Perspectives From A Local May 30, 2023

Life in Mountain View | Perspective From A Local

 

What do you like best about Mountain View? It’s quiet, nice and suburban. And it’s so close to two great downtown areas: Mountain View and Los Altos! Both have great shops and restaurants and their own character.

How has it changed recently? Houses have, and continue to, get nicer. Many original homes have been remodeled or rebuilt. It seems like there’s always some construction going on as you drive around the neighborhood streets. As the area becomes more affluent, it has also attracted new restaurants to the downtown areas.

Do you need a car to get around? Downtown areas are easily walkable, as are parks and schools. However, they are a bit of a walk to get to so sometimes it’s easier to have a car to get around. There are also so many places to go just a short drive away for kids and adults alike.

Tell us something we don’t know about Mountain View: Depending on where your home is located you can be in a different school district. Both Mountain View and Los Altos have great schools.

Any hidden gems? One of my favorite spots I found recently is a tiny coffee shop in downtown Mountain View called 1oz Coffee. It’s incredibly minimalist in decor and menu options. But they serve a great cup of coffee if you’re willing to wait for the pour over.

Good for kids? Yes, it’s really kid friendly. The neighborhood streets are wide and have speed bumps to make sure traffic doesn’t go too fast in the area. Schools and parks are also within close proximity which makes it easy for families and kids.  I see a lot of families with kids in the area. And I find that neighbors are friendly and kids will often play together in the afternoons and weekends.

Best place to get a coffee? Alexander’s Patisserie has great coffee and you can always treat yourself to one of their beautiful pastries or cakes. I like to order the chocolate-banana croissant and a coffee. They also have delicious truffles! My go-to are the early grey, coconut rum, and cassis.

Best park? Cuesta is a great little park with rolling paths, BBQ areas, and abundant playgrounds that are filled with sandboxes, slides, and swings. Nearby there’s also tennis courts and a large grassy field for dogs to play!

Beloved neighborhood joints? Vive Sol and Cascal. Vive Sol, in Mountain View, combines a classy vibe with an authentic Mexican feel. And Cascal is a great tapas bar with awesome Happy Hour deals. Their cocktails are quite tasty, roasted cauliflower is to die for, ceviche is impeccable, offer outdoor seating, and host live music on the weekends.

Where are the best places to experience the outdoors? Rancho San Antonio, otherwise, you can easily head out of town. It offers trails that feature all sorts of elevation; farms that house a number of animals; an abundance of wildlife; number of vista points; and perfect picnic areas. It’s great for hiking, running, biking, or even a walk with your kids.