San Jose neighborhoods are tailored for those looking to move into or invest in Silicon Valley’s largest city. You don’t have to work at Google to acclimate to the intrinsic beauty of San Jose, though. While San Jose is celebrated for its fruitful employment opportunities, it is also filled with genuine lush beauty amid both suburban streets and historic parks.
From the bustling downtown district and thriving arts scene to serene suburbia, our list covers it all. We’ll explore the unique qualities of each neighborhood, along with what makes each ideal for a specific type of person—be it a professional, new family, young couple, or retiree.
15 Best San Jose Neighborhoods
Whether you’re a young professional seeking to advance your career in the tech industry or a growing family searching for the perfect place to settle down in California, our best neighborhood guide of San Jose can help check all your boxes.
West San Jose
Population: 90,000
Median Income: $126,000
Median Home Value: $1.2M
If you’re looking for a diverse and family-friendly residential neighborhood in the heart of Silicon Valley, look no further than West San Jose.
With its excellent schools, beautiful parks, and convenient location near major tech employers, West San Jose is comparable to the bay area’s Financial District. West San Jose is an ideal place to call home for a young professional couple.
Home to Westfield Valley Fair Mall, one of the largest shopping malls in all of the United States, West San Jose offers shoppers endless options.
The public schools in West San Jose are widely regarded as some of the finest in California. The Cupertino Union School District (K-8), which serves most of this area, consistently receives high grades from parents and students alike.
Willow Glen
Population: 75,000
Median Income: $120,000
Median Home Value: $1.3M
Situated in the heart of San Jose, the Willow Glen neighborhood is known for its tree-lined streets and historic homes. Boasting a desirable laid-back lifestyle, Willow Glen is an attractive option for families or retirees. Homes scale a little on the pricier side in Willow Glen.
If the mysterious stories of the Winchester Mystery House intrigue you, the famous mansion is located at 525 South Winchester Boulevard—a short drive away. You might come across the ghost of Sarah Winchester, the wealthy heiress of the gun manufacturer’s fortune.
Downtown Willow Glen, located across Lincoln Avenue, features a bustling shopping district with boutique shops, high-end shopping malls, and local cafes that add to its charm. Residents enjoy easy access to parks such as Bramhall Park or River Walk Park, which offer recreational activities and walking paths along Los Gatos Creek.
Japantown
Population: 4,500
Median Income: $90,000
Median Home Value: $950K
Situated in the heart of San Jose is the vibrant and culturally rich neighborhood of Japantown. This historic district has a unique blend of modern amenities and San Jose homes for sale featuring traditional Japanese architecture.
Japantown is a great place for those business professionals seeking an eclectic lifestyle close to the downtown area of San Jose. Today, residents can enjoy various cultural events such as the annual Nikkei Matsuri Festival, Obon Festival, and year-round farmer’s market that showcases local produce.
Healthcare facilities are easily accessible in Japantown, with the Regional Medical Center of San Jose and O’Connor Hospital located nearby. Additionally, there are numerous medical offices and clinics within the neighborhood itself to cater to residents’ healthcare needs.
Downtown San Jose
Population: 104,000
Median Income: $86,500
Median Home Value: $675K
Downtown San Jose is the heart of Silicon Valley’s largest city and offers a vibrant urban lifestyle for professionals and families alike. With its abundance of five-star dining establishments, art galleries, multiple craft cocktail bars, and entertainment spots, downtown San Jose is the entertainment district for those looking to experience a dynamic urban lifestyle.
If you want a fast-paced, active lifestyle with easy access to all possible amenities at a reasonable price point, Downtown San Jose is ideal. North San Jose includes Little Portugal, a historic neighborhood and an intrinsic part of the San Jose community.
Downtown San Jose offers various housing options ranging from modern high-rise to charming historic. Many residents enjoy living in mixed-use developments like Santana Row, which combines luxury residences with upscale shopping and dining.
