16 Popular San Jose Neighborhoods: Where to Live in San Jose in 2023
A major technology hub, San Jose, CA, is home to countless well-known corporations, over a million residents, and has a year-round sunny, Mediterranean climate. San Jose is a central location for many in the Bay Area, easily connected to San Francisco, Oakland, and every city in-between.
Navigating San Jose’s numerous neighborhoods can be a daunting task, but this guide provides an alphabetical overview of the city’s most popular areas. From the historic to the vibrant to the cool, these neighborhoods make San Jose the unique place it is today. If you’re looking to buy a home or rent an apartment in San Jose, this list should help you decide which neighborhood best suits your needs.
1. Almaden Valley
Located in the southwest corner of San Jose is Almaden Valley. This neighborhood has stunning views of the Santa Cruz Mountains and is home to many wonderful outdoor activities. You can visit Almaden Quicksilver County Park, Calero County Park, and Almaden Lake Park if you’re looking to spend some time outside. Many of the single-family properties range from two-bedroom houses to large homes with lots of acerage, and they often have views of the nearby hills. You can also find apartments, townhouses, and condos in this San Jose neighborhood.
Median Sale Price: $2,040,000
Homes for sale in Almaden Valley | Apartments for rent in Almaden Valley
2. Alviso
Alviso is located at the northern point of San Jose, and the majority of the neighborhood sits against the San Francisco Bay. Alviso Marina Park is a great place to spend the day whether you’re birdwatching, walking along the boardwalk, or having lunch at one of the picnic areas. There are many older and historic buildings and homes in the neighborhood, including Henry Wade’s House. In Alviso, the single-family homes are mainly single-story mid-century modern or ranch-style homes.
Median Sale Price: $710,000
Homes for sale in Alviso
3. Blossom Valley
Blossom Valley is a residential neighborhood known for its parks and proximity to major freeways connecting the neighborhood to the rest of the Bay Area. It’s conveniently located near shopping centers, schools, and great local restaurants. The homes in Blossom Valley range from single-family homes and apartments to townhomes, condos, and mobile homes.
Median Sale Price: $1,380,000
Homes for sale in Blossom Valley | Apartments for rent in Blossom Valley
4. East San Jose
East San Jose is a large neighborhood encompassing many sub-neighborhoods located on the east side of Highway 101, in the shadow of the Diablo Range. There are many parks and golf and country clubs located in the area, as well as a wide variety of local restaurants and cafes. You can find a variety of housing options in East San Jose, whether you’re looking for a townhome, condo, apartment, single-family or multifamily home.
Median Sale Price: $996,000
Homes for sale in East San Jose | Apartments for rent in East San Jose
5. Evergreen
Evergreen is one of the sub-neighborhoods included in the larger East San Jose neighborhood. This area is known for its residential streets, golf courses, and a vast selection of restaurants and cuisines. It’s connected to the rest of the Bay Area via the 101 and the BART rail system. In Evergreen, single-family homes are the most common, but you can also find apartments, condos, or manufactured homes in the neighborhood.
Median Sale Price: $1,380,000
Homes for sale in Evergreen | Apartments for rent in Evergreen
6. Downtown
Downtown San Jose is the center of the city, home to some of the best restaurants, concert and entertainment venues, galleries and museums, and more. This neighborhood has plenty to explore whether you’re living in the area or working downtown. From spending the afternoon at Plaza de Cesar Chavez, to watching a San Jose Sharks hockey game at SAP Center, Downtown has it all. Those looking for a great biking experience should definitely consider Downtown San Jose, as it boasts an impressive Bike Score of 91. Additionally, it is a highly walkable and well-serviced area for public transportation. Downtown San Jose has a wide variety of housing options, whether you’re looking for a historic apartment, a single-family home with plenty of architectural details and charm, or a high-rise condo with views of the city.
Median Sale Price: $1,050,000
Homes for sale in Downtown| Apartments for rent in Downtown
7. Japantown
A vibrant neighborhood located in the heart of San Jose, Japantown is just north of downtown. You can find many fantastic Japanese restaurants, businesses, and shops located in this area. With its bustling streets, endless food options, and historical sites, Japantown is a great place to explore and live in. You can find charming Victorian homes, quaint Craftsman homes, as well as modern condos and apartments in Japantown.
