Garden Alameda - San Jose, CA

The Alameda served as a route for the stagecoaches that traveled from San Jose to San Francisco in the 1850s. It was a toll road between 1862 and 1868, and it became a public road in 1871. Horse drawn trolleys, electric trolleys and buses ran along this important transportation corridor. In the 19th and 20th century several wealthy residents built mansions in the area. The oldest building on the street, the Dunne Mansion, was built in the 1890s. The Minerva Building, built in 1920, was the home of San Jose mayor, Dan Gray.

Several museums in this area with unique exhibits cater to the varied interests of the residents. The Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum, a must for Egyptian history enthusiasts, showcases human and animal mummies, broken weapons and other artifacts.

The Rose, White and Blue Parade, held on the 4th of July features live bands, dance troupes, floats and antique cars.

Garden Alameda sits close to downtown San Jose, where area restaurants serve everything from burgers and sandwiches to seafood, noodles and tacos. Try Zona Rosa or Tee Nee Thai Cuisine, both located on The Alameda. Tee Nee Thai Cuisine dishes up an amazing Mussaman lamb curry, papaya salad, Panang curry with chicken and authentic tom yum soup. For beer lovers, the restaurant serves an impressive list of Belgian beers. This small restaurant fills up quickly, so plan to arrive early, or make a reservation. Start with bacon guacamole and homemade chips at Zona Rosa and then order scallop tacos or pollo tacos. Freshly made tortillas and tomatillo salsa add an extra layer of flavor to these dishes. For dessert, savor some pumpkin fritters with horchata ice cream. Locals and regulars unwind at Red Stag Lounge to enjoy free karaoke every night, strong drinks and pool tables. The bar only accepts cash, and a surcharge applies to credit card transactions. Amiable bartenders and cheap drinks makes this joint popular for a casual night out. Tony P's Park Avenue Bar and Grill serves good burgers, calamari steak, onion rings and cheap beer. This sports bar has several TVs and a pool table. Indoor and outdoor seating and excellent customer service makes this a great place to have dinner and drinks while watching games. Locals also drive down The Alameda into downtown San Jose to enjoy a vibrant nightlife. Dance the night away at Studio 8 or the Miami Beach Club on South 1st Street, or enjoy a night of comedy at Comedy Sportz or The Improv, both located on South 2nd Street. Those who enjoy Hookah and Cigar Lounges can head to Tangerine Hookah Bar, which offers more than 40 hookah flavors in multiple combinations, or The Swinging Hookah, the most upscale Hookah lounge in the city.

Most residents travel to work by car. The flat terrain and mild weather also encourages locals to walk and bike. Bike share programs and bike lanes make for a biker-friendly neighborhood. Because of the area's close proximity to the College Park Caltrain station, residents also make use of public transit. Bus and light rail services by the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority provide another option for residents. Downtown and Caltrain station parking lots serve the needs of commuters.

The Alameda connects this neighborhood to Interstate 880 and Interstate 280. A short drive on Alameda takes you to the city of San Jose, but commuters deal with traffic congestion when driving in and around San Jose.

Taxi services include Taxi Service San Jose and Silicon Valley Taxi. Uber serves the nearby San Francisco area, and locals also use the car share options such as Zipcar.

With miles of trails along the river, rose gardens, community gardens and more, Garden Alameda residents can escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and unwind in neighborhood parks.

Walk, run or skate on the Guadalupe River Park's 2.6 miles of trails, or simply sit on a park bench and watch the river flow by. This park also features public art, a historic orchard and a community garden where citizens can cultivate their own plot. Other features include tot lots, playgrounds and a walkway in Arena Green. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the Guadalupe Gardens Picnic Area, which requires prior reservation. The park organizes the Pumpkins in the Park harvest fair and the Super Guadalupe River run every year.

Discover 3,700 varieties of roses at the free Heritage Rose Garden, or watch exotic birds that visit this area. The garden also conducts rose pruning and other gardening events.

A small park with lots of trees, Delmas Dog Park has lots of room for dogs to run around.

The cost of living in Garden Alameda is higher than the national average but 7 percent lower than the cost of living in San Jose. Average rent for a one-bedroom residence hovers around $2,300 per month. Gas prices are 11 percent higher than the national average. Expect to pay $3.25 for a train trip from Garden Alameda to San Jose and $4 for beer at a local pub.

The San Jose Market Center has the perfect mix of health stores, retail stores, restaurants and beauty shops. Locals love to walk from nearby neighborhoods to this shopping center. High-end stores include Azuki Clothing Co and Ay Dios Mio Shop, both located in the downtown area. Downtown San Jose is a major shopping area with many boutiques, galleries and retail stores.

For reasonably priced urban clothing, local gear, brand-name products, trinkets, art, shoes and jewelry, shop at The Usuals on Alameda. This boutique supports local artists and has great clearance items.

Aristocrats in Japantown sells classy men’s street wear, hats and watches. The store also carries designer G-Shock series watches, shoes and jackets.

Grocery stores such as Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods and Safeway, service this neighborhood. Schurra’s Fine Confections carries chocolate-dipped strawberries, caramel apples and truffles. Shop for holiday themed chocolates and gifts for Christmas, Easter and Valentine’s Day at this store.

The Downtown San Jose Farmers Market runs on Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and food vendors sell lots of local organic produce, unusual fruits and vegetables, baked goods and more.