Warmsprings - San Jose, CA Area Guide

Founded in 1777, a farming community called El Pueblo de San José de Guadalupe became the first town for civilians in the Spanish colony of Nueva California. After World War II and the expansion of the local population by returning veterans, San Jose annexed even more land. The growth of the technology sector in the 1990s helped transform this once agricultural land into an urban, metropolitan city.

The San Jose Institute of Contemporary Art engages visitors of all ages with exhibitions and education programs on often conceptually challenging contemporary art.

Originally built in 1927, the California Theatre hosts Opera San Jose, the Symphony Silicon Valley, author readings, film screenings, and dance performances in a beautiful and opulent space featuring the building’s original ornamentation.

San Jose’s Annual Dia de los Muertos celebrates the local Chicano/Latino community with a costume-filled day of remembrance featuring live music, art displays, and community altars.

With Asian and Mexican restaurants and grocery stores galore, residents of Warmsprings have a bounty of affordable eating options and access to inexpensive kitchen staples, meats and produce.

McKee Road's My Pho Noodle House serves cheap and tasty Vietnamese noodles, beef stews and vermicelli bowls in a casual strip-mall environment. Try the oxtail noodles for tender meat in a delectable broth or the beef stew served with French rolls.

El Chalateco has Salvadorian pupusas packed with melting cheese, as well as tacos and tortas (Mexican sandwiches) for even the pickiest of Latin food enthusiasts. Sink your teeth in a pupusa or steaming pork tamale, and water it all down with a lip-smacking michelada made out of beer, lime juice and hot sauces.

Residents head to Michelin-recommended Back A Yard in downtown San Jose for unforgettable Jamaica jerk meals served with rice and beans, fried plantains and salad. Treat yourself to the jerk chicken or pork spare ribs followed by sweet potato pudding in this cheerful dining space.

With few nightlife options in the neighborhood locals head into downtown San Jose for a drink after work. For a well-balanced cocktail in a sophisticated yet lively and easygoing space, check out Paper Plane in the heart of downtown San Jose for its barrel-aged cocktails and punches on tap. A gorgeous bar with a wall full of beautifully-lit bottles of booze serves as the backdrop for savoring one of its signature cocktails, such as La Vie en Rose with raspberry infused vodka, honey, lemon' and peach bitters. After a drink or two, try the artichoke macaroni and cheese and the chicken and waffles served like a sandwich.

Nothing's more down-to-earth than hurling a 16-pound ball down a lane on a Friday night. For a no-nonsense environment with the option of eating a rib eye steak, 4th Street Bowl delivers competitive fun with friends, coworkers and enemies alike. In addition, every night, residents belt their hearts out to MC Hammer and Erasure with a karaoke system fit for, well, bowlers.

The San Jose Center for the Performing Arts features musicals and the Symphony Silicon Valley to an audience who loves a live show.

The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority provides safe and efficient public transportation by bus for San Jose residents with a single ride fare of $2, as well as light rail routes that connect San Jose with surrounding areas, such as Mountain View and Santa Clara. With plenty of bike routes, paved sidewalks and excellent California weather, residents have the option to bike or walk around town. Calling a cab or using Uber can be a convenient option for those who don’t wish to drive. Drivers have easy access to Highway 680, but street parking can be a bit of a challenge in Warmsprings because of the area’s many parks and schools.

With about 301 days of sunshine and 16,000 acres of parkland, San Jose ensures that active residents can take advantage of a multitude of recreational facilities and opportunities.

Alum Rock Park, one of California’s oldest, has miles of trails and panoramic views of rugged beauty. Residents can hike, jog, walk the dog or picnic in this park. Special features include Penitencia Creek, active mineral springs and grottoes.

Even closer to Warmsprings, Overfelt Park provides 33 acres of quiet contemplation and nature in a Chinese cultural setting. With pagodas and a Confucius statue, Overfelt Park’s open space, fountains, and benches draws residents with its placid, meditative charm.

The annual San Jose Jazz Summer Fest enriches downtown San Jose with live performances by nationally-recognized artists in a community-focused, family-friendly environment.

With Warmsprings’ average one-bedroom rental rate of $1,662 a month, the cost of living is about 10 percent less than the San Jose average and 45 percent greater than the national average. A typical price for beer at a local pub runs around $4 to $5. Locals pay about 10 percent above the national average cost for gas.

Outside of a few chain stores such as Target and Dollar Tree residents shop in the downtown San Jose area for an eclectic mix of boutiques and specialty stores, from clothing and home decor to used books.

Japantown’s Headliners carries streetwear with an emphasis on stylish hats and beanies with a bold, urban sensibility. Residents with a little swagger purchase their flat-billed caps emblazoned with the Sharks logo here.

In addition to chain supermarkets such as Save-A-Lot and Grocery Outlet, the Warmsprings area has several ethnic groceries for all your inexpensive staples and produce needs. Get your fresh fish and meat at Filipino market Seafood City, but don’t forget to pick up a bucket of Magnolia ube ice cream.

Alum Rock Farmers Market runs every Sunday year-round, providing fresh organic fruits and vegetables, beautiful flower bouquets, and diverse foods from local vendors.