Before Willow Glen became a cute little neighborhood with a quaint downtown it was pretty much a swamp. Low lying areas bordered by the Guadalupe River and the Los Gatos Creek, it was first named the “Willows” for the many willow trees near the marsh. Once drained it became an area with perfectly rich soils for planting orchards.
Incorporated officially as Willow Glen in 1927, homes were built along the tree lined street of “El Abar” , later named Lincoln Avenue. Street cars ran up and down Lincoln Avenue and Willow Glen became a fantastic summer destination for folks from San Francisco. With great fruit selections and small town atmosphere, many enjoyed hanging out in Willow Glen.
Now Willow Glen presents a much sought after “bedroom community” with walk able neighborhood streets, many parks, and a close knit community of young and old alike. The Willow Glen Neighborhood Association offers residents a way to keep up with what is going on through a great e-newsletter and web site full of recommendation for services to meet every homeowner’s needs.
Lincoln Avenue offers restaurants serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner and of course sweet shops for the after dinner treat. Each year Willow Glen attracts visitors from around the Bay Area with the annual Dancing on the Avenue event. Lincoln Avenue is closed off and live music, great food, and children’s activities are stretched along the avenue for all to enjoy.
The variety of architectural designs in Willow Glen make it a highly desirable area for home buyers not interested in “cookie cutter” house designs normally associated with the suburbs. Willow Glen shows off Tudors, Craftsman, Bungalow, Mission, Colonial, and Eichler style homes and offers anywhere from 2 bedroom/1 bath to 5 bedroom with 3 baths homes.
If you are looking for community, convenience, at a reasonable price, consider Willow Glen for your next home purchase.
