California’s state motto is “Eureka,” which is Greek for “I have found it.” Living in California pretty much feels like you’ve found “it,” but so has everyone else. Lots of Bay Area millennials, aspiring executives, and techies are settling further south in San Jose, especially now that remote work has made proximity to main cities like San Francisco and Palo Alto less important. But where to settle down? Let us help decide. Here are the 10 best neighborhoods in San Jose.
- Willow Glen
- Downtown
- Japantown
- West San Jose
- Campbell
- Los Gatos
- Cupertino
- Silver Creek
- Evergreen
- Almaden Valley
Read on for more details of each!
Willow Glen
Good for those looking to settle down
Just south of Downtown lies the commuter-friendly San Jose area of Willow Glen. Full of vintage California charm and character, this upscale neighborhood has a cozy, small-town feeling. It even has its own “Downtown” on Lincoln Avenue, complete with coffee shops, boutiques, margarita bars, and some must-try restaurants. The tree-lined streets are scattered with Victorians, Spanish stuccos, and Craftsman bungalows from the 1920s and 1930s.
Professionals, couples, and families will appreciate the quality of life, safety, and security this haven offers from more urban, metro living.
Downtown
Good for quick commutes to Silicon Valley
Cool, techie singles and couples who once lived in San Francisco and commuted to their Silicon Valley jobs at places like Google, LinkedIn, and HP, are considering moving closer to work now that living in San Francisco isn’t as necessary. Downtown San Jose is keeping up with the influx of digerati with newly developed lofts and condos in close proximity to bars, theaters, art galleries, and museums.
Catch a San Jose Sharks game or a concert at the SAP Center, chill in the more than two acres of green space in Plaza de César Chávez (Downtown’s urban plaza and park), or go out on the town in SoFA (South of First Area), the arts, cultural, and entertainment district. San Pedro Square Market is where the locals go for bites and brews, with more than 10 options for grub, two full bars, and a craft beer shop. Plus, it has a huge outdoor space that’s perfect for drinks with friends.
Japantown
Good for entrepreneurs
Experience the heart and culture of the city in one of the best neighborhoods in San Jose. There are only three official Japantowns in the country, and San Jose claims one of them.
Cafes, restaurants, retail shops, and cultural facilities are scattered next to high rises and townhouses—making Japantown a convenient and self-sufficient place to live for those who want to stay, play, and shop close to home. This San Jose neighborhood is perfect for young professionals who want to live near Downtown (it’s just a mile away), but are looking for a more unique living experience than your run-of-the-mill condo.
The neighborhood’s unique micro-economy makes this area particularly well-suited for entrepreneurs and startups. Japantown also hosts several festivals and has a year-round farmers’ market on Sundays.
West San Jose
Good for families
Want access to San Jose’s amenities without the full-scale hustle and bustle of the city? This distinctly residential San Jose area offers spacious living options just a 15-minute drive away from Downtown. It includes places like the upscale shopping mall, Santana Row, and West Valley Community College. The parks, walking paths, and slower pace of life make it a perfect place for budding families, too.
Campbell
Good for young professionals
Technically a San Jose suburb, Campbell is one of the most popular destinations for young professionals. There are plenty of bars, restaurants, and shops in the well-developed Downtown area and Downtown San Jose is just a quick ride on the light rail or a short drive away. The Sunday Farmers Market draws a crowd and shuts down E Campbell Ave, the main thoroughfare, as locals and San Jose residents come to buy fresh produce, artisan cheeses, and locally-roasted coffee beans.
Los Gatos
Good for those who want a small-town feel
Also technically a San Jose suburb, the nearby town of Los Gatos is located at the southwest corner of San Jose, right on the edge of the Santa Clara Valley in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Netflix and Roku are headquartered in Los Gatos, but it’s perfect for young professionals seeking a more quaint California town experience.
Highway 17 bisects the town: East is your typical valley suburban sprawl, while the charming Downtown promenade lies to the west. Take advantage of the California weather and paddle around Vasona Lake County Park or hike the 14-mile Los Gatos Creek trail. Either way, you’ll have the stunning Santa Cruz Mountains as your backdrop.
Cupertino
Good for techies
Directly west of San Jose, this small, suburban hub’s claim to fame is serving as Apple’s global headquarters. This spacious town is a great choice for those who want to experience the quintessential tech lifestyle but with a little more square footage.
Cupertino is also known for its excellent education system, boasting some of the best public schools in California, and even in the nation. As of the 2000 census, almost half the city’s residents were of Asian descent, and many of the area’s businesses reflect their cultural influence. Although there is no traditional Downtown shopping and commercial district, the heart of many activities is De Anza College, a highly regarded community college.
Silver Creek
Good for those looking to escape the city
Got millions to drop on a McMansion? Head to Silver Creek, set in the bucolic hillsides southeast of San Jose.
This ritzy San Jose neighborhood is known for its square footage, country club lifestyle, and enviable views of the valley below. Read: it’s where the rich move to escape the hustle and bustle of Silicon Valley life. Expect California lot sizes, though—kids in this ‘hood play soccer indoors—not in their tiny backyards.
Evergreen
Good for outdoor enthusiasts
Looking for a more affordable view of the foothills? The very residential neighborhood of Evergreen is in East San Jose, right at the foothills of the city. Unfortunately, East San Jose is not easy to get in or out of, but it does offer excellent views of the foothills as well as many parks and recreational areas.
Right in the heart of Evergreen is Groesbeck Hill Park, which offers a mile-long loop, basketball courts, baseball fields, playgrounds, and hiking trails.
Almaden Valley
Good for active families
Almaden Valley, or Almaden to the locals, is between the Santa Cruz Mountains and the Santa Teresa Hills. It’s also near the Almaden Quicksilver County Park, which has miles of hiking, horseback riding, and biking trails. You’ll find residents at the Rancho San Vincente Open Space Preserve, or one of several golf courses in the area. It’s only 15 minutes from Downtown, so residents can easily get to the heart of the city in no time.
Choosing between neighborhoods in San Jose is tough, but taking into consideration your commute to work and lifestyle preferences will help guide you. Check out our San Jose apartments for rent and find one in your ideal neighborhood.
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