Thinking about moving to San Jose? Located about an hour south of San Francisco, the Capital of Silicon Valley continues to draw singles and young professionals with its strong job market, diverse culture, and abundance of fun things to do. On top of that, San Jose has a lower cost of living than SF, making it a great place to live in the Bay Area and one of the best suburbs of San Francisco. If you’re looking to settle down in San Jose, here are five great neighborhoods to consider!
Burbank
Photo via @siliconvalleylofts
- Home Price: $556,183 median purchase price; $1,455 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 67% of San Jose neighborhoods
Is convenience a major factor for you? Burbank might be the spot you’re looking for! This affordable San Jose neighborhood sits along the I-280 and I-880 interchange, so commuting into other areas of the Bay Area is quick and easy. Additionally, Burbank is near shopping centers like Santana Row and Westfield Valley Fair and within walking distance of several cafes and bars. Young professionals who are looking to continue their studies have San Jose City College and Santa Clara Valley Medical Center nearby, so you don’t have to go far for quality education. And if you’re thinking about buying a home in this friendly and diverse community, Burbank’s collection of cozy bungalows and Craftsman-style houses are sure to please!
Things to Do in Burbank
Pick up new furniture, home decor, and antique trinkets at Antiques Colony. Work with a personal trainer or join a fitness group to achieve your wellness goals at Brickhouse Fitness. Prepare for upcoming costume parties with vintage fashion and wacky costumes from Moon Zooom. View over 180 varieties of roses, including floribundas and grandifloras, at the nearby Municipal Rose Garden. Grab some Baklava, Kifta Kabab Salad, and Chicken in a Pita at Falafel’s Drive In—a local favorite that was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives. Try Middle-Eastern dishes like Chicken Samosas, Kabuli Pulao, or Fried Eggplant at Gulzaar Halaal. Dig into authentic Ethiopian dishes like Misir Wot and Kewty Tibs with a cocktail like the Areqe Mojito at Walia Ethiopian Cuisine. Or challenge your friends to a game of pool while throwing back cheap drinks at The Bears Cocktail Lounge.
Downtown San Jose
Photo via @bayarearealestate
- Home Price: $477,611 median purchase price; $1,410 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 0% of San Jose neighborhoods
One of the best places for young professionals wanting to live near Silicon Valley is Downtown San Jose! The San Jose Downtown Association advocates for area businesses and works to promote local events, helping make Downtown a top destination in this Bay Area city. In addition to housing campuses for top tech companies like Adobe, Cohesity, and Xebrium Inc., Downtown is also where you’ll find many of the fun things to do in San Jose! Trendy restaurants and bars, museums, music venues, historic Hotel de Anza, and community events are scattered all over this walkable neighborhood. And if you don’t feel like walking, the VTA bus and light rail systems are also good commuting options.
Things to Do in Downtown San Jose
Cheer on the San Jose Sharks (NHL) during a hockey game at the SAP Center. See some of the best modern and contemporary art California has to offer at the San Jose Museum of Art. Play a super-sized version of the classic board game with Monopoly in the Park at Discovery Meadow. Catch hilarious sketch comedy acts, epic concerts, and thought-provoking speakers at San Jose Civic. Enjoy live music while you chow down on food from one of the many eateries at San Pedro Square Market, like Anchors Fish & Chips + Seafood Grill or Jora Peruvian Food. Feast on the famous Baby Back Ribs, Chicken Teriyaki, or Prime Ribs at Henry’s World Famous Hi-Life while supporting your favorite sports team. Indulge in premium ice cream flavors like Chocoholic or Cin-ful Churro, or create your dream ice cream sandwich at CREAM San Jose. Or sample handcrafted cocktails like the Backhanded Compliment, Ginger La Raza, or Penny Popper at Haberdasher.
Evergreen
Photo via @hueynguyenhomes
- Home Price: $758,112 median purchase price; $1,638 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 94% of San Jose neighborhoods
Located in East San Jose, Evergreen is perhaps better known as a spot where families and retirees move to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. But it’s also one of the safest neighborhoods in San Jose and perfect for young adults who want more spacious housing, access to green space, and a friendly community where they can raise kids someday. With its hiking trails, scenic foothills, golf courses, and an abundance of local parks like Lake Cunningham Park, Evergreen truly lives up to its name! On top of that, residents can shop and dine, and attend community events like the farmers market at Evergreen Village Square. Young professionals who work in education are close to highly-rated schools like Evergreen Montessori Preschool, ACCEL Middle College, and Evergreen Valley College.
