Countrybrook Lagoon - San Jose, CA

Spaniards founded El Pueblo de San Jose de Guadalupe back in 1777. Originally a farming community that produced food for local military, the area experienced a surge in its population during the California Gold Rush. In the 1990s, San Jose experienced even more growth with the rapid development of Silicon Valley’s tech industry.

As the area’s leading arts institution, the San Jose Museum of Art reflects the diversity and innovative culture of Silicon Valley through contemporary and modern art exhibitions, programs, and collections. Since 1969, the museum has showcased art by both modern masters and emerging artists, with a permanent collection focused on West Coast art.

San Jose’s annual Mexican Heritage and Mariachi Festival celebrates the music and culture of Mexico and Latin America with live performances, speaker events and arts exhibitions. Watch folk dancers and musicians share the power and grace of their traditions in a lively, family-friendly environment.

San Jose abounds with diverse restaurant and dining options, from sophisticated to greasy spoon. The neighborhood of Countrybrook Lagoon has many nearby ethnic restaurants, including Chinese and Vietnamese, as well as a few pizza joints to keep you happy.

Locals love Colosseum New York Pizza in Milpitas for $3 pizza by the slice, garlic knots and unforgettable Philly cheesesteak sandwiches in a friendly environment decorated with Yankees gear. Order a side of garlic fries and the classic Colosseum pizza with pepperoni, mushroom, olive and onion. Save room for a crispy chocolate cannoli topped with powdered sugar for dessert.

The Kickin' Crab on Cropley Avenue serves some of the finest and freshest Cajun seafood in town. Start your deep-fried journey with some Cajun fries and shrimp. Order one of the Kickin' combo meals with Dungeness crab, shrimp, clams, potatoes, corn and sausage to share with friends and family.

For something healthier, check out Vegetarian House, an organic vegan restaurant with dishes from all over the world, including China, Vietnam and Thailand. Located outside of the neighborhood and with a baby grand piano and a full-stocked bar in a simple, Asian-inspired environment, Vegetarian House pleases locals with the spicy cha cha - fake "shrimp" made out of yam flour and cooked with red bell peppers, garlic and chili. Diners looking for something hot should try the Szechuan eggplant or golden Thai vegetables for a little (or a lot) of spice.

With few options for nightlife in the neighborhood, residents head into San Jose to access the many sports bars, pool halls, dance clubs and Karaoke lounges the city has to offer.

Milpitas' Blue Note Lounge sits in the neighborhood and has a low-key, no-frills bar in a dimly lit setting perfect for enjoying live performances of local music. Check out the Tuesday Blues Jam for a fun, relaxing night out with friends.

For something swanky, locals enjoy the well-balanced classic cocktails at Haberdasher in downtown San Jose. The speakeasy-style bar sells fine cigars to enjoy with a basil gimlet or a custom-made cocktail by one of the San Jose's finest mixologists.

Drive down to Nguyen Trai Billiards which provides an interesting mix of a testosterone-heavy pool hall with Vietnamese sandwiches in a divey environment perfect for both developing and long-standing bromances. Try the pate sandwich with crispy, fresh bread stuffed with pickled veggies, fresh jalapeno slices and cilantro.

The Santa Clara Valley Transit Authority serves San Jose residents with public transportation by bus as well as by light rail routes connecting San Jose with surrounding areas, such as Mountain View and Santa Clara. Sunny California weather and excellent bike routes make biking and walking accessible. Calling a cab in advance or taking advantage of Uber can be convenient for residents who want an occasional lift.

Countrybrook Lagoon drivers have the advantage of quick access to both Highways 680 and 880. Residents have ample parking along the neighborhood's beautiful, tree-lined streets.

With San Jose’s 15,950 acres of parkland, active residents have a multitude of options for playing or just relaxing in the sun. Locals take advantage of the open green spaces and developed trails for everything from running to walking their dogs.

Flickinger Park, just south of Countrybrook Lagoon, has basketball courts and soccer and football fields, lots of green and grassy areas for picnics and a playground for kids. Groups large and small enjoy this clean, well-maintained park year-round. Brooktree Park also is another great option south of the neighborhood.

For locals who love water sports, East San Jose’s Lake Cunningham Park has summer sailing programs as well as paddle boats for rent. Residents fish free of charge in the amply stocked lake for large mouth bass, rainbow trout and catfish.

With Countrybrook Lagoon’s median one-bedroom rental rate of $1,980 a month, the cost of living sits about 13 percent less than the San Jose average and 39.7 percent greater than the national average. Gas prices run about 10 percent above the average cost for the United States. Commuting to downtown San Jose requires a $2 bus ride. A typical price for beer at a local pub runs around $4 to $5.

With convenient access to chain shopping and a commercial mall in neighboring Milpitas, Countrybrook Lagoon residents’ favorite specialty stores and boutiques can be found in and around downtown San Jose.

Located in the neighborhood, Sheldon's Hobbies on Trade Zone Boulevard serves as the area's remote controlled device headquarters. Since 1958 this family owned business has been supplying hobby enthusiasts with the supplies they need. Whether you're purchasing your first RC or need accessories for an existing device Sheldon's has you covered.

Ibiss on Lincoln Avenue provides the chicest clothing, accessories and home décor for some of Silicon Valley’s most fashionable women. Since 2007, the high-style boutique has carried classic looks with trendy pops of color, such as a neon peach clutch or an emerald statement necklace.

For groceries, chain supermarkets such as Trader Joe’s, Safeway and Whole Foods abound, but locals also rely on inexpensive ethnic stores for staples and farmers markets for the freshest produce around.