Although Silicon Valley seems to be the top-most reason for drawing scores of tech professionals to the city, other factors make San Jose among the best places to live. First, in spite of having a high cost of living, its neighborhoods offer a range of reasonably-priced housing facilities that make it an irresistible place to live in! Safety is another concern the city manages to allay because many of its neighborhoods are known to be safe. Therefore, out of its many neighborhoods, we’ve picked 10 of the best neighborhoods in San Jose. Let’s check them out!
The complete guide to the 10 best San Jose neighborhoods:
1. Downtown San Jose
Downtown San Jose is a great neighborhood for singles and couples alike. Tech professionals who had made San Francisco their home base, thanks to companies in Silicon Valley, are now moving to San Jose since remote working doesn’t involve commuting to work. In other words, it saves them time and expenses. In fact, there’s been a steady flow of professionals to the city, leading to the construction of lofts and condos, with easy access to bars, art galleries, theaters, cafes, high-end steakhouses, and museums.
The area happens to be the center for arts and entertainment, so if you’re up to it, you can head over to SoFA (South of First Area), which is an art, culture, and entertainment locale, and spend a few hours there. Or drop by the San Jose Museum of Art and look at some fine art exhibits.
Among the other recreational activities that you can participate in, there are concerts at the SAP Center. The center also conducts hockey matches, so you can watch the San Jose Sharks at a hockey game if you’re into sports.
If you love comedy or are looking for motivation in life, visit the San Jose Civic, which features comedy acts, concerts, and inspirational speakers. Should you find music therapeutic, drop by Cafe Stritch for some live music.
If you feel at ease in the company of nature, Plaza de Chavez is your place. Tech nerds can head over to the Tech Museum, where you’ll find everything related to the origin of technology and information related to science. The community runs multiple events as well, such as the Subzero Festival in summer. In addition, the ZeroOne Digital Arts festival is held every two years and is dedicated to tech folks.
We’ve left out two very important things - food and drink, haven’t we? Not really! San Pedro Square Market is a popular spot with a massive outdoor area and is the residents’ go-to spot for food and drinks. It has over 10 eateries, two bars, and a craft beer shop.
Downtown’s A.P. Stumps is a pretty famous steakhouse. Also, First Street is the nightlife hub, located in the downtown center. You’ll find tons of nightclubs and bars, such as Per Planes and 55 South, if you’re interested in spending the night clubbing away!
Overall, Downtown is considered as one of the safest neighborhoods in San Jose.
2. West San Jose
West San Jose has primarily residential homes, fit for families, and some excellent public schools. So, kids not only get a quality education but also make some friends along the way. Life’s a little slow compared to other neighborhoods. Also, it’s not an expensive neighborhood, and you’ll come across a blend of apartments, single-family homes, and condos. You can even consider West San Jose as a perfect place to rent a room in San Jose.
Prusch Park is a popular farm here, where you’ll find fresh veggies and fruits, among other things. Among its other noteworthy spots is the Japanese Friendship Garden, a perfect tea garden with koi ponds. It’s a peaceful place where you can relax and be alone with your thoughts.
Then there’s Santana Row, an extravagant shopping mall with upscale boutiques, spas, steakhouses aplenty. Here, you can kill two birds with one stone - shop for big brands and dine at fancy restaurants. Valley Fair Mall is another hangout place for shopaholics and foodies.
Winchester Mystery House is a notable tourist attraction, where you get to explore its rooms and hallways and know more about Sarah Winchester, the wife of a firearms tycoon. According to the story, after her husband’s death, she started imagining that the spirits of those killed by her husband’s firearms would come after her. Thus, she constructed a house, especially for the spirits!
This intriguing story has also been made into a movie, starring Dame Helen Mirren should you plan on watching it. If you’re exhausted and wish to relax, drop by the Burke Williams Spa for a massage. The nightlife scene here is excellent, so it’s perfect for singles and professionals. The area has several parks and walking paths too.
If you’re hungry, grab a pizza at A Slice of New York and head over to the Uproar Brewing Company for locally-made drinks.
This neighborhood is pretty close to tech companies such as Apple, Nvidia, so those working in these companies can save themselves a hectic commute.
3. Japan Town
Interestingly, San Jose is one of the only three cities in America with a Japantown! The numerous sushi bars in the area are signs of the influence of Japanese culture here. People are always there for each other and celebrate each other’s successes. The area’s suitable for millennials and families alike, and you’ll find plenty of townhomes and condos that are owned by successful landlords here.
