Living on the edge of the city.
City Limits
Named for the New Almaden Quicksilver Mines, in turn the namesake of a mining town in Spain, Almaden Valley rests on the southwestern edge of San José between the Santa Teresa Hills and the Santa Cruz Mountains, with historic Mount Umunhum looming to the west. The neighborhood is dominated by single family homes, with easy access to open space and top-rated schools.
Almaden Valley – or Almaden for short – is home to local professionals, scientists, athletes, and Silicon Valley executives, who are drawn to the neighborhood by its relative seclusion and family-friendly vibes. The informal borders are generally Coleman Road to the north, McKean Road to the south, where the valley becomes mostly rural, and the town of Los Gatos to the west.
SAN JOSé By the Numbers
Population: 1,030,119
Median age: 37
Median household income: $113,036
Median property value: $2.26M
Photo CREDIT: Carleton Watkins
#Quicksilver
Like its Spanish namesake, California's Almaden had a number of quicksilver mines. The mercury was used during gold extraction in the California Gold Rush, but the mines were closed in 1975 and have been converted into Almaden Quicksilver County Park. Learn more
#WhereTheSidewalksEnd
The City of San José adopted policies decades ago to protect its hillsides and open spaces from suburban sprawl as part of an environmental movement, so Almaden housing developments transition quickly to rural vistas.
Where to go: Chic’s Picks
Almaden Quicksilver County Park – Spectacular in natural diversity and a landmark of California history, this park is the site of over 135 years of mining activities and former home to more than 1,800 miners and their families. The park stretches over 4,163 acres, and during early spring, it offers a spectacular wildflower display. Remnants of the mining era offer an exciting look into the latter part of the 19th century.
New Almaden Mining Museum – Exhibits at the stately 1854 Casa Grande manor capture the history of local mercury mining, the California gold rush, and the lifestyles of mining communities in New Almaden. Take a walk back in time through 19th century photographs and a diorama that replicates the interior of a mine shaft.
Almaden Lake Regional Park – Visitors to this local gem enjoy hiking, jogging, and cycling along 30 acres of lake and 65 acres of land. Others partake in a family or company picnic and play volleyball, horseshoes, and bocce ball. The park also serves as a connecting point for the Los Alamitos Creek Trail and the Guadalupe River Park Trail.
Mount Umunhum – Recently established as a local landmark, the most prominent peak in the Santa Cruz Mountains above Almaden is topped with a five-story concrete radar tower – aka the “Cube” – the remains of a military radar station. The summit has since been reopened to the public with interpretive displays, mountain biking, and hiking trails.
WHERE TO EAT, DRINK & HANG
Elements – This contemporary French and Vietnamese eatery is the perfect spot for intimate, elegant and relaxed fine dining. The menu changes regularly and showcases the finest organic, local, and seasonal ingredients.
La Foret – An exquisite French restaurant named for its lush forest surroundings, La Foret is proud to carry on the time-honored tradition of hospitality that began in New Almaden more than 100 years ago. In the 1930s, this old boarding house was converted into the Cafe Del Rio, a popular restaurant that served New Almaden for almost 40 years.
Blvd Coffee of Almaden – This family owned and operated coffee shop has been in business for over 25 years and has another location in Los Gatos. They offer organic drip coffee, a full espresso bar, Italian Sodas, frozen drinks, cooked to order breakfast, sandwiches, crepes, pastries, and more!
WANT TO LEARN MORE?
Visit San José - Convention & Visitors Bureau
Metro Silicon Valley - Arts and culture news
Content Magazine - Local culture
