Thinking about moving to San Jose? The Capital of Silicon Valley is a more affordable place to live in the Bay Area than San Francisco and has been recognized as one of the safest cities in the U.S.! San Jose is also a top city for small businesses and the tech industry, and has a high overall quality of life. Check out these five safe, affordable neighborhoods in San Jose!
Berryessa
Photo via @classymsmarie
- Home Price: $646,752 median purchase price; $1,903 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 89% of San Jose neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Families, retirees
Overlooked by the beautiful Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve and the East Foothills in Santa Clara County, the sprawling neighborhood of Berryessa is among San Jose’s safest and most affordable places to live. Affordable Ranch, Mid-Century Modern, and Spanish Revival-style homes help give this area a suburban feel without being fully removed from Silicon Valley. This laid-back neighborhood is popular among retirees and families in San Jose because of its many events like the San Jose Flea Market, outdoor spaces like Cataldi Park and Brooktree Park, and neighborhood hubs like the Berryessa Community Center. Another perk of living in this popular San Jose neighborhood is its top-notch public schools, including Cherrywood Elementary School, Sierramont Middle School, and Piedmont Hills High School.
Things to Do in Berryessa
Hike, bike, or enjoy a picnic in the gorgeous Santa Clara Valley at Alum Rock Park. Book a tee time and practice your swing at the San Jose Municipal Golf Course. Take a language class or bring the kids to storytime at the Berryessa Branch Library. Catch a new movie with the whole family at Century 20 Great Mall & XD in nearby Milpitas. Dig into a Chile Verde Burrito, Carne Asada Tacos, or a Super Quesadilla at La Chingada Taqueria. Grab a sandwich on fresh-baked sourdough bread for lunch at California Sourdough Eatery. Share fresh-boiled Crawfish, Manilla Clams, Shrimp, and more at Claw Shack. Savor all-you-can-eat Hawaiian Chicken, Spicy Pork Belly, Garlic Calamari, and other dishes at Gen Korean BBQ.
Blossom Valley
Photo via @geoffhollands
- Home Price: $582,520 median purchase price; $1,568 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 56% of San Jose neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Families, retirees
Despite being located near three major roadways, Blossom Valley feels like its own remote town in southern San Jose thanks to its low cost of living, safe streets, and strong sense of community. Residents will never be short on ways to get involved with their neighborhood since the Blossom Valley Neighborhood Association organizes events like the Spring Fling, the 4th of July Party, and monthly Miner Park cleanups. You can also enjoy family-friendly activities at Leif Erikson Park and Terrell Park, dine at local eateries, and go shopping without ever leaving this safe San Jose neighborhood. Plus, families moving to Blossom Valley will value the countless Craftsman-style homes, cozy cottages, and affordable ranches available in the area.
Things to Do in Blossom Valley
Enjoy a shaded walk through the rare oak woodland ecosystem or bring your kids to the playground at Thousand Oaks Park. Sign your children up for a Summer Learning Program, join a virtual book club, or rent your next favorite read at the Pearl Avenue Branch Library. Enjoy fresh air during your workout with individual or group fitness classes at Forma Gym. Shop for anything from clothing to comics, kick back during a movie, or attend events like Oakridge Farmer’s Market at Westfield Oakridge. Taste the restaurant’s signature Orange Sauce on Burritos, Enchiladas, Chiles Rellenos, and more at La Victoria Taqueria. Order East African cuisine such as Beef Suqaar, Roasted Goat, or Chicken Kay Kay at Jubba Somali. Try Japanese entrees like Una Ten Donburi, Ika Yaki, or Sushi Tokujo at Sanraku. Or fill up on Carnitas, Chimichangas, and more Mexican dishes at El Maestro.
Cambrian Park
Photo via @allenb_realestate
- Home Price: $764,122 median purchase price; $1,700 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 83% of San Jose neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Families, retirees
Another safe place to live in San Jose is Cambrian Park. This Southwestern neighborhood is one of the best places in Silicon Valley for families because of its low crime rates, quality childcare options, and well-rated public schools like Oster Elementary School, Union Middle School, and Leigh High School. Real estate is another plus in Cambrian Park, as this affordable area in San Jose is packed with budget-friendly Ranches, Craftsman, and Dutch Colonial-style homes with large yards. And residents who work in Downtown San Jose or other parts of Silicon Valley can quickly hop on W Valley Fwy for a 15-minute commute.