The community seems like an ideal place for professionals because Downtown’s a stone’s throw away, so you have many entertainment options at hand. Local businesses, such as theaters, barbershops, cafes, and retail shops flourish here. On Sundays, the local farmer’s market is a place of interest, and it’s held throughout the year. For vegetarians and vegans who live in the neighborhood, there’s fresh tofu available at the San Jose Tofu Company if it’s a part of your diet.
The community organizes many festivals to bring people together and revel in the festivities. Among the must-visit places of the area is the Japanese American Museum of San Jose. The exhibits here display the history of the influx of Japanese immigrants to the neighborhood. Jackson Street is an exciting place for those who wish to try out milk tea and fresh local produce at the farmer’s market.
The amenities shared by the community keep you close to the city while allowing you to experience and savor a completely different culture.
4. Willow Glen
Willow Glen is a perfect family-friendly neighborhood away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Professionals and couples are also likely to find 4 bedroom rental house in San Jose here. The area has plenty of single-family houses. Even though it’s a high-end area, it exhibits a small-town vibe. Also, there’s a sense of community here that makes it a sought-after neighborhood and a great place to find perfect tenants.
If you take a walk around the neighborhood, you’ll get to see some of the most stunning architectural styles, such as Victorian, Craftsman, Spanish stuccos from the early 20th century. A lot of greenery, in the form of trees and parks, adorn the locale. Also, it’s a walkable area with well-maintained streets, sidewalks, and hospitable people.
Lincoln Avenue’s the heart of the community, and you’ll find everything from restaurants to coffee shops to margarita bars to boutiques, not to mention antique shops, bakeries, food festivals, Christmas trolley rides, you name it! Many local businesses thrive in this area, including pleasant bookstores. Hicklebee’s bookstore is a popular spot that hosts famous authors for reading sessions, so if you’re a bookworm, you know where to go!
Camden Community Center has a plethora of activities, such as art or fitness classes that you can participate in if you wish to learn something new or remain healthy and active. If you have a creative side, head over to Petroglyph to learn pottery-making. You could pop by Athletic Performance, an excellent store for athletic wear, where the products you wish to buy can be customized according to your needs and preferences.
Foodies can head over to Bertucelli’s La Villa for all kinds of mouthwatering ravioli. Should you wish to try out something new, you can visit Yiassoo for delectable Greek cuisine. At 20twenty Cheese Bar, you get the opportunity to try out 20 beers and wines on taps! For those with a sweet tooth, Willow Glen Creamery has a collection of ice creams and frozen yogurt with a bunch of other toppings that you can’t resist!
In a nutshell, Willow Glen is a secure and livable locale.
5. Campbell
Campbell is an in-demand neighborhood for professionals. If you are a young professional and looking for a roommate in San Jose, Campbell is the go to place for you. Families can also look up homes here because of the top-notch schools in the area. Listing your rental property here will help you earn good amount of rental income.
Downtown is nearby, so you have easy access to restaurants, bars, and shops. The farmer’s market on Sundays is a huge attraction for residents and locals, who come for the hand-crafted cheeses, locally-roasted coffee beans, and fresh fruits and vegetables, among other goods.
Campbell has its own downtown, complete with a host of dining and entertainment options. As far as the community’s attractions go, you have the Pruneyard Shopping Center with a host of restaurants and boutiques for those who don’t mind loosening their purse strings once in a while.
In a word, the area is known for its well-maintained city parks, which comprise some of the best parks in the neighborhood. So, make time to visit them and admire the beauty of nature.
6. Los Gatos
Los Gatos is a great neighborhood for young professionals, especially those seeking a pleasant small-town experience. The town is split into two sections by Highway 17. To the east lies the suburban stretch of the valley, and to the west lies the fantastic Downtown area. Business magnates from Silicon Valley usually spend a fortune buying estates in this locale to get away from the city commotion.
Downtown is filled with trendy cafes and antique shops housed in beautiful and well-kept Victorian-style structures. Cottages are at arm’s length from the cafes and shops, so recreational opportunities are just a walk away!
If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, head over to Vasona Lake County Park and take an adventurous trip on Vasona Lake with rowboats or paddleboats. Extending through a chunk of Silicon Valley is the Los Gatos Creek Trail, which also paves its way through Vasona, and is spread over 14 miles. This seems like an excellent place for walking, running, cycling, and skating, or spending time in the lap of nature.
