North Cupertino - Cupertino, CA

Before the tech boom, most of the citizens of Cupertino were ranchers and farmers. Folks here mostly got by farming prunes, plums, peaches, apricots, walnuts and almonds. The city was slow to grow and did not become officially incorporated until 1955.

In the 1960s, with the foundation of De Anza College, the town started to develop rapidly. Growth increased exponentially with the inception of Apple Inc. in the 1970s. The orchards are pretty much gone, but the city's connection to gardening remains. The pristine parks and landscaping and the annual Ikebana flower show pay homage to Cupertino’s past. To learn more of the history of this area, check out the Cupertino Historical Society and Museum on Stelling road.

Cupertino has many dining options. Although there are quite a few modern establishments in the area, a few old-fashioned diners still exist, letting customers partake in some tried-and-true flavors of the past.

Try Holders Country Inn on South De Anza Boulevard. This friendly, family-owned place exudes an-old time feel, and the folks here have perfected American-style brunch dishes, such as eggs Benedict. The menu also includes classic meaty dinners, including New York and chicken fried steaks. If you have room in your belly after devouring your meal, make sure to enjoy a slice of heavenly homemade pie.

Thai Square Restaurant on Stevens Creek Boulevard satisfies those with a taste for Asian food. The drunken noodles are popular with the locals, and the Thai iced tea perfectly complements your meal. This place also serves up take-out, so order a variety of dishes to split with your clan at home when you don't feel like dining in.

Folks in North Cupertino do love their coffee. For a cup to remember, head over to Philz Coffee, also on Stevens Creek Boulevard. This coffee shop goes above and beyond to assure you get the best cup of Joe for your money. Indulge in a creamy ecstatic iced coffee when you want your beverage cool and yummy.

For a nightcap, you can't go wrong with a drink—try the paradise swirl or industrial-strength margarita—from Aqui Cal-Mex on South De Anza Boulevard. The fusion drinks in this establishment are popular with the locals, so stop by for just a cocktail or order one with a meal.

When you desire an up-all-night style experience, head into San Jose. North Cupertino's close proximity to the city leaves endless opportunities for those who love their nights on the town.

Many folks who live here enjoy taking walks throughout the area. Folks who like to take leisurely bike rides appreciate the safe bike paths and bike lanes throughout the city, but caution should be taken when riding on busy roads, such as Stevens Creek and De Anza.

For commuters, limited options exist. City Bus route 23 runs between downtown San Jose and De Anza College. Commuters going into San Francisco have to take a bus or bike to downtown Sunnyvale and catch the CalTrain into the city. Residents can also take advantage of Uber services to get to their destination.

Most locals get around by car. With Highway 85 and Interstate 280 nearby, Cupertino residents with vehicles have no problem zipping their way into San Francisco or San Jose—as long as it's not rush hour. North Cupertino provides ample public parking to residents.

Beautiful parks exist close to North Cupertino. For a family-friendly spot only a short walk from De Anza College, check out Portal Park, which has ample open space, a play area for kids and no entrance fee.

Bring your leashed four-legged friend to Wilson Park. This area provides lots of space to walk or jog with your dog as well as space for little league soccer and picnics. This park also has no entrance fee.

For a fun activity during the Halloween season, make sure to check out the local Winchester Mystery House in San Jose. Each year, tourists come from all over to check out the spooky Victorian-style home and explore its rich history.

Living costs in Cupertino come in higher than those of San Jose. A one-bedroom residence in North Cupertino costs about $2,300 a month on average. This cost of living also affects the price of other amenities. A beer in a Cupertino bar costs anywhere from $5 to $10, but a bus ticket to downtown San Jose only costs $2. Gas prices in the area hover around 13 percent higher than the national average.

Locals looking for high-end shopping opportunities should head outside of the neighborhood and visit Santana Row off Stevens Creek Boulevard for big names like Gucci, Anthropologie, Brooks Brothers and Chico's. Across the street at the Westfield Valley Fair Mall, other well-known stores include Macy's, Nordstrom and Victoria's Secret. Locals do a large portion of their clothing shopping in these two areas, but specialty shops and boutiques are also available nearby.

Check out Therapy in nearby Mountain View for a fun and relaxing shopping experience. The quirky items stocked here and the friendly staff create an amusing atmosphere as you peruse through the selections of clothing, furniture, and knickknacks. Fair warning though -- with the unique things to love in this store, impulse buys are inevitable.

For a local jeweler, take your pieces to family-owned Vardy's Jewelers on De Anza Boulevard. This shop's skilled craftsmen have been serving North Cupertino at this location since 1981.

People here shop at the nearby Safeway or Whole Foods for day-to-day grocery purchases. For locally sourced food or specialty produce, go to the Vallco Farmers Market on North Wolfe Road. This market opens Friday mornings year-round.