Old Mountain View

Just a few blocks from Mountain View's bustling downtown are quiet streets filled with homes that have been around for much of Mountain View's history.

"We consider it the heart of Old Mountain View," said Aaron Grossman, the neighborhood association treasurer. The sense of community that characterizes Old Mountain View is a big part of what draws people to the neighborhood, he said.

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"It's more pedestrian-friendly and neighborly. People tend to walk around and get to know their neighbors more," he added.

The Old Mountain View neighborhood is home to many spots where time seems to stand still. Within its borders -- El Camino Real, Shoreline Boulevard, Evelyn Avenue and Highways 85/237 -- one will find physical reminders of every era of Mountain View's history.

Although the orchards are gone, acres of open space have been preserved within the neighborhood's six public parks. People do not swim in Stevens Creek anymore, but hundreds use the trail winding along its banks. While the movies left downtown long ago, live theater arrived when the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts opened in 1994.

Old Mountain View facts: CHILDCARE AND PRESCHOOLS: YMCA Kids' Place at Landels School, 115 W. Dana St.; Way to Grow Preschool,115 W. Dana St. FIRE STATION: No. 1, 251 S. Shoreline Blvd. NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION: Old Mountain View Neighborhood Association, Ken Rosenburg, chair@omvna.org; www.omvna.org PARKS: Dana Park, West Dana Street at Oak Street; Eagle Park & Pool, S. Shoreline Boulevard at Church Street; Pioneer Park, Church Street at Castro Street; Mercy-Bush Park, Mercy Street and Bush Street; Fairmont Park, Fairmont Avenue and Bush Street; Landels Park and Stevens Creek Trail, West Dana Street near Calderon Avenue POST OFFICE: Mountain View, 211 Hope St. PUBLIC SCHOOLS: Mtn. View-Whisman School District -- Landels Elementary School, Graham Middle School; Mtn. View-Los Altos Union High School District -- Mountain View High School SHOPPING: Downtown Mountain View, Grant Park Plaza MEDIAN 2007 HOME PRICE: $1,135,000 ($730,000-$1,800,000) # HOMES SOLD: 25 MEDIAN 2007 CONDO PRICE: $682,500 ($570,000-$1,010,000) # CONDOS SOLD: 24

Today, proximity to downtown is one of the neighborhood's biggest draws. Votto Koga moved from another part of Mountain View in 2003. His family enjoys the convenience of living so close to downtown. "We enjoy Mountain View in general, but the convenience of Castro makes this location worthwhile," he said.

They also appreciate the great schools in the area. "Our daughter is in the PACT program at Castro Elementary," Koga said. "It's a great program and so many parents are involved."

Even as Castro Street has grown to become a regional destination, the adjacent single-family neighborhoods have remained a quiet retreat of tree-lined streets and historic homes. For the past 16 years the Old Mountain View Neighborhood Association has worked closely with the city to ensure that downtown's growth does not interfere with neighborhood preservation. At its monthly meetings, residents discuss issues and opportunities -- such as the city's preservation ordinance, and how to attract more neighborhood-serving retail downtown.

Robert Mullenger and his wife Rhonda Radcliff bought a home in Old Mountain View in 2000 largely because of its proximity to downtown. After settling in, they discovered another benefit: a tightly knit, community-minded and diverse population.

The couple hosts an annual block party on Yosemite Avenue. In addition to block parties and downtown festivals, the Old Mountain View Neighborhood Association holds historic walking tours and ice-cream socials.

"Ever since I've moved here, I've had people tell me how much they like the neighborhood," longtime association member Bruce Karney said. "I think it's only gotten better over time."

-- Nick Perry