Almaden Valley
Population: 37,000
Median Income: $155,000
Median Home Value: $1.3M
Almaden Valley, situated in South San Jose, is a scenic locale renowned for its gorgeous views and rolling hills. This affluent community offers an ideal lifestyle for families looking to settle down in a safe and quiet environment. Santa Teresa Hills is located nearby, boarding Coyote Valley. Within the neighborhood, you have the beautiful Almaden Quicksilver County Park.
Almaden Valley, home to several highly-rated schools in the San Jose Unified School District, is an ideal choice for families with children. The San Jose Unified School District, which serves the Almaden Valley area, has been praised for its excellence in academics and STEM education.
Campbell
Population: 42,466
Median Income: $115,453
Median Home Value: $1.2M
Nestled in the heart of Silicon Valley is the charming neighborhood of Campbell. Known for its small-town feel and vibrant downtown area, Campbell offers a high quality of life to residents. With excellent schools, top-notch healthcare facilities, and plenty of job opportunities nearby, this neighborhood is ideal for families and professionals alike.
Campbell boasts access to several renowned hospitals, including Good Samaritan Hospital and Santa Clara Valley Medical Center.
The popular Downtown Campbell Farmers’ Market takes place every Sunday year-round, offering fresh produce and artisanal goods. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy numerous parks within the city limits, including John D Morgan Park and Los Gatos Creek Trail, which provide recreational activities such as hiking, biking, or picnicking.
Silver Creek
Population: 50,000
Median Income: $150,000
Median Home Value: $1.3M
Silver Creek is a luxurious and affluent neighborhood located in the southeastern part of San Jose. Known for stunning homes, beautiful landscapes, and top-rated schools—this area has become increasingly popular among families and professionals seeking an upscale living experience.
The Silver Creek Valley Country Club, situated at the heart of the community, offers residents access to world-class golf courses, tennis courts, swimming pools, fitness facilities, as well as fine dining options.
Additionally, there are several parks close to the homes for sale in this San Jose neighborhood, such as Hellyer County Park, which features hiking trails, picnic areas and other outdoor spaces.
Los Gatos
Population: 30,222
Median Income: $152,449
Median Home Value: $1.8M
Nestled at the base of the Santa Cruz Mountains lies Los Gatos, among the most charming and upscale neighborhoods in San Jose. Los Gatos, a charming and affluent neighborhood in San Jose with picturesque surroundings and a vibrant downtown area, is one of the best neighborhoods for families, young professionals, and retirees alike.
Los Gatos’ prime location near the Santa Cruz Mountains offers a wealth of outdoor activities, from hiking to horseback riding. Los Gatos also features an abundance of restaurants offering excellent local (and authentic) Mexican food.
The popular El Sereno Open Space Preserve and Castle Rock State Park are just a short drive away, providing residents with ample opportunities for recreation and relaxation in nature.
In addition to being home to some of Silicon Valley’s top tech companies like Netflix, Roku, and Cryptic Studios, Los Gatos also offers easy access to major employers in nearby cities.
Cupertino
Population: 60,257
Median Income: $147,929
Median Home Value: $1.8M
Situated in the heart of Silicon Valley, Cupertino is a thriving and affluent neighborhood that offers an excellent quality of life for residents. Known as the home to tech giant Apple, Cupertino attracts professionals from all over the world who are looking for top-ranked schools, larger homes, safer neighborhoods, and high-income job opportunities.
This makes it an ideal location for professionals working in technology or related industries. Cupertino offers a variety of housing options, from single-family homes to luxurious condos for sale, providing safety and educational opportunities for families and easy access to job centers for professionals. Of course, the homes for sale here come with a much higher price tag than many of the other neighborhoods on our list.
Evergreen
Population: 75,000
Median Income: $121,573
Median Home Value: $1M
Located in San Jose, Evergreen is a desirable suburb renowned for its family-friendly atmosphere and natural scenery. This suburban community offers a peaceful retreat from bustling city life while still providing easy access to major highways and public transportation options.
