Almaden Valley, a small section of San Jose located east of Los Gatos at the base of the Santa Cruz Mountains, is a fantastic place to live. This tight knit community is home to a wide variety of interesting aspects that make it a special place to call home.
The Lifestyle
Most homes in Almaden Valley are located on wide, tree lined streets with big yards, and your neighbor is probably your best friend. Kids ride bikes and play at parks all summer long. On the Fourth of July, many of the neighborhood associations have parades and neighborhood BBQ’s. Some even have bike parades. Montevideo has a “4 on the 4th Run” in honor of a resident who passed away in an accident. They also have a big parade with floats, walkers, Boy Scouts, even a fire department joins in with their big trucks and after a BBQ and pool party at their Cabana Club.
There are a few schools, public and private, in Almaden and it is very likely to start Kindergarten with a group of friends and end senior year with the same cadre of friends. Playdates, sleepovers, birthday parties and youth sports make for lifelong friends.
On any given weekend, you will find a vast majority of families at the Safeway shopping center on Almaden Expressway and Camden Avenue which features a very busy Noah’s Bagels, an even busier Maple Leaf Donuts and a popular Starbucks. Here you will find kids in various sports uniforms and parents filling up on coffee and food for a day of sporting events. You will always see someone you know while shopping and find time to get caught up on what has been happening, For lunch, families get sandwiches from Togo’s or burritos from Taco Al Pastor. Other popular spots to eat are Mo’s, Elements an Asian Fusion restaurant, Almaden Sushi and Legend’s Pizza, where you will always find a game to watch on one of the many TV’s
History and Hiking
Almaden Valley was once home to the oldest and richest mercury ore mines. The mine earned more than $75 million dollars while it was operating. The mine is now home to a very popular hiking trail called Quicksilver. Hiking Quicksilver takes you to some of the most striking parts of San Jose. From one trail, you can sit on a bench and look out all over the city. People come from all over to hike, run and walk the trails. Wild life is abundant, as well. Sightings of wolves, rabbits, snakes, wild boars, deer and even a tarantula or two are not an uncommon sight. There are several other lovely parks in the community where you will find moms, dads and kids at any time during the day. Parma Park or Jake’s Playlot is a favorite among parents with young children. Jake’s was constructed in honor of a young boy’s memory. Almaden Oaks and TJ Martin Park are also very popular. Almaden Lake is also a popular place to explore.
Fun Things To Do
If you are looking for something to do other than hiking or eating, Westfield Oakridge is a quick drive where you will find an amazing movie theater and a plethora of dining options. It’s a fantastic place for date night! Almaden Cinema is an inexpensive way to see a movie and even have a glass of wine or a beer. Terrific Tuesday’s has movies for only $6 all day.
GolfLand is a must among pre teens and families. There are water slides, mini golf and an arcade. It is also home to two golf courses, Almaden Country Club and Boulder Ridge and Cinnabar isn’t too far away.
We are hoping to attract a local Farmer’s Market and a downtown area like Willow Glen, where I will write about next month.
I can’t sign off on an article for a real estate team without mentioning housing prices. Houses do not stay on the market long in Almaden. Good schools and the bucolic lifestyle of the community are a huge draw. Homes average between 1.2mil to 1.8mil. There are quite a few above that amount and even some below.
Here is a real time real estate report for Almaden Valley for the week of September 11, 2017.
Almaden Valley is an excellent place to live!
Please contact me directly if you would like to learn more!
Kerry Smith
Mobile: 408-887-2245
Office: 408-560-9000
