San Jose

San Jose

Source: Realtor, Zillow (March 2024) San Jose, dubbed the Capital of Silicon Valley, certainly lives up to its name. It’s home to the headquarters of tech giants like Adobe, Cisco, and eBay, making it one of the most exciting places to live, work, and visit. Unlike the fast-paced culture often associated with the region, however, the city offers a more down-to-earth atmosphere. Here, residents take pride in their multicultural heritage and strong sense of community. Innovation thrives alongside world-class cuisine, stunning outdoor landscapes, and a vibrant art scene, making it a special place to call home.

WELCOME TO SAN JOSE: THE CAPITAL OF SILICON VALLEY

San Jose is nestled in the Santa Clara Valley, along the San Francisco Bay’s southern portion. It’s the second largest city in California by population, with 2024 seeing a 0.48% increase in residents to 1,394,518 based on US Census estimates. San Jose measures 181 square miles and encompasses 18 different neighborhoods.

What you’ll love

Ask any San Jose resident what they love about the city, and you’ll likely get a wide range of answers. The city’s sheer size means its offerings are incredibly diverse. Food enthusiasts revel in San Jose’s eclectic food scene, which ranges from local favorites and to international delicacies. The city’s artistic side is showcased in venues like the San Jose Museum of Art and the historic California Theatre, which provide endless opportunities for cultural appreciation. For those who want to escape to nature, numerous parks and gardens offer a retreat from urban life.

What’s nearby

The city is surrounded by some of the most charming and culturally significant places in Silicon Valley. To the north is Fremont, dubbed the “hardware side of the Bay.” To the west, there’s Sunnyvale and Santa Clara, which form a metropolitan statistical area together with San Jose. Head east or south and you’ll find several state parks and nature preserves, including the Joseph D. Grant County Park and Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve. San Jose is also just an hour’s drive from San Francisco via the US-101, while Oakland is about 40 miles north.

SAN JOSE, CA HOMES FOR SALE

SOLD in San Jose: A 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom single-family home in Alviso

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San Jose’s housing landscape is predominantly made up of single-family homes, though there are also apartments, condos, townhomes, and multifamily units available. These residences vary in size from 400 to over 5,000 square feet, catering to a wide range of preferences and needs. A notable portion of the housing inventory was built during the 1970s to 1999, reflecting the city’s economic growth and urban expansion during this period. Expect to find numerous modern properties boasting contemporary features, designs, and amenities. Architecturally, the most common influences are Spanish Colonial, Mediterranean Revival, and Mission Revival. If you’re thinking of investing in a property, San Jose is a great place to do it. The real estate market has seen an appreciation of 92.21% since 2013, making it an attractive option for investors looking for sustainable growth.

Popular neighborhoods to buy a home in San Jose

From the historic charm of Alviso to the rich culture of Japantown, each one of San Jose’s neighborhoods carries its own character. Here’s a quick look at the most popular places to live in the city. Jump to:

• Alviso
• Japantown
• North San Jose
• Silver Creek
• West San Jose
• Willow Glen

ALVISO Alviso is a scenic neighborhood in northern San Jose that preserves the tranquil atmosphere of pre-tech Silicon Valley. The neighborhood is ideal for individuals seeking a quiet lifestyle away from the city’s hustle, especially those who are looking for proximity to green spaces and the water. Residents are a stone’s throw from parks like the Alviso Marina County Park and the Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge. Homes for sale in this neighborhood are primarily single-family detached homes, which range from Mid-Century to Contemporary and waterfront properties.

Ask broker Thomas Nixon about properties for sale in this neighborhood.

NORTH SAN JOSE In contrast, North San Jose caters more to tech professionals and enthusiasts, offering abundant opportunities to work and play. It’s home to tech giants such as PayPal and Cisco, as well as sports attractions like the San Jose Earthquakes Stadium. You’ll find residents frequently visiting the San Jose Flea Market at Berryessa Street for fresh produce and goods, or at the Municipal Golf Course to hone their swing. Expect to find a wide range of properties in this area, from single-family homes to apartments and condos.

Ask broker Thomas Nixon about properties for sale in this neighborhood.

WEST SAN JOSE West San Jose is a convenient commuter town neighboring Cupertino and Santa Clara. Diverse and residential, this neighborhood caters to almost every type of homeowner. It’s where you’ll find some of San Jose’s most popular attractions, including shopping destinations like Westfield Valley Fair Mall – one of the largest shopping malls in the country – and Santana Row. Families can happily send their school-age children to reputable schools under the Cupertino Union School District, which serves the majority of schools within the neighborhood. Although condos are the most common property type in this neighborhood, there’s enough variety in the West San Jose housing stock to attract all types of buyers.