Evergreen stands in stark opposition to Downtown San Jose as two very different sides of the same coin. Both are considered to be some of the best neighborhoods in San Jose.
This area boasts some top-rated schools, making it an ideal choice for families with children. The Evergreen School District includes highly-ranked institutions such as Tom Matsumoto Elementary School, Chaboya Middle School, and Silver Creek High School.
The neighborhood features numerous parks, such as Evergreen Village Square Park, which hosts special events throughout the year, including food festivals and a year-round farmers market. For those who enjoy golfing or hiking, there are several options nearby, like Silver Creek Valley Country Club and Montgomery Hill Park.
Rose Garden
Population: 4,000
Median Income: $100,000
Median Home Value: $1.2M
The Rose Garden area of San Jose is a scenic and attractive locality, boasting beautiful tree-lined streets and traditional single-family dwellings. Rose Garden is a desirable San Jose suburb to live in due to its numerous parks, such as Rosicrucian Park, which offers playgrounds and picnic areas perfect for spending quality time with your loved ones, especially children.
Rose Garden is a tight-knit community, ideal for families with children or those looking to start a family soon. The area has several noteworthy schools, including Rose Garden Elementary School, Hoover Middle School, and Abraham Lincoln High School.
Santana Row
Population: 5,000
Median Income: $105,000
Median Home Value: $1.2M
Situated in the southwest corner of San Jose’s West Valley, Santana Row is an affluent and vibrant area that fuses metropolitan living with spacious living. Known for its high-end shopping district, margarita bars, and diverse dining options, Santana Row attracts young professionals and families alike who are seeking an active, laid-back lifestyle.
Santana Row residents have access to some of the best healthcare facilities in the region, including El Camino Hospital, which is just minutes away.
Santana Row offers an ideal living environment for professionals working in nearby companies like Apple or Google, with its mix of luxury condos, townhomes, and single-family homes with beautiful architecture.
Alum Rock
Population: 15,536
Median Income: $76,693
Median Home Value: $695K
Nestled in the eastern foothills of San Jose is the sprawling residential neighborhood of Alum Rock. Offering a variety of housing options for many diverse families, Alum Rock is one of the affordable neighborhoods in San Jose, renowned for its picturesque parks and a strong sense of community.
Top-rated schools like KIPP San Jose Collegiate, exceptional healthcare facilities such as Regional Medical Center, and numerous employment opportunities underscore Alum Rock’s popularity as one of the most sought-after neighborhoods in San Jose.
The crown jewel of this neighborhood is undoubtedly Alum Rock Park. Established in 1872 as California’s first municipal park, it spans over 720 acres with miles upon miles of hiking trails through lush forests and along picturesque creeks.
Alum Rock offers a broad selection of dwellings in affordable home styles, from cozy single-family homes to stylish condos and apartments.
Alviso
Population: 2,128
Median Income: $93,125
Median Home Value: $1M
Nestled in the northernmost part of San Jose is the historic neighborhood of Alviso. With its rich history dating back to the 18th century and a unique blend of residential and industrial parks, Alviso offers a small-town feel for those looking to live or work in this area. Its proximity to major companies such as IBM makes it an ideal location for young professionals working in the tech industry.
Nature lovers will appreciate being surrounded by natural beauty with access to several nearby parks like Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge and Alviso Marina County Park, which offer hiking and biking trails along the marsh.
In terms of housing options available within Alviso, there are single-family homes built around mid-century that have been well-maintained over time alongside newer developments offering modern amenities.
Fairgrounds
Population: 55,586
Median Income: $76,409
Median Home Value: $727K
Fairgrounds is an exciting and varied district, providing housing choices for everyone from families to retirees. With its proximity to downtown San Jose and major employers such as Cisco Systems and the Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, residents enjoy convenient access to local work opportunities and amenities.
