Almaden Valley

Almaden Valley Community

Almaden Valley (often referred to as Almaden) is one of Silicon Valley’s most attractive residential communities. Almaden has been rated by Niche as #1 in Best Neighborhoods to Raise a Family in San Jose and #2 in Best Neighborhoods to Live in San Jose.

Almaden Valley is the area in the most southwestern part of San Jose, located west of the Santa Teresa section of San Jose, east of the town of Los Gatos, and south of downtown San Jose. Almaden consists of a number of distinct Almaden Valley Neighborhoods and is generally thought of as the 95120 zip code, but it also includes small portions of neighboring zip codes.

With its moderate climate, highly regarded schools, open outdoor spaces, and quiet neighborhoods, Almaden represents the classic California lifestyle. It is distinguished by rolling hillsides and a rural California charm. Fantastic views of Mt. Umunhum and Sierra Azuls can be seen throughout the community.

Key attractions in Almaden include Almaden Quicksilver County Park, New Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum, Calero Park and Lake, and Almaden Lake Park. Almaden is also home to the Almaden Art & Wine Festival, Almaden Valley Harvest Festival, and New Almaden Music Festival. Read my AccessAlmaden blog for information about what’s happening in Almaden Valley.

Almaden Valley Climate

The average Winter temperature in Almaden is 54 degrees, and the average Summer temperature is 73 degrees. The highest average temperature is in July at 75 degrees. The coldest average temperature is in January at 51.6 degrees. The most monthly precipitation occurs in January, but it is less than one inch.

The minimum temperature can be as low as 26 degrees (typically in January), and the maximum temperature can be as high as 107 degrees (typically in July). (All weather data is based on the average of the previous 3-7 years of data.)

Check out the Almaden Weather Center for temperature and precipitation trending information for 95120, or the Weather Channel for today’s weather forecast for 95120.

Almaden Lake Art & Wine Festival

Almaden Valley Demographics

Golf Course in Almaden Valley

Almaden Valley is a community of approximately 55,187 people. Education is highly valued here, as 36% of adults hold a Bachelor’s degree and 33% hold a Master’s degree or higher.

The Median Household Income in the Almaden 95120 area is $206,531, about 88% higher than San Jose. The Income Per Capita in Almaden 95120 is $78,405, about 68% higher than San Jose’s Income Per Capita.

The Median Home Value in Almaden is $1,295,496, nearly 50% greater than San Jose. In Almaden Valley 82% of residents own vs. rent, and families with children comprise 41% of households.

As part of the Silicon Valley, the main industry in Almaden is high technology research and development. Almaden Valley residents consist of primarily upper-middle-class families, with homes owned by Silicon Valley engineers, scientists, researchers, professionals, and executives.

The IBM Almaden Research Center is located at the south end of Almaden Valley on Harry Road. The major areas of research include Science and Technology.

Almaden Valley Schools

There are 12 schools that serve the Almaden Valley, nine public schools and three private schools.

Of the nine public schools, there are four Elementary Schools, two Middle Schools, and one High School that are located in Almaden and part of District 5 of the San Jose Unified School District (SJUSD).

Additionally, a number of students who live in Almaden attend Guadalupe Elementary School, which is located in Almaden but part of the Union School District. Others attend Pioneer High School, which is located outside of Almaden but is part of District 5.

US News ranked Leland High School #1 in the San Jose Unified School District and ranked Pioneer High School #2. Schools are ranked on their performance on state-required tests, graduation, and how well they prepare students for college. Additionally, Public School Review placed Leland in the top 5% of all schools in California for highest graduation rate, and top 10% for highest overall rank.

School Parade in Almaden Valley

Almaden Valley Quicksilver County Park

Almaden Quicksilver County Park

The main local attraction is Almaden Quicksilver County Park, which contains remnants of a historic mercury mine that produced more than $75 million in mineral wealth from the Gold Rush era to the 1970s. The San Jose mine’s name came from the Almaden Mine in Spain.

The park encompasses 4,152 acres, occupying a majority of Capitancillos Ridge. During early Spring, the park offers one of the most spectacular wildflower displays in the region.

Almaden Quicksilver Park provides scenic hiking, biking, and equestrian trails. The park includes over 34.2 miles of hiking trails, 23 miles of equestrian trails, and 10 miles of bike trails. All trails in the park are also open to pet owners to walk their dogs on leash. Remnants of the mining era can be seen throughout the park and offer an exciting look into the mining operations.

A number of picnic tables are scattered throughout the park adjacent to the trails, and horse water troughs are available in a few locations. Ranger guided nature and history walks are available upon request. Call (408) 268-3883 for more information.

Historic New Almaden

New Almaden, now a National Historic Landmark district, was California’s first mining operation – the largest quicksilver (mercury) mine the world has even known. New Almaden’s mines date back to 1845, and exploded following the Gold Rush of 1849, since mercury was needed to process gold and silver.

Residents of the New Almaden mining town lived in a bucolic company-owned community, and their lives were overseen by company-sponsored organizations. The company headquarters, known as “Casa Grande,” was designed by John McLaren, who later helped build Golden Gate Park.

Today, New Almaden’s mining legacy can be seen at the Casa Grande in New Almaden and New Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum, as well as the many historic homes of the mining community alongside the Alamitos Creek.

Most of the historic plaques in New Almaden honoring an historic event, place, or person have been installed by the fraternal organization, E Clampus Vitus, Mountain Charlie Chapter 1850.

Historic New Almaden
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