Ask broker Thomas Nixon about properties for sale in this neighborhood.

SILVER CREEK Known for its luxurious country club, Silver Creek is an exclusive neighborhood nestled in the heart of Evergreen Valley. Residents have access to top-rated schools, world-class amenities, and several fine dining restaurants without straying too far from home. It’s largely surrounded by nature, with access to trails and parks like Joseph D. Grant County Park. This makes it ideal for homeowners who want to combine upscale living and outdoor recreation. The real estate scene is dominated by single-family homes, all boasting contemporary architecture and modern features. Homes here are expectedly pricier compared to other neighborhoods in San Jose, but they’re well worth the investment.

Ask broker Thomas Nixon about properties for sale in this neighborhood.

JAPANTOWN Japantown is a buzzing neighborhood rich in cultural heritage and culinary delights. Here, you’ll find authentic Japanese cuisine as well as cultural landmarks like the San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin. The area is home to plenty of family-owned businesses, a local farmers market, and several restaurants that contribute to a dynamic and colorful atmosphere. The neighborhood also has a diverse housing market. Single residents, small families, and professionals alike will find plenty of contemporary housing options, ranging from apartment complexes to single-family homes.

Ask broker Thomas Nixon about properties for sale in this neighborhood.

WILLOW GLEN Willow Glen is a lovely neighborhood known for its beautiful buildings and bustling downtown area. It’s ideal for those who seek a strong sense of community as well as close proximity to city amenities. Residents frequently enjoy community events like BBQ in the Glen and the Fall Wine Walk. If you’re looking for a sizable single-family home to settle down in, then Willow Glen is perfect for you. That said, its selection of modern condos and apartments will also satisfy.

Ask broker Thomas Nixon about properties for sale in this neighborhood.

LIVING YOUR BEST LIFE IN SAN JOSE, CA

Downtown San Jose is a hub of activity and innovation in the heart of Silicon Valley

With its abundant natural beauty, flourishing tech scene, and high standard of living, San Jose offers a quality of life that is hard to match.

Climate

San Jose’s Mediterranean climate, characterized by sunny and mild weather year-round, makes it not only an incredible place to visit but also to put down roots in. Residents enjoy abundant sunshine and comfortable temperatures, perfect for outdoor activities nearly any time of the year.

Cost of living

Living in San Jose doesn’t come cheap, especially when compared to the national average. The housing market is largely responsible for this, with the average home price estimated to be 65% higher than the rest of the state. Groceries, utilities, transportation, and healthcare are only marginally higher than the rest of California, though. Nonetheless, the high cost of living is outweighed by the numerous advantages San Jose offers its residents. The city consistently ranks among the wealthiest major cities globally, which translates into a high quality of life. Plus, with a median household income that’s well above both the state and national numbers, many folks can comfortably manage the higher living costs.

Job & business opportunities

As the heart of Silicon Valley, San Jose provides residents with direct links to leading global tech companies such as Cisco Systems, eBay, Adobe Inc., PayPal, Broadcom, and Zoom. These companies not only boost the economy, but also offer a wealth of job opportunities in the industry. Indeed, Forbes Magazine named San Jose one of the Best Places for Business and Careers in 2019.

Schools

San Jose is largely served by the San Jose Unified School District, a highly-recognized school system covering 41 schools. Students can choose from the following institutions:

• Williams Elementary
• Graystone Elementary
• Bret Harte Middle School
• Castillero Middle School
• Leland High School
• Pioneer High School
• Willow Glen High School

Private school options include The Harker School (K-12), BASIS Independent Silicon Valley (PK and K-12), Bellarmine College Preparatory (9-12), Notre Dame High School (9-12), and Cambrian Academy (6-12).

Museums and cultural attractions

Kids get to check out fun experiments and hold up test tubes containing the DNA of fruit at The Tech Interactive Museum in San Jose, CA

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Whether you’re into modern art or technology – or a little bit of both – these museums are guaranteed to inspire and enlighten. San Jose Museum of Art Located within San Jose’s vibrant downtown, the San Jose Museum of Art highlights modern and contemporary artworks from the 20th and 21st centuries. The museum houses more than 2,500 works in its permanent collection, with a variety of mediums such as painting, video installations, and photography. It proudly fosters community connection by featuring exhibits from local Northern California artists. The museum is only a stone’s throw away from Cesar Chavez Park and the Tech Museum, so visitors can easily combine cultural exploration with other attractions. If you have limited time to visit, make sure to stop by on the third Thursday of the month when museum hours are extended. The Tech Interactive Museum The Tech Interactive is a museum and learning center that aims to spark curiosity and love for science through various interactive exhibits. No matter one’s interests, Tech Interactive promises an enjoyable and immersive learning experience. The museum covers a wide range of scientific fields, from space exploration and genetics to biotechnology and clean energy. It also hosts the Tech Challenge, an annual competition for young students that fosters real-world problem solving skills and a deeper understanding of the engineering design process.

