Tesla or buying a great looking suit at Giorgio Armani, these shopping centers feature everything you need or want.