7. Cupertino
Located in the western part of San Jose, Cupertino’s a well-known neighborhood, courtesy of the Apple headquarters. For tech professionals who wish to live with roommates amid a lot of space, this locale offers just what they need. You’ll also find multiple homes here that reflect the Eichler architectural style. It has a top-level school system and some of the best schools in the state for families with kids. One of them, Faria Elementary School, is the best in California for its standardized testing.
Interestingly, there’s a massive Asian population here (close to 50 percent, according to the 2000 Census), and you get to see their influence in many of the businesses in the area. Also, although Cupertino doesn’t have a downtown, multiple activities and events are held at De Anza College, a renowned community college.
8. Silver Creek
In the southeastern part of San Jose lies the premier Silver Creek neighborhood, dotted with majestic Tuscan-style homes. This area is for those looking to live away from the chaotic and crowded city. Access to space and a ton of amenities, including country clubs, are what draw the wealthy to this community. After all, not everyone can afford the prices associated with the homes here! The locale offers breathtaking vistas of the Silver Creek Valley.
Silver Creek also boasts the famed Silver Creek Sportsplex, the most extensive indoor fitness and sports facility in the United States! Children participate in hordes of activities ranging from dance to indoor soccer to skating to martial arts. Space, which may be a constraint in many neighborhoods, is abundant here, allowing children to participate in many physical activities.
9. Evergreen
Evergreen is a high-end neighborhood and fit for those looking to start a family or with families. Retirees and young professionals will also find spacious homes here. You’ll discover well-kept single-family homes here, not to mention amiable neighbors and perfect roommates. Also, the area’s home to some top-notch schools, such as Evergreen High School and Silver Creek High School.
Groesbeck Park is the community’s center with many playgrounds, basketball courts, baseball fields, and hiking trails. So, for outdoor enthusiasts, this is paradise! There are plenty of parks, hillocks, and golf courses too.
So, in your leisure time, visit Lake Cunningham, a manufactured lake, where you can sit and unwind in the peaceful presence of nature. Or you could hire a paddleboat and have a little adventure of your own. Take a picnic basket and bond with your family and loved ones over lunch. To keep kids occupied, drop by Raging Waters, a water amusement park in the same area.
Brigadoon Park is another lovely green space with playgrounds, barbeque pits, and a bunch of steep slides. To give your child the gift of your time, spend a few hours here, even if it means you have to become a child again! You could also take your family and friends to the Silver Creek Linear Park.
The The Eastridge Mall is an exciting place to shop and eat. To strike a work-life balance, take some wellness classes at the Evergreen Community Center.
It’s always exciting to try something new, isn’t it? Have bubble tea with tapioca balls at Pekoe. Seafood lovers can hog on crabs and shrimp at The Boiling Crab. The Mexico Lindo will offer some fabulous margaritas. Else, you can sit back and enjoy some live music and drinks at Foothill Lounge.
10. Almaden Valley
Almaden Valley is a premier neighborhood with huge homes and lots of space. The area exhibits a suburban feel and a sense of community, both of which are factors that attract people to a neighborhood. In addition, there’s an excellent school system, so it’s perfect for families looking for good educational opportunities for their kids. Residents living in this area throw plenty of parties to build a rapport with their neighbors and be there for one another when needed.
A range of homes, from basic townhouses to single-family homes, can be found here. Also, custom homes can be found near the Almaden Valley Country Club.
The Valley is the ideal location for shopping centers, such as Costco,Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, CostPlus, TJMaxx, World Market, and Home Goods. As a matter of fact, there isn’t a thing on your list that you can’t find at these places. Whew! That’s a whole lot of places, isn’t it? There are plenty of shopping options on Blossom Hill Road as well.
Like Evergreen, Almaden Valley is a haven for outdoorsy folks. Quicksilver Mines, which hold a special place in history, is a place of interest. You’ll come across many hillocks filled with oak trees, a sight to behold, and hiking options at the QuickSilver County Park. The Valley has several other parks in the area that you can explore. Hiking opportunities are also available at Mount Umunhum, in case you’re interested. Finally, Almaden Lake is a must-visit place.
Conclusion
So, are you convinced that San Jose is where you belong? We sure hope you do! Cost of living and security aside, the pleasant weather conditions year-round and the numerous activities, both outdoor and otherwise, add to the appeal of the place. Therefore, now that you know the best neighborhoods in San Jose and the things they offer are in line with your needs. is there any reason you wouldn’t want to call it home? We can’t think of any!
