Colonial is a great community just north of Campbell in southwestern San Jose. Even though the entire neighborhood itself is residential in nature, it is sandwiched between the West Park Plaza Shopping Center and the Campbell Shopping Center, providing plenty of opportunities for Colonial residents to do quite a bit of shopping.
Less than a half-mile to the east is Highway 17, linking the neighborhood to everywhere else in San Jose, even while the Colonial area itself is fairly isolated. The local park, Marijane Hamann Park, is well used by members of the community both for dog walking and playing by local children. There are two separate play areas for smaller and larger children.
A somewhat larger park is also available to the south, though it is definitely not within walking distance. John D. Morgan Park is a great place to go running or to allow your dogs to play and run around, and it’s only a short car drive away.
If you are into fair trade co-ops and ethical consumerism, you will be very happy with the Colonial neighborhood area. A number of fair trade businesses exist in central Campbell, just a half-mile south of Colonial proper.
There is a choice of two close-by theaters, one to the south and one to the north. If you are into more obscure stuff or if you want to see an IMAX film, you can also just take Highway 17 north to central San Jose.
One of the drawbacks of the area is a lack of access to the trains that otherwise weave a web throughout Santa Clara County. The nearest stop is three miles away; however, a number of bus stops are scattered throughout the neighborhood that anyone can use to get to wherever they wish to go.