The 5 Best Neighborhoods in San Jose

If you’re looking to plant your roots in California, you have plenty of options to choose from. Whether you prefer single family homes or condos, there are a variety of residences to suit your lifestyle. San Jose is a popular city with a diverse group of neighborhoods. Here are five of them that offer all the comforts of home.

Downtown

Downtown San Jose is a cool place to live if you’re single or a family with an older teenager. Over the last several years, there has been redevelopment of several high rises that are now offered as condos. The average price for real estate in the area is around $500K, so you will definitely need a good income to live in the area.
If the money isn’t a problem, then you will find that Downtown has a host of activities and amenities for residents. On your leisure time, you could visit some of the many tech giant companies including Ebay, or you could enjoy a peaceful afternoon in the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Library. Shopping for groceries is also convenient. The Market by Safeway is popular spot for residents. There’s also Grocery Outlet and Zanotto’s Family market. The Westfield Oakridge shopping mall is also nearby. From the Disney Store to Ethan Allen, there’s something there for everyone.

West San Jose

West San Jose is primarily comprised of suburban residential homes. This would be an ideal area to raise a family. Home prices are in the range of the downtown properties, but you get the benefits of the space that the suburbs provides.
Residents in this part of the city are close to Prusch Park, a farm where fruit and fresh vegetables are sold. This is definitely a benefit that most people don’t have living in a crowded city. The Japanese Friendship Garden is another hotspot to get away from city life, featuring large Koi ponds and a tea garden.
Costco’s and Traders Joes aren’t too far away from the area, and there are dozens of small coffee shops and shopping malls. The West Gate Mall is a popular hangout, with stores including Old Navy, Target and Burlington Coat Factory. There’s also a Walmart, Curves Fitness Center and Buffalo Wild Wings in the plaza.

Santa Teresa

The suburban area of Santa Teresa is perfect for both singles and families. Homes prices range from $400K to around $650K, and this is considered one of the affordable areas of the city. Most of the homes were built in the 1950s and 1960’s, and are very similar in style. It’s not a cookie cutter area per se, but there are some homes that look alike.
Residents have many stores to choose from. There’s the International Express Market and Nob Hill Foods for grocery shopping, and the Main Street shopping center for clothes, electronics and good food. Armadillo Willy’s, a popular BBQ restaurant, is located in the shopping plaza. Santa Teresa County Park is over 1,600 acres of natural habitat. They offer nature classes for younger children, as well as Junior Ranger classes. It’s the ideal place for fishing, picnicking, hiking and camping.

Japantown

If you want the benefits of living in the city, and learning a different culture, Japantown is the place to live. There are tons of townhomes and condos in the area, so it’s best suited for singles or small families with no more than 2-3 children. Apartments are also in popular demand in this vicinity of San Jose. Grocery shopping here is a cinch, with a farmers market that operates every Sunday, and several supermarkets including the popular Santo Market. Residents are also encouraged to support the other small businesses in the area, including the local beauty and barber shops, as well as the museums and art theaters that are resident owned and operated. Living here means being part of a community that supports micro businesses and promotes entrepreneurship. If you’re an entrepreneur, or an aspiring business owner, this may very well be the place to call home.

Willow Glen

The neighborhood of Willow Glen is not what you would expect from a city that’s home to some of the worlds’ largest tech companies. It’s not littered with skyscraper condo units that automate everything from hand washing to bed making. Instead, it’s a picturesque area that’s ideal for raising a family. Homes range between $600K and $1M, so it’s not a cheap place to live, but it does offer some small town charm that many people are looking for. There’s a popular book store, Hicklebee’s, which serves as a hangout for teens and literary buffs, and many small coffee and gift shops that are owned by local residents. The family owned, neighborhood grocery store, Zanottos, holds a monthly wine tasting and is known for their organic product line. Willow Glen offers a family friendly environment that’s complete with all of amenities that you expect for the price.
The neighborhoods of San Jose are diverse, and offers residents plenty in terms of shopping and entertainment. Some areas are ideal for raising families, while others are geared more towards single professionals. One thing that all of the areas have in common are the home costs. You won’t make it in any of these areas on a poor mans’ salary. If you do, however, have the income to live comfortably in San Jose, then these are all great areas to start looking for your next home.