Ponderosa Park - Sunnyvale, CA Area Guide

Formerly known for its fruit orchards, canneries popped up in this area when the railroad was built in 1864. The industrial growth of this area boomed with the arrival of the Hendy Iron Works in 1906.

In 1956, Lockheed Missiles and Space Company moved to Sunnyvale and became one of its biggest employers, contributing to the growth of this area. After the introduction of the microprocessor in 1971, this place became a center for manufacturing, research and development of computers and semiconductors. Known as Silicon Valley, this area continues to thrive in the Internet era as well.

At the Sunnyvale Heritage Park Museum, see the historical home of the Murphys, who were early settlers of this area, located in an old fruit orchard. Exhibits include miniature trains and Lockheed and hi-tech item collections. This free museum, open 3 days of the week, also hosts Victorian tea parties and the Antique Faire.

For a Vietnamese twist on regular sandwiches try Cam Hung on Reed Avenue. Order the chicken, fried tofu, or sweet pork sandwich with Sriracha mayo and freshly made egg rolls. This eatery also serves noodles, rice and coffee. Come early to avoid the crowd during lunch hour.

Try the flavorful and extensive Japanese menu at Tanto Japanese Restaurant on El Camino Real. Order crab croquettes, crab gratin, clams in fish broth and grilled salmon onigiri or grilled rice balls. Also try the beef tongue and tempura halibut. For dessert, savor some green tea and sesame ice cream with red bean paste and rice cakes.

Locals unwind at the Patio Bar with cheap drinks, pool tables, dart boards, video games and arcade bowling. A virtual jukebox, happy-hour specials, and a friendly staff makes this a popular hangout.

Another place locals frequent, the Oasis, has cheap drinks, bar foods and lots of entertainment. Play pool, foosball, darts or enjoy a karaoke session with a KJ. Other features include lots of TVs for viewing sports and a jukebox with a decent selection of songs.

Most residents commute to work in private vehicles, and some use public transportation or car pool with co-workers or friends. Some errands can be accomplished on foot in this somewhat walkable neighborhood. On-street and off-street bike lanes and biker-activated traffic signals, makes this a biker-friendly community.

Public transportation options include Caltrain commuter rail as well as buses and light rail operated by the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority. Seven downtown parking lots provide ample parking spaces for residents, some even offer free, unlimited parking. Two park-and-ride locations in Sunnyvale also allow locals to utilize public transportation.

State Route 82 runs through this neighborhood following the path of the historic El Camino Real. SR-82 and the Lawrence Expressway connect the neighborhood to Interstate 280, which goes to San Jose.

Taxi services include Yellow Cab Taxi and Flat Rate Airport Taxi. Uber serves the area as well.

Dotted with several well-maintained parks, this area has many recreational activities to choose from. The 1,502 yard Sunken Gardens Golf Course, open year-round, caters to professionals and beginners alike.

Enjoy outdoor recreation at the Victorian themed Ortega Park. This 18-acre park has basketball courts, tennis courts and a cricket pitch. The multi-use field and gazebo require reservations. With a playground, shuffle-board and horseshoe pits, this park has something for everyone. Other features include a rock-climbing wall and a water-play area for kids to cool off on hot summer days.

Play basketball, tennis or sand volleyball at Ponderosa Park. Host a barbecue at one of the three picnic shelters in this 9-acre park, or play a game of bocce ball while the kids enjoy the playground.

Las Palmas Park has a dog-park area where pooches can run. The Sunnyvale Art and Wine Festival held in June features local artists, food booths and wine. Adults can enjoy free samples and live music while kids play on bouncy houses or go on kiddie rides. A summer concert series also takes place in this area.

The cost of living in Ponderosa Park is higher than the cost of living in San Jose, with the median rent for a one-bedroom residence at $1,920. Gasoline prices are 11 percent higher than the national average. A bus trip to San Jose using Valley Transit Authority costs $2, and a pint of beer costs $5.

Two small shopping centers, the Hacienda Center and Camino-Wolfe Center, feature a few stores, restaurants and grocery stores.

Comic book geeks can head up El Camino Real to the Comic Collector Shop, a bright little store that has new, back-issued and vintage comics. Be sure to ask about its in-store events.

Try Indian-style ice cream and yogurt at Nirvanaah on El Camino Real. This specialty store serves up mango kulfi, cardamom-flavored kulfi, Ferrero Rocher and coconut-flavored ice cream.

Grocery stores that serve this neighborhood include Safeway and Lucky Supermarket. A Korean grocery store, Hankook Supermarket, along with other ethnic food stores, caters to the needs of the community. The year-round Sunnyvale Farmer's Market operates every Saturday morning with tons of local and seasonal produce, hot foods, French pastries, and even live music.