Orchard Creek, San Jose, CA

Orchard Creek sits on the west side of Almaden Expressway, tucked between Rajkovich Way and Cathedral Park. Calcaterra Drive loops through the interior, feeding short cul-de-sacs such as Anjou Creek Circle and Valley Quail Circle that showcase one- and two-story ranches from the late 1980s and early 1990s. Homes feature stucco or horizontal siding, three-car garages, and well-kept lawns bordered by crepe myrtles. Lots run about one quarter acre, so backyards are generous enough for pools or raised-bed gardens while still leaving room for mature oaks that screen neighbors. Cathedral Park forms the neighborhood’s southern edge. Its hillside lawn, playground, and half-basketball court draw dog walkers at sunrise and weekend soccer drills in the afternoon. A paved spur connects to the Alamitos Creek trail network that locals use for jogging north to Almaden Quicksilver or south toward Santa Teresa. Daily errands are a five-minute drive to Almaden Plaza or a quick hop up the expressway to Oakridge Mall. Life on the expressway boundary is convenient, but cars barreling by can be heard from yards on Calcaterra’s eastern stretch. Still, interior courts stay quiet, and evening cul-de-sac gatherings are common while kids ride scooters in circles. Street lighting and sidewalks are uniform, though walkability to retail is limited.