Dining and retail

San Jose’s eclectic dining scene offers everything from casual fast-food stands to upscale restaurants, with a variety of cuisines to match.

• District is nestled in downtown San Jose’s vibrant San Pedro Square, District offering a selection of plates and signature charcuterie. What sets District apart is its extensive and diverse wine and whiskey selection, making it the perfect spot for connoisseurs and casual diners alike.
• Straits Restaurant takes diners on a culinary journey inspired by the flavors of Singapore. Chef Chris Yeo’s Asian fusion menu showcases a blend of Malaysian, Indonesian, Chinese, and Indian fare, making it perfect for those who want to explore different cuisines without leaving the city.
• Back A Yard Caribbean Grill brings the mouthwatering culinary creations of the Caribbean to downtown San Jose. Chef Robert Simpson serves up authentic Jamaican comfort food that is a feast for the senses, featuring jerk chicken, curried goat, and sides like coconut rice and beans.
• Falafel’s Drive-In offers Middle Eastern fare with a San Jose twist. This iconic fast-food stand has been serving up authentic falafel, gyros, and kabobs for decades. Don’t miss their signature falafel platter, complete with hummus, tabbouleh, and gyros, for a satisfying meal on the go.
• Rollati Ristorante is a modern Italian-American restaurant that serves classic dishes crafted with seasonal ingredients sourced from various regions of Italy. Their full bar is stocked with an impressive selection of wines and cocktails.

As for shopping, Santana Row cannot be missed. The upscale shopping development is where San Jose’s affluent residents go to dine and shop in stores like Vuori, Franco Uomo, and Amour Vert. At Eastridge Mall in East San Jose, the offerings are more varied. The 1.2-million square-foot establishment anchors Macy’s, JCPenney, and 24 Hour Fitness. For a different kind of shopping experience, check out San Pedro Square Market, where the focus is on food, open-air dining, and live entertainment. Here you’ll find The Store Zero, the city’s first-ever zero-waste shop.

Parks & outdoor recreation

San Jose’s Alum Rock Park is California’s oldest municipal park

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San Jose’s abundance of green spaces is just a few of the reasons many choose to move here. Whether you’re looking for a place to exercise your hiking skills or simply want to bring your dog out on a walk, you’re spoiled for choice. Hiking and trails Alviso Marina County Park offers plenty of hiking, biking, and birdwatching opportunities, as well as a chance to explore the salt flats from the old mining industry. Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve , located on the foothills of Santa Clara County, is only 11 miles from San Jose. There, you’ll find panoramic views of the Valley, abundant native wildlife, and a variety of hiking trails with diverse terrain. For something even more challenging, Castle Rock State Park in Los Gatos is a hiker’s heaven. Located a mere 20 minutes from San Jose, the 5,200-acre state park attracts rock climbers for its diverse and often difficult trails, which feature sharp drop-offs and large boulders. Gardens Among San Jose’s stunning gardens is the Japanese Friendship Gardens, which features lush greenery, serene ponds, and authentic Japanese architecture – a gift from Okayama, Japan, San Jose’s sister city. The Municipal Rose Garden showcases a colorful array of roses in various hues and varieties. This scenic spot is perfect for picnics, photo sessions, and even hosts events like the Spring Rose Show. Local parks San Jose has several urban oases with well-maintained facilities such as sports courts, children’s playgrounds, and spacious picnic areas, inviting locals and visitors alike to enjoy the outdoors in the heart of the city. The busiest and most popular neighborhood parks in San Jose include Kelley Park on Senter Road, Houge Park on Twilight Drive, William Street Park, and Fowler Creek Park on Altia Avenue. Don’t miss the historic Alum Rock Park, California’s oldest municipal park, located on Penitencia Creek Road.

OWN YOUR DREAM PROPERTY IN SAN JOSE, CA

From condos to single-family residences, commercial spaces to multifamily homes, lots and land to sprawling estates, San Jose, CA has it all. Browse properties for sale now! When it comes to finding the best San Jose, CA homes for sale, working with the right real estate professional is key. Thomas Nixon has over two decades of real estate experience and deep roots in the Bay Area, giving him unique insight into the local market. Moreover, his background as an attorney has equipped him with expertise in probate law and estate planning, making him an invaluable asset to countless clients. Trust Thomas Nixon to guide you through your real estate journey! Get in touch with the team today at 408.981.4685 or contact them here.