Welcome to Almaden
Wealthy residential San Jose town with top-rated schools and gorgeous views of the surrounding mountainside
A peaceful and expansive escape surrounding a prestigious private country club in San Jose’s Silicon Valley, Almaden, or Almaden Valley, is a quiet and convenient community framed by the Santa Cruz Mountains and the Santa Teresa Hills. The name “Almaden” is a direct reference to the ancient Spanish mining town of Almadén, with a history tracing back to the early 1800s.
Families are attracted to this affluent residential area because of its top-rated schools, with two main school districts covering the valley––
San Jose Unified and
Union School District. Almaden consistently ranks as one of the wealthiest cities in San Jose and one of the country’s most expensive areas. Given the proximity within Silicon Valley, the area is home to several high-tech companies, most notably the
IBM Almaden Research Center, which has played an integral role in the development of many new technologies.
What to Love
- Top-rated public schools
- Several public recreational parks with miles and miles of trails
- Plenty of excellent places to shop and dine
People & Lifestyle
Amid the rolling hills and prevalent open spaces lies Almaden Valley, a community cherished for its ample natural beauty and recreational opportunities. Most notably, Almaden is home to the Quicksilver County Park, named after the
New Almaden Quicksilver Mines. Beyond the county park, there are dozens of neighborhood and state parks to enjoy, several picturesque lakes, and an open space preserve. It’s easy to stay active in this outdoor-focused community.
On the residential side, Almaden is a friendly, suburban, and community-oriented haven known for its sizable lots with spacious backyards and stately homes. Most homes are in the million-dollar range and many were built in the late 20th century, although there are newly constructed developments and beautiful custom estates in the hillside near the country club. The breathtaking mountain views are a significant allure, particularly with the iconic
Mount Umunhum visible from the valley, topped by the five-story radar tower known as the “Cube.”
Dining, Shopping, & Entertainment
Almaden has many shopping options at places like
Oakridge Mall and along Blossom Hill Road. Residents also frequent
Bloomster’s and
Almaden Oaks Plaza. As for dining, San Jose touts a reputation as one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the country, and that reflects in the local culinary scene. Here are a few of the most popular dining establishments:
- Blvd Coffee – Community coffeehouse offering organic fair-trade coffee, fresh-baked bagels, cookies, sandwiches, and more. Considered a local favorite for the area’s best coffee.
- La Foret Restaurant – Special occasion favorite is known for classic French cuisine, named for its lush woodland surroundings.
- Bamboo Fish – Sushi restaurant also serving Korean BBQ, tapas, and special rolls. The Crazy Horse Roll (salmon, tuna, yellowtail, avocado, kaiware, and tobiko) is one of the most popular, especially paired with the spicy garlic edamame.
- Charlie’s Cheesecake Works – Bakery in the Redwood Plaza featuring delicious traditional cheesecakes and mini desserts.
Things to Do
- Quicksilver County Park – California landmark park with more than 135 years of mining activities, today it’s a lingering remnant from the past boasting over 30 miles of equestrian trails, 37 miles of hiking trails, and 16.6 miles of bike trails.
- Almaden Lake Regional Park – Enjoy hiking, jogging, and bicycling along 30 acres of lake and 65 acres of land at this beautiful park.
- Almaden Art & Wine Festival – During the last weekend of summer, this popular San Jose festival includes a wide variety of fine arts and crafts from local artists, live music, entertainment, a children’s play area, and wine and beer tasting.
- Calero Creek Trail – Eighteen miles of unpaved hiking trails through Santa Teresa County Park with amazing wildflowers blooming March through June.
Schools
Students are spread out through the San Jose Unified School District and the Union School District. There are many great public schools and a few excellent private schools, too.
