Blossom Valley/S San Jose - San Jose, CA

Blossom Valley was originally part of a huge tract of land granted to Jose Joaquin Bernal in 1834. The land was used first for cattle ranching and later for farming. The property was passed down from generation to generation, and it was broken up along the way to give heirs equal shares. Although most of the property was sold for development, descendants of the family continued to operate a much smaller ranch up until 1980. Blossom Valley is one of the neighborhoods formed by the division and development of the original land grant.

The restored buildings and artifacts of the nearby Bernal-Gulnac-Joice historic site act as a living museum and take visitors back in time for a taste of ranch life in the early 1900s. Throughout the year, the Ranch stages family events that educate visitors on the area's history.

Blossom Valley doesn't have a restaurant quarter, but it does have several eateries along Snell Avenue. Grab big-chain fast-food bites at McDonald's, Subway and Pizza Hut and small-chain eats at Pizza My Heart, Johnny Rockets and Yum-Yum Donuts, or sit down to a leisurely dinner at one of the local independent eateries.

If your taste buds are in the mood for Chinese food, take them to Pearl River Restaurant. The wonton soup with pork and shrimp dumplings and the honey walnut prawns enjoy legendary status among the locals. The appetizer platter—house-special cream cheese fried wontons, pot stickers, butterfly shrimp, chicken yakitori skewers and a spring roll—satisfies a variety of cravings.

Stop in at Bistro Tupaz for a taste of modern European fare. Enjoy tender sliced beef with sky-high Yorkshire puddings, bubbling French onion soup brimming with melted cheese or pork goulash with fried gnocchi. The breadbasket starter, an assortment of fresh-baked bread and house-made jam, is a highlight in itself. Order and pay up front at this restaurant, take your napkin and flatware to your table and don't feel obligated to leave a tip.

Get your sushi fix at Shin Sushi Japanese Restaurant. Order the local favorite sashimi combo for a complete meal that includes miso soup, edamame, salad and potstickers, or show your love for the city when you order the San Jose roll with chicken teriyaki, jalapeno and cream cheese inside and tobiko and avocado on top.

For cheap drinks and a friendly atmosphere, locals go to Q's Place. Shoot some pool, shoot the breeze and knock back a few shots to the tune of the jukebox at this neighborhood dive bar.

Blossom Valley may not be known for its nightlife, but it sits close enough to downtown that locals can easily make the quick trip for concerts, nightclubs and nights on the town.

Typically, residents run errands and get around in Blossom Valley by car, and retail centers provide ample free parking for driving customers. The sprawling nature of this suburban neighborhood creates a spacious vibe, but it makes the area less walkable. Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) bus service runs north-south along Snell Avenue and east-west along Blossom Hill Road, and Light Rail stations with park-and-ride lots make downtown commutes easy. To take the stress out of a drive to the airport, call ahead to reserve a cab, or book a ride with Uber and leave the driving to someone else.

Highway access couldn't be more convenient; jump onto State Route 85 to skirt around the south of San Jose en route to San Francisco, or hop on State Route 87 for a quick trip downtown. Several main roads have dedicated bike lanes and intersect the neighborhood, creating safe travel for cyclists.

Blossom Valley provides lots of opportunities for free-of-charge outdoor fun and recreation. With age-designated playgrounds and picnic areas, Comanche Park and Coy Park cater to families with little ones. Vista Park's design favors a greater range of activities. Get in the game on the basketball court, or set up nets on the grassy fields and indulge in volleyball. Turn the kids loose on the playground equipment, and enjoy a family picnic on a sunny summer afternoon. To wear out your dog with an off-leash romp, head over to Miyuki Park where shaded benches, water fountains for dogs and people and lots of running-around room await.

Locals attend the free Music in the Park concert series and Starlight Outdoor Movie Nights held annually in the downtown area. Keep an eye on the San Jose events calendar for outdoor events closer to home.

Costs in San Jose run higher than the California average, but the cost of living in Blossom Valley comes in lower than the San Jose average. Set aside about $2,097 for your monthly rental of a one-bedroom residence.

Regarding day-to-day expenses, a quick trip to the city center on VTA Light Rail costs only $2, and a pint at the pub costs about $4. The cost of distribution makes an impact on gas prices on the West Coast, and in Blossom Valley, you can expect to pay about 23 percent more than the national average at the pumps.

Most of the district's retail activity takes place at Santa Teresa Square on Snell Avenue and Sunrise Plaza Shopping Center on Blossom Hill Road.

If you're looking for clothing and accessories or dance shoes, check out Prima Dancewear. Find tights, leotards and carry bags at this specialty store, or make an appointment to have your pointe shoes custom fitted. Buy a guitar, rent a saxophone or take voice lessons at Music Village. Bring in your guitar for string replacement and tuning, drop off your trombone for valve repair or buy treble clef earrings for the music fan in your life. This shop also provides the instruments and service your kids need for school music programs.

Centrally located Nob Hill Foods serves the neighborhood residents with groceries, flowers and prepared deli foods. On Sundays, you can find lots of seasonal fruits and veggies, sample tasty bites from food vendors and listen to live music at Blossom Hill farmers market.