Muir - San Jose, CA

Originally named El Pueblo de San Jose de Guadalupe when it was founded in 1777, San Jose was incorporated as a city in 1850. Farming and ranching were mainstays for the early settlers in outlying areas until the growth of the city pushed the rural boundaries outward to develop the land closer to the city. There was little construction in the Muir neighborhood prior to the 1950s, and the district's greatest growth occurred from the 1960s to the 1980s followed by a secondary housing boom from 2000 to 2004. The Muir neighborhood doesn't house museums, but for a taste of history, locals can visit the cultural campus of History Park, take a tour of the city's oldest home at the Peralta Adobe historic site or celebrate the city's beginnings with family activities and a birthday cake at the historic site.

Most of the area's restaurants line up on Almaden Expressway. Taco Bell, Pizza Hut and McDonald's serve up their signature fast-food eats, and independent neighborhood staples continue to cook up crowd-pleasing favorites.

Serving San Jose for more than 15 years, La Victoria Taqueria dishes up Mexican foods in big portions and at reasonable prices. Start your day with a bacon-and-egg burrito stuffed with rice and beans and dipped in the taqueria's legendary orange sauce. Stop in late, open until 3 am on weekends, for a big plate of super nachos stacked with beans, cheese, guacamole, sour cream and carne asada. As a neighborhood favorite, LaVic's can get very busy and parking can be tight.

Another fixture of the San Jose restaurant scene, Bogey's Pizza Co. has been serving pies for 31 years. Come in with friends for a bite and a beer while you watch the game, or treat the family to a half-and-half pie with a pitcher of soda. Try a mushroom, pepperoni and artichoke pizza from the build-your-own menu, or go with the house-special "Canadian Open" with bacon, black olives and fresh tomatoes. Whatever you choose, expect generous layers of toppings. For healthy soups, sandwiches and wraps, try Erik's Delicafe. Chow down on a chicken pesto sandwich with tomatoes and sprouts on a peppered onion roll, or take on stack of vegetables in the farmer's market sandwich with a side of butternut squash soup. Just ask if you'd like to substitute with gluten-free, whole-grain bread.

Locals drop in at The Branham Lounge for drinks and fun with DJs, live music and karaoke. Sit in the comfortable chairs by the fireplace and enjoy your $3 domestic beers during daily happy hours, or make yourself an "ugly" breakfast by customizing your drink at the bloody Mary bar. This neighborhood doesn't offer a lot of nightlife, but in 15 minutes, locals can join in the excitement of concerts and nightclubs in the downtown entertainment scene.

With restaurants, parks, schools and grocery stores nearby, the Muir neighborhood is somewhat walkable. Bus routes run east-west just beyond the northern and southern edges of the neighborhood, and a north-south route runs along Almaden Expressway with a connection to the Almaden light rail station. Flat terrain and a few dedicated bike lanes that intersect the neighborhood make cycling a good transportation choice.

If you want someone else to do the driving, phone for a taxi or use your app to book a ride with Uber. Don't expect to find a cab to hail.

If you prefer to get behind the wheel yourself, you can easily hop on State Route 87 for an express trip north or south within San Jose and make connections to I-680 for a freeway trip north of the city. Within the neighborhood, most shops and restaurants provide free parking for customers.

Small in area and short on amenities, Russo and Scottsdale Parks have just enough space for green relief and peaceful relaxation, although you can pitch a few shoes at the horseshoe pit in Russo Park. With 7 acres of space, Branham Park has the room and facilities to entertain the whole family. You can shoot hoops or practice your 3-point shot on the basketball court, polish your digs and spikes on the sand volleyball court or work out on the exercise course. Enjoy an outdoor meal in the picnic area while the kids entertain themselves in the playground zone. Your dog can join in the fun as long it stays on-leash. For more physical activity, Paul Moore Park has tennis courts and a softball field.

Muir residents travel a little farther to the downtown area for the free Music in the Park concert series and the Starlight Cinemas summer outdoor movie program.

The cost of living in Muir runs higher than the city average. Plan your budget for a monthly rental rate of about $1,870 for a one-bedroom residence, and expect to pay about 23 percent more than the national average for gas at the pump.

A one-way ticket to the downtown area on a VTA bus or light rail train costs only $2, and a frosty pint of beer at the pub costs about $4.

Muir residents have good shopping choices that include small independent shops and large department stores at Almaden Plaza shopping center. You can find clothes for the whole family at Ross Dress for Less, update your decor with home accessories from Bed Bath & Beyond, and stock up on dog food and chew toys at Pet Smart. For deep discount prices, try thrift-store shopping at Savers, or buy, sell or trade gently worn clothes and fashion accessories at Crossroads Trading Co. You may score a short party-dress for just $24 or a slinky metallic T-shirt for $11. Make your wedding party picture-perfect with gowns, tuxedos and accessories from Elegant Lace Bridal and Tuxedo. Choose from a selection of designer bridal gowns by Maggie Sottero, Justin Alexander and Allure Bridal, and find a fluffy princess dress for your favorite little flower girl. Style the men in classic or modern tuxedos with vests and ties that complement your wedding colors.

Trader Joe's serves the neighborhood's grocery needs, and for large quantities and bulk purchases, locals head to Costco. Sprouts Farmer's Market keeps Muir residents supplied with an assortment of fresh produce.