Blossom Valley

Blossom Valley is a safe, family-oriented South San Jose community. It is somewhat hard to define, considering its many micro-neighborhoods that make up the district as a whole. As a result, there are a wide range of middle-class housing options, even though it seems more are more dreary than polished. The area’s biggest draw is its proximity to many large firms and tech companies such as IBM (the district’s major/largest employer).

Blossom Valley’s residential neighborhood features just middle-of-the-road community aesthetics. Though homes can be a bit reasonably priced for San Jose standards, the area has been overwhelmed by foreclosures. These homes typically consist of what’s for sale--i.e. the single-story ranch homes with properties tightly packed together along leafy suburban blocks. Most landscaping is considered neat, but a couple few have some elegantly manicured. If you stay towards the western side of the neighborhood, the area gets a bit nicer with skinny housing developments/condominiums with garage space. But on the other side of the spectrum, you have those meager looking apartment buildings that are tucked away in places you wouldn’t expect.

One of the few perks of the neighborhood is that shopping is easy to come by. There are a handful of strip malls close by (near Cambrian and Willow Glen). Also, the Westfield Mall is situated on Blossom Hill Road and offers the various department stores, chain stores, family restaurants and a fair share of boutiques/specialty shops.

For young families, there are a number of convenient parks for local hikers, fishers and swimmers. For one, the Santa Teresa County Park boasts the largest grass area in the district, offering beautiful vistas for passers-by and trails that lead into the secluded upland valleys. Elsewhere, the Blossom Valley Golf Club is situated within the confines of the community. The 18-hole Championship course has all the amenities you need including a pro shop and a clubhouse with a terrific restaurant. For commuters, both US Route 85 and 87 slice through the community and adjoin at the heart of the neighborhood.

You are deep into suburban living by the time you get into Blossom Valley. Condos, townhomes, single-family homes and even trailer parks make up the dozen or so micro neighborhoods that you find here.

Average home prices are not too bad—especially compared to those in the Peninsula just to the northwest.

Typically, homes run from about $400K to $600K.

Condos and townhomes are closer to $300K

And mobile homes $60K to $120K.

There are tons and tons of condos and townhomes here—some quite nice, some looking kind of worn. The majority of the condos are located by Almaden Lake, in the McKeon neighborhood and just north of Blossom Hill Road before it is cut off by 85 on.

About three quarters of homes in the area on the market due to foreclosure.

In terms of renting, your typical 2 bedroom apartment runs about $1500 though some can rise much higher.

--In terms of schools, it is a bit of a mixed bag. Gunderson High at the heart of the Blossom Hill area is below average and Oak Grove is only slightly better (average). But Santa Teresa High is definitely above average and the neighboring schools to the south and west (such as Pioneer High) are some of the best in California.

--Shopping—This is suburban living with all of its usual amenities: strip malls, supermarkets, and, of course, a giant mall. The Oakridge Mall, on the western end, is basically one of those Fast Times at Ridgemont High types of mega-plexes. You know the scene—trolling teens, families, and the usual churning of the wheels of fluorescent lit commerce.

--Restaurants—In terms of dining, this is not a gourmet smorgasbord. There are however quite a few okay dining locales—especially if you are into sushi or East Asian cuisine in general. Overall, however, you will have to head to other places for really cool dining.

--Nightlife—In terms of nightlife, this is mostly a movie, sushi and bowling kind of place. Nothing too spectacular.

In other words, this is your full-service, middle-class suburban neighborhood.