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The eerie silence surrounding Stierlin Road suddenly disappears when the park comes into view. Toddlers are screaming in delight as they swing off the jungle gym and sprint after one another in Jackson Park.

Elena Migunova often spends her afternoon with other parents while their children play together. Migunova moved here from Russia in 2011 when her husband found a job in Mountain View.

She says that she likes living in Jackson Park, which is really different compared to living in Russia. "In Moscow, the apartments are eight or nine levels tall. It is like the countryside here," she said.

Mary Anne Plano echoes Migunova's sentiments. Plano moved to Jackson Park from Palo Alto 15 years ago when they cut down the trees around her old apartment. She really enjoys having lush greenery around her condo.

"The weather is perfect. I don't have AC at my place but it gets the best breezes," she said.

Jackson Park is not only perfect for nature buffs but also ideal for pedestrians.
Jeff Li, who moved into Jackson Park in 2003, admits he chose the neighborhood because it is nestled next to downtown Mountain View. The convenience is hard to beat. "Jackson Park is close to Castro Street, the public transit and freeway access," he said.

Plus, Stevens Creek Trail is a walkable distance away. Following Shoreline down to the end leads to the 5-mile hiking trail.

Despite traffic-packed Shoreline Boulevard, Moffett Boulevard and Central Expressway sandwiching Jackson Park, the streets are alarmingly quiet.
"I might hear the train sometimes or concerts from Shoreline but it's not annoying," Li said.

In fact, Plano finds the noise soothing. It would take a lot for her to move.
"It's a nice area if you don't want to use a car," Plano said as she pointed in the direction of the bus line and transit center. "Parking can be hard in downtown Mountain View. It's nice to walk there."

Li, a native of Cupertino, plans on staying here for the next few years. He enjoys living in Mountain View and would only consider moving for his daughter's schooling. He ruled out moving back to Cupertino though because the high schools are not as diverse as those in Mountain View.

"There's too much competition. It wasn't really diverse when I was there and it's even less now."

Migunova smiles when asked how long she plans to stay in Mountain View: "I don't miss Russia. Just miss my friends."

-- Anna Li

FACTS
CHILDCARE AND PRESCHOOLS: The Wonder Years Preschool, 462 Stierlin Road
FIRE STATION: No. 1, 251 S. Shoreline Blvd.
LOCATION: bounded by Shoreline Boulevard, Stierlin Road, Windmill Park Lane, Central Avenue, Moffett Boulevard and Central Expressway
PARK: Jackson Park, Jackson Street and Stierlin Road
POST OFFICE: Mountain View, 211 Hope St.
PUBLIC SCHOOLS: Mtn. View-Whisman School District -- Monta Loma or Theuerkauf elementary schools, Crittenden Middle School; Mtn. View-Los Altos Union High School District -- Mountain View High School
SHOPPING: Moffett Boulevard, Downtown Mountain View, Bailey Plaza
MEDIAN 2012 HOME PRICE: $940,000 ($780,000-$1,100,000)
HOMES SOLD: 2

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