Meridian-Pedro - San Jose, CA

The United States gained control of California in 1848 after Mexico took it from Spain, who had themselves taken it from Ohlone Native Americans. Two years later, San Jose became the second incorporated city in California and its first capital. Just southwest of the original San Jose, the small unincorporated community of Willow Glen, of which Meridian-Pedro belongs to, began to grow. The neighborhood's first school, Willow Glen Elementary School, was founded in 1863. Willow Glen continued as an unincorporated community until 1936 when residents opted to be annexed to San Jose rather than build their own expensive sewage treatment system. Joining the city allowed residents to link to San Jose's pre-existing sewage system.

Modern advantages of being a part of San Jose is the access to the many museums such as the Children's Discovery Museum, the Tech Museum of Innovation and the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum.

The best local restaurants sit just south of the neighborhood on Lincoln Avenue. Two that can't be missed include The Table and Bill’s Cafe. The Table is an urban, new-American restaurant presenting seasonal dishes and locally sourced ingredients from an open kitchen in rustic-chic digs. Handcrafted is the vibe they have going here, and it works perfectly. Make sure to try some of the smaller plates, like steamed clams or the unique and popular bone marrow. A couple other can't-miss menu items are the braised rabbit crepinette and ricotta beignets. Don't miss out on the great mixed drinks, such as the Switchback, Diplomat and Old-Fashioned.

Across the street from The Table, Bill’s Cafe serves as the best local breakfast and brunch spot. For those with a sweet tooth affliction, don't skip the homemade croissants or cinnamon rolls. The real standouts at Bill's are the pancakes and eggs Benedict, however. If you're a little more adventurous, try the equally tasty crab cake Benedict. For a bit of the south, order the bread pudding French toast. Plan accordingly though, as this place always remains crowded, especially during weekend brunch hours.

The Willow Den serves as the local watering hole. Pool tables and shuffleboard provide nightly enjoyment for you and your friends while live bands and DJ events bring in the crowds. Head there on Thursday nights for the $2 drink specials.

Transportation options are one of Meridian-Pedro's biggest advantages. Lincoln Avenue, the eastern boundary of the neighborhood, is a well-known, very walkable street with a an old-town feel to it. Although not many bike lanes exist, the streets remains safe for cyclists as well as walkers.

A number of public transportation options present themselves as well. VTA runs the local buses and light rails. The buses have a number of stops along Lincoln, Fruitville and Meridian Avenues, but that's no different from most San Jose neighborhoods. The real advantage for locals is the Fruitdale Light Rail Station, which sits mere steps from the neighborhood. Both the light rail and buses transport people into downtown San Jose and north into the South Bay area.

For regional public transportation, locals need only head less than 2 miles north. The San Jose Caltrain Station and the San Jose Diridon Station serve a total of three train operators: Caltrain, Amtrack and Acerail. Caltrain serves the whole Bay Area, while Amtrack and Acerail go south to Los Angeles as well. Also running throughout the Bay Area are Uber cabs, which can pick you up at your exact location with a few taps on your smartphone.

With the Southwest Expressway and I-280 serving as the west and north boundaries of the neighborhood, however, driving remains very convenient. One mile to the east and west, more major roads present themselves as well, including Highway 87 to the east, which runs through downtown San Jose and I-880 equally as close to the west. With little commercial activity to attract outsiders into the neighborhood, street parking remains wide open as well, although most homes have their own driveways or garages.

Just south of Meridian-Pedro, Willow Street Frank Bramhall Park is the best park in all of Willow Glen. Sports enthusiasts make great use of the basketball courts, tennis courts, baseball field and even lawn bowling for the fitness-minded. Kids love the gated play structures, and parents enjoy the ability to close monitor their children. There are also many shared areas with BBQ grills that make for great weekend picnics. Shakespeare in the Park is hosted here as well in the large grass amphitheater.

The cost of living in Meridian-Pedro remains high, even for San Jose standards. The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment comes in at $1,842, or 28 percent more than the $1,435 citywide monthly average.

Also driving up the cost of living, although by not as much, is the extra 23 percent locals pay at the pump compared to national averages. The $2 fare on VTA buses and light rails also remains higher than most cities across the country.

When heading out to a local restaurant, expect to pay about $5 for a beer.

A number of local boutiques exist along Lincoln Avenue, especially in the stretch between Willow Street and Minnesota Avenue. For all your antique trinkets, furnishings and gifts, Whatnots and Dodads can't be beat. Locals bring the shabby-chic vibe alive here. Stop in at IBISS for new items -- women's clothing and jewelry in particular. In general, store prices remain very affordable, especially for the great quality of clothing sold. Major commercial shopping can be done downtown or at the Santana Row and Westfield Valley Fair shopping centers, which sit just as close but in the other direction. Most of the neighborhood's grocery shopping is done at Arteaga's Food Center, a family-owned and operated grocery store on Lincoln Avenue. Safeway, Foodmaxx and Down to Earth to the north of the neighborhood provide alternative options as well. No farmer's markets within easy reach of this neighborhood.