The area’s namesake attraction, the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds, hosts various events throughout the year, including trade shows, cultural festivals, concerts, and sporting events. Santa Clara County is a hub for various local attractions.
Frequently Asked Questions: San Jose Neighborhoods
There are many questions future San Jose residents might have before making the move —here are the most common inquiries we’ve received:
Which is the safest suburb in San Jose?
The safest suburb in San Jose is considered to be Almaden Valley. It is considered the best neighborhood in San Jose by many, thanks to its low crime rates, excellent schools, and family-friendly atmosphere. Other safe neighborhoods include Cambrian Park.
Does San Jose have good public transport?
San Jose offers a reliable and efficient public transportation system, making it easy for residents and visitors to navigate the city. The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) operates buses, light rail services, and paratransit throughout the region.
What are the popular things to do in San Jose?
The city boasts numerous parks and green spaces that provide ample opportunity for relaxation, exercise, or family fun. One of the most popular destinations is Alum Rock Park, which features hiking trails, picnic areas, and beautiful views of the surrounding hills. Some of the most popular things to do in San Jose include:
- Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose
- Municipal Rose Garden
- Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum
- Happy Hollow Park & Zoo
- SAP Center at San Jose
- San Jose Center for the Performing Arts
What is the nicest area in San Jose?
There are several beautiful neighborhoods in San Jose that offer a high quality of life, with easy access to local amenities like fitness centers. Some of the best neighborhoods in San Jose include:
- Willow Glen
- Rose Garden
- Almaden Valley
- Silver Creek Valley.
Is it cheaper to live in LA or San Jose?
Both cities are notorious for their pricey lifestyles. In general, housing prices in Los Angeles tend to skew a bit lower than those in San Jose.
The median home value in Los Angeles is around $800K, while San Jose has a median home value of around $1.1M. Rent also tends to be more expensive in San Jose, with 1-bedrooms priced around $2,500.
How much money do you need to live comfortably in San Jose?
Living comfortably in San Jose requires a higher income than in many other cities due to the high cost of living (COL) and expensive housing market. A household income of around $120K-$140K should be sufficient for most individuals or families to cover basic needs and leisurely activities.
Is San Jose safer than San Francisco?
When comparing the safety of San Jose and San Francisco, it is important to consider crime rates, neighborhood security, and overall risk factors. While any major city has its share of crime, neighborhoods in San Jose tend to be a safer option for those with families. San Jose’s crime rate is lower than that of San Francisco’s.
Is San Jose a walkable city?
The city has endeavored to enhance walkability through the implementation of urban planning and increased investment in infrastructure. Downtown San Jose is the most walkable neighborhood in the city, boasting numerous parks and cultural attractions within walking distance of each other.
Is moving to San Jose a good idea?
Moving to San Jose can be an excellent decision. The city offers a diverse range of neighborhoods to accommodate any lifestyle, with communities featuring top-rated schools and recreational activities. The thriving job market in Silicon Valley makes it an attractive destination for young professionals seeking high-trajectory career growth.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly community like Willow Glen or peaceful suburban streets in Alum Rock—there’s genuinely something for everyone in San Jose, California.
From West San Jose to Evergreen and everywhere in between, each neighborhood has its unique character and charm. Some offer designer boutiques and tech industry leaders, while others notably feature award-winning public schools. One neighborhood might offer fantastic nightlife, while the other offers cute coffee shops and a small-town feel.
Looking for the best listings of homes, townhomes, condos or anything in between in the San Jose area? Search for properties with ease at eXp and sign up for new listing alerts if that’s your preference.
Once you’ve located your dream property and feel ready to start exploring these amazing neighborhoods for yourself, you owe it to yourself to only deal with the most experienced local San Jose real estate agents. A professional real estate agent will be able to effectively determine your needs and compile the best options within your budget.
