5 Best Neighborhoods to Live in San Jose

 

Just an hour south of Oakland lies the growing city of San Jose. Here, you’ll find the mysterious Winchester House, a thriving local music scene, and nightlife like no other. Within San Jose, you’ll discover a multitude of communities, each offering unique experiences, top-notch amenities, and amazing lifestyles. So, which neighborhood in this vibrant city best suits you? Let’s take a closer look at the best neighborhoods in San Jose.

Located west of downtown San Jose is the vibrant district of Santana Row. Living in this part of the city, you’ll enjoy immediate access to fantastic shopping spots and restaurants of nearly every imaginable variety. Santana Row features endless unique boutiques, high-end luxury retailers, spas and salons, and dining destinations ready for a day out.

Explore the fashion offerings at Boutique Harajuku, Faherty, and Vuori, or check out the modern furniture selections at BoConcept. It’s truly the ultimate shopping experience. Altogether, there are more than 70 retail locations in Santana Row, with even more just blocks away.

When you’re hungry from a day of shopping, catch a bite to eat at the numerous eateries. From Fitoor and LB Steak to Maggiano’s Little Italy, Oveja Negra, and Zazil, the dining scene here is delightful and sure to impress. Santana Row is also home to a lively farmers market from June through September, where you can find unique vendors selling local fruits and veggies, bread and cheeses, flowers, and more. Not only that, but Santana Row also hosts several festivities and events throughout the year, from art fairs and the summer music series to yoga groups and the YMCA's “Walk a Mile in Their Shoes” event. It’s a bustling community with so much in store!

The district is also near the Winchester Mystery House, a landmark mansion that is claimed to be haunted due to its tragic tale. With 160 rooms, 40 staircases, 2,000 doors, two basements, three elevators, and more, the mansion is truly astounding. You can take a tour, check out the architecture, walk through the Victorian Gardens, and maybe even see something spooky.

If the hustle and bustle of urban life isn’t something you want to experience full-time, consider a move to Almaden Valley in southern San Jose. Easily the most beautiful part of San Jose, Almaden Valley is also the neighborhood that is the most connected to the natural world. Here, you’ll find various hiking trails that wind through gorgeous landscapes.

Nearby is Mount Umunhum, the summit of which tops more than 3,400 feet and offers an incredible view of the Santa Clara Valley. Living in Almaden Valley promises outdoor adventures whenever your heart desires, with easy access to Almaden Quicksilver County Park, where you’ll find over 4,000 incredible acres and 37 miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails along the Capitancillos Ridge.

In Almaden Valley, you’ll also find the Almaden Golf & Country Club. The sprawling grounds of this private club are in line with the wide-open green spaces seen elsewhere in this popular neighborhood. Enjoy 18 holes of championship golf with a backdrop of the stunning Santa Cruz Mountains. The club also offers tennis courts, a fitness center, a pro shop, and a swimming pool.

Also, residents of Almaden Valley enjoy a convenient commute, with easy access to highways 85 and 87 via the Almaden Expressway.

San Jose boasts of one of three remaining Japantowns in the United States. Tucked in between downtown San Jose and the San Jose International Airport, Japantown gives a unique cultural flair to the city.

What Japantown lacks in square miles, it makes up for in its volume of amenities and exploration spots. The many excellent restaurants in this historic district allow residents and visitors to enjoy authentic Japanese cuisine. Check out the many gift shops, art galleries, and the Japanese American Museum of San Jose to get involved and learn.

Japantown is certainly a popular spot for visitors. The neighborhood is home to many well-known hotel chains, which dot the roads along with numerous boutiques, souvenir shops, and karaoke bars. The uniqueness of Japantown makes it one of the best neighborhoods in San Jose for those who want to live in a bustling area replete with Japanese culture and cuisine.

If you want to be at the heart of all the action in San Jose, look no further than downtown. This spot is alive well into the wee hours of the night, with more bars and clubs than you can count. Head to Haberdasher, Fifty Five South, or the Five Points Craft Cocktail Bar for unique creations. The many restaurants downtown offer virtually every type of cuisine, with dishes to satisfy every palate. From the fantastic steaks at Morton’s The Steakhouse to the fried calamari and grilled octopus at Scott’s Seafood, these dining destinations do not disappoint.

San Jose’s downtown scene is relatively walkable — the streets are a mixture of shops, restaurants, residences, and mid-to-upper-tier hotel chains. This area is the most accessible part of San Jose when it comes to the public transit system as well.

Living downtown also means a life close to the wide swath of entertainment spots offered in San Jose. Many of the city’s museums are found in this neighborhood, such as the San Jose Museum of Art and the Children’s Discovery Museum, and it serves as the home base for much of the creative community.

Some folks are searching for the best place to raise a family when looking for neighborhoods in San Jose. If that is high on your priority list, you might consider exploring homes for sale in Willow Glen.

Willow Glen is found in the southwest part of San Jose, not far from downtown. Despite its proximity to the urban center, Willow Glen promises a much quieter pace of life. Though you’ll find plenty of shops and restaurants in this neighborhood, residents rave about the quiet tree-lined streets and the high level of walkability they experience here. The community is also home to many historic residential homes, giving Willow Glen a one-of-a-kind feeling when you’re strolling through it after a hearty brunch at one of the local cafes or coffee shops.

If you are considering a move to San Jose, the experts at GRO Real Estate are ready to answer all your questions and concerns about relocating to the area. These acclaimed Realtors are well-versed in the various neighborhoods in San Jose and can help you find the perfect new home. Get started today!