Things to Do in Cambrian Park
Shoot some hoops, swing the tennis racket, or fire up the grill for an outdoor barbecue at Houge Park. Swim laps in the pool or take advantage of the fitness room at Camden Community Center. Find handcrafted jewelry, furniture, and other unique treasures at Cottage Crafts Boutique. Have a Strawberry and Cream Cheese Crepe for breakfast or a Turkey Panini for lunch at Heartbeat Cafe. Enjoy delicious Chinese fare like Stewed Ribs Over Rice, Vegetable Fried Rice, or Pickle Beef Rice Noodle at Hometown Noodle. Pick up Pad Thai, Pa Nang Curry, or Duck Fried Rice for dinner at Lanna Thai. Or make reservations at Rangoli for dishes like Shai Paneer, Aloo Gobhi, and Muttar Paneer.
Evergreen
Photo via @lailafieldsrealestate
- Home Price: $758,112 median purchase price; $1,638 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 94% of San Jose neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Aptly named Evergreen is a lush East San Jose neighborhood sandwiched between the massive Joseph D. Grant County Park and Hellyer County Park—with several golf courses, hiking trails, and outdoor activities in between. This safe San Jose neighborhood is particularly beloved by retirees because of its senior-specific outdoor recreation options like the 55+ Villages Golf & Country Club. Evergreen is a great place to live in San Jose for families, too, due to its exceptional San Jose schools like Evergreen Elementary School and Evergreen Valley High School. Even singles and young professionals in San Jose will feel at home in Evergreen, given the neighborhood’s proximity to Downtown San Jose, higher education opportunities at Evergreen Community College, and affordable rental options—from Spanish and Mediterranean-style houses to Contemporary condos and modern townhomes.
Things to Do in Evergreen
Soak up the sun in the wave pool or have a blast on the waterslides at Raging Waters San Jose. Become a member at Silver Creek Valley Country Club to play tennis and golf, use the fitness center, or relax by the pool. Join a recreational softball team to play league games at Arcadia Ballpark. Shop at dozens of stores or bring your kids to events like the Back to School Fashion Show or KixCon at Eastridge Center. Enjoy Sunday brunch favorites like Chicken & Waffle and French toast with Spiced Pecans, or order entrees like Prime Rib Eye Steak and Fennel Sausage Rigatoni for dinner at The Creek Eatery. Sample delightful Vietnamese and Pan-Asian dishes like Congee and Yangzhou Fried Rice at AK Kitchen. Savor fresh, high-quality seafood, like the Fried Soft-shell Crab basket, Shrimp Po’Boy, or the Lobster Roll at The Crab Bay. Or mix and match items from the sushi menu like Ebi Nigiri, Rainbow Rolls, or Tekka Maki at Yuri Japanese Restaurant.
West San Jose
Photo via @john_chung_homes
- Home Price: $850,944 median purchase price; $1,677 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 78% of San Jose neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Great for all ages and lifestyles, West San Jose offers urban amenities and suburban charm all in one. Between its trendy apartments and townhomes, quick interstate access for commuters, and wide range of hip restaurants and bars along Santana Row, West San Jose is a popular neighborhood for singles and young professionals looking for affordable places to live in the Bay Area. Families in San Jose will appreciate the neighborhood’s green spaces like Calabazas Park and Murdock Park, along with the many well-rated schools like Muir Elementary School and Lynbrook High School. West San Jose is also just ten minutes from Fremont Older Preserve, so residents can escape the hustle and bustle of city life to soak up the California sun and beautiful scenery whenever they want.
Things to Do in West San Jose
Go on a Guided Mansion Tour, break out of the Houdini-themed escape room, and learn about the property’s history at the famous Winchester Mystery House. Train for the Silicone Valley Half Marathon, take the kids to the playground, or unleash your pup at the dog park in Saratoga Creek Park. Get in some retail therapy or enroll your kids in dance classes at the Jun Lu Performing Arts Academy in Westgate Center. Show off your skills with pub trivia, karaoke, and open mic nights at British-themed bar Britannia Arms Cupertino. Wake up with a delicious breakfast of Steak & Avocado Benedict, California Omelette Souflette, or a Meatlovers Scramble at Holder’s Country Inn. Eat your fill of Brisket, Pulled Pork, and other barbecue favorites at South Winchester BBQ. Experience authentic Salvadoran entrees like Chilaquiles Con Huevo, Yuca Con Chicharron, and Volcanes at El Chalateco. Or pair the Salty Dog cocktail with sophisticated dinner entrees like the Double Cut Pork Chop or Market Fish at Forthright Oyster Bar & Kitchen.
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Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes
