You may or may not know it, but I am a Mommy with two kids, a husband and a goldfish.  So where do we live?  The South Bay burbs with our backyard and our three cars.  We love it – but now and then I yearn for the ease of living in an apartment or loft with a super who fixes things like clogged drains immediately and without nagging.  I  can also imagine myself having an appletini or two on the patio of my penthouse loft overlooking the city. aah!

For the past few years, I have been watching the high rise lofts and condos being built in San Jose. They have transformed what used to be a sleepy downtown to one that is bustling with delish restaurants of all kinds, theaters withing walking distance and night clubs featuring everything from karaoke to jazz. 

This weekend I had the opportunity to check out two condo/town home properties in the middle of downtown San Jose.  Thanks to Eric and Tony of Silicon Valley Lofts and Condos, who served as my tour guides and hooked me up! Check out Tony’s blog here.

My first stop in San Jose was actually a little off the beaten path of downtown’s hustle – the One East complex off of Julian Street.   Located on the edge of downtown, I think it is a good spot to be in the middle of it all, without really being in the middle of it all.  

The complex overall was cozy with only 43 units, these had more space than I expected in a new downtown development, for example all first floor units came with their own patios.  BBQ anyone?  A couple of things that stood out to me immediately was the unique parking set up, units were spread out over two floors – enough room for all my shoes and maybe my son’s soccer ball collection.

The complex has the South Bay’s first automated car lift system.  More typical in San Francisco and New York, you pull your car into a rotating spot.  When you need to go, you simply call it up and the cars move around like a combination Dumb Waiter/Shell Game until your car pops up.  Very cool!   Ensures everyone has two spots, nice feature.  For those more “green” or looking to save a little gas money, the light rail is right across the street.

Closets are one of my favorite features in any home.  In the two bedroom unit, the walk in closet was actually IN the bathroom.  I like the idea of keeping my husband’s unhung clothes in the closet away from me and my tendency for tripping over them.

The second stop on my downtown tour was the new Axis building.  With 22 stories and housing 429 units, this is urban living at its finest.  I was immediately impressed by architecture of the building itself it is sure to bring distinctive style to the currently lacking downtown landscape.  Inside the open layouts, beautiful granite kitchen counters with rich wood cabinetry and generous sized closets invite you home.   The models were  beautifully appointed and I could just see myself relaxing on my chaise lounger looking at the gorgeous view of downtown.

One feature that caught my eye was the control panel for all things electronic in the house.  My tour guide, explained that I could essentially turn on the lights to my unit from my car from my smart phone, so when I walked I wouldn’t be in the dark or too hot.  I could also control the shades, climate of the unit and heck, turn on my stereo system for a little relaxing music to greet me after a long day!  Now that is luxury.

Overall, these units gave me a good sense of what living in downtown San Jose offered – some of my favorite restaurants within walking distance, great cultural destinations and all the modern amenities to make livin’ easy.  As a mom of two busy kids, I am not if all the gear that comes with a busy family would actually fit in these units or how our kids would fare without a backyard to roam in.  However, if I were single or a couple, looking for city living with plush amenities, I would seriously consider one of these.

Photos of 1East complex are courtesy of 1East.  Photos of Axis taken by Lookiloos.