Median Sale Price: $1,125,000
Homes for sale in Japantown | Apartments for rent in Japantown
8. Little Portugal
Little Portugal is divided into two areas – Little Portugal North and Little Portugal South. Both areas have a Portuguese heritage, with many restaurants and shops located in the neighborhood. You can also find many residential streets throughout this area, making it a great neighborhood to consider moving to. Some of the single-family homes located in Little Portugal have Portuguese architecture, while the condos and apartments are more modern in design.
Median Sale Price: $950,000
Homes for sale in Little Portugal North | Homes for sale in Little Portugal South
9. Mayfair
Mayfair is a residential neighborhood located east of downtown, adjacent to Little Portugal. It’s a historic area filled with charming homes, oak and elm trees, and beautiful parks. Mayfair is mainly filled with single family residences, as well as some duplexes.
Median Sale Price: $1,055,000
Homes for sale in Mayfair
10. Naglee Park
Naglee Park is a historic residential neighborhood located just east of San Jose State University. It’s one of San Jose’s older neighborhoods, and you’ll find many charming and historic homes throughout the area. Naglee Park is walking distance to downtown San Jose and there are a few parks, great restaurants, and local shops in the area. Naglee Park is one of the oldest neighborhoods in San Jose, and you’ll find many historic Queen Anne, Mission Revival, and Craftsman style homes dotted along the residential streets. Many homes were built from the 1880s to the 1930s, and some are even on the National Register of Historic Places.
Median Sale Price: $1,130,000
Homes for sale in Naglee Park| Apartments for rent in Naglee Park
11. North San Jose
North San Jose is home to many sub-neighborhoods, including Berryessa and Piedmont Hills. You’ll find plenty of hotels in this area, grocery stores, parks, golf courses, and amazing local restaurants. The San Jose International Airport is also located in this expansive neighborhood. North San Jose consists of apartments and condos ranging in style and size. You can also find numerous duplexes and townhomes as well as single-family homes.
Median Sale Price: $825,000
Homes for sale in North San Jose | Apartments for rent in North San Jose
12. Rose Garden
The Rose Garden neighborhood is most well known for the San Jose Municipal Rose Garden, a beautiful park with over 180 varieties of roses. There are also many parks and local shops in the area. The Rose Garden neighborhood of San Jose is a great area for bikers, with a Bike Score of 75. Rose Garden is home to many beautiful Spanish-style single-family homes. You can also find a mix of high-rise and mid-rise condos and apartments.
Median Sale Price: $1,330,000
Homes for sale in Rose Garden | Apartments for rent in Rose Garden
13. Santana Row
Santana Row is conveniently located between Stevens Creek Boulevard and Winchester Boulevard, meaning you can quickly access everything San Jose has to offer. There are plenty of shops, restaurants, and beautiful outdoor spaces to enjoy. Santana Row consists mainly of mixed-use buildings with apartments overlooking the shopping center. There are also townhomes and single-family homes located in the area.
Median Sale Price: $1,880,000
Homes for sale in Santana Row| Apartments for rent in Santana Row
14. Silver Creek
Located in the East Foothills, Silver Creek is a great neighborhood if you’re looking to live close to nature. There are many jogging and biking trails as well as horseback riding. You’ll still find plenty of shops, and restaurants, and the area is near Highway 101. Silver Creek has it all – townhomes, condos, apartments, and single-family homes.
Median Sale Price: $3,050,000
Homes for sale in Silver Creek | Apartments for rent in Silver Creek
15. West Valley
West Valley is along the west side of San Jose, bordering Cupertino. There’s lots to do in the area, including checking out the Winchester Mystery House or exploring one of the many green spaces or lush parks. West Valley has plenty of options for single-family homes, ranging in styles like mid-century modern, ranch, and Craftsman. You can also find apartments and townhouses.
Median Sale Price: $1,950,000
Homes for sale in West Valley | Apartments for rent in West Valley
16. Willow Glen
The Willow Glen neighborhood almost feels like its own small town. From the charming downtown streets to the tree-lined sidewalks and picturesque homes, there’s lots to do in Willow Glen. Make sure to check out all the local stores, restaurants, and cafes located along Lincoln Avenue. You’ll find a variety of homes in Willow Glen. Think Craftsman bungalows, Victorian and Edwardian homes, and mid-century modern homes.
Median Sale Price: $1,750,000
Homes for sale in Willow Glen | Apartments for rent in Willow Glen
Methodology: All neighborhoods must be listed as a “neighborhood” on Redfin.com. Median home sale price data from the Redfin Data Center during October 2023. Average rental data from Rent.com during October 2023. Walk Score, Bike Score, and Transit Score from Walkscore.com during October 2023.
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