Things to Do in Evergreen
Play tennis and basketball, or host a picnic for friends and family at Silver Creek Linear Park. Shop your favorite brands like Aeropostale, Hollister, and more or watch a movie at Eastridge Center. Find your next read or attend programming—with everything from yoga to Dungeons and Dragons—at Village Square Branch Library. Hit the links on the 18-hole course or the 9-hole course at The Villages Golf & Country Club. Refresh with boba tea options like Life’s a Peach, Kawaii, or Pretty in Pink from Pekoe Tea Bar. Dine on the patio and order dishes like the Perro Caliente, Chimichanga, or Camarones at Mexico Lindo at Silver Creek. Crush your appetite with Crawfish, Snow Crab Legs, and Shabang Bang Shrimp from The Boiling Crab. Or explore Asian flavors with dishes like Garlic Butter Wings, Grilled Honey Sate Chicken with Rice, and Lemongrass n Chili Tofu at family-owned restaurant, AK Kitchen.
West San Jose
Photo via @adrianealstonhomes
- Home Price: $850,944 median purchase price; $1,677 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 78% of San Jose neighborhoods
Are you looking for a suburban area that comes with the perks of urban living? West San Jose gives you the best of both worlds! Not only does this neighborhood offer a mix of affordable apartments, condos, and ranch-style houses, but it provides access to I-280 as well, so commuting into Downtown San Jose or San Francisco is easy. West San Jose is also home to some of the city’s best restaurants, shopping, and nightlife, making it an ideal spot for singles and young professionals!
Things to Do in West San Jose
Visit the haunted Winchester Mystery House, where you can tour the manor’s bizarre rooms and hallways. Play sand volleyball or test your skills on one of the largest BMX courses in the Bay Area at Calabazas Park—or gather friends for a barbecue and a game of pickleball or softball at John Mise Park. Get some retail therapy at stores like Nordstrom Rack, TJMaxx, and Nike Factory at Westgate Center. Grab a slice of ASONY Margarita or Munchie Lunchie pizza with a Cannoli for dessert at A Slice of New York. Sample Mexican dishes like Frijol Pupusas, Yuca Con Chicharron, or Orden De Guacamole at Pupuseria La Chalateca. Enjoy all-day breakfast or entrees like Pasta Bolognese and Fried Chicken at Holder’s Country Inn. Or try authentic Persian cuisine with dishes like Shishlik Kabob, Negeen Special, and Albaloo Polo at Negeen Restaurant.
Willow Glen
Photo via @ihsrealestate
- Home Price: $776,100 median purchase price; $1,592 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 44% of San Jose neighborhoods
If you’re looking for a more residential atmosphere close to the heart of the city, Willow Glen is one of the best places to live in San Jose! Though it’s located just a few minutes from downtown, this neighborhood has a unique identity that makes it feel removed from the rest of the city. This is reflected in the area’s variety of housing options, which include Victorian-style bungalows and Spanish stucco homes mixed in with new construction. With quirky local businesses along Lincoln Avenue, tree-lined streets, and friendly neighbors, you won’t have to choose between the fast-paced Silicon Valley lifestyle and the idyllic suburban background—Willow Glen offers both! On top of that, this neighborhood has good public transportation with access to VTA bus and light rail routes, including the Blue Line and the Green Line.
Things to Do in Willow Glen
Improve your culinary skills with cooking classes and dessert workshops at Cucina Bambini. Work in the community garden or practice your tennis skills at Wallenberg Park. Choose from a wide variety of ceramic pieces and paint your own ceramic decor or homeware at Petroglyph. Learn the history of San Jose and the Santa Clara Valley, then tour the grounds of the Ainsley House at the Campbell Historical Museum, just a few minutes outside the neighborhood. Try elevated takes on diner classics like the Banana Walnut Pancakes, 49er Burger, or a Crab Melt at Jack Holder’s Restaurant & Bar. Work your way through the vast selection of homemade stuffed pasta—like Lobster Ravioli, Meat and Spinach Ravioli, or Sausage Canneloni—at Bertucelli’s La Villa. Enjoy live music while savoring a Carolina Pulled Pork Platter, Rib & Chicken Combo Platter, or Pepper Steak Sandwich at Sam’s Bar-B-Que. Or sample craft beer and wine like Full Circle Juicy Hazy IPA or Saintsbury Pinot with a Chef’s Choice charcuterie board at 20twenty Cheese Bar.
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Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes
