The cultural, political and economic capital of California’s Silicon Valley, San José was the first city founded in the Californias and the state’s first capital. After World War II, the city experienced an economic boom and rapid rise in population. The once-agricultural center became an urbanized metropolitan area with the fast growth of the electronics and high-technology industries. As a global city filled with diversity, San José is a center for innovation. Whether you’re visiting or moving to the “Capital of Silicon Valley,” you’ll find that San José is one of the happiest places to live and work.
What Makes San José Great
- Food: Thanks to the diversity of its population, there’s no shortage of great international cuisine. It won’t be long before you have a bottle of La Victoria Taqueria’s orange sauce in your refrigerator. If you’re working late, there’s a good chance a pho restaurant will be open to curb your appetite. Be sure to put the Taco Festival of Innovation on your calendar.
- Safety: San José consistently ranks as one of the safest large cities in the nation, with low crime activity and low crime rates.
- Literal street art: The city commissioned several artists to give downtown crosswalks added flavor (just watch out for the light rail before crossing).
- Healthy living: With an abundance of trails, green spaces, and gyms, San José is one of the healthiest cities in the country.
- There’s always something to do: If you’ve done everything at the 740-acre Alum Rock Park, explore museums, try new food, catch a movie on a park lawn, watch a sports game, take a day trip to the beach or mountains … there’s no excuse for boredom.
San José Weather
San José residents enjoy 300 days of sunshine annually and an average of year-round temperature of 70°F. The average summer temperature is 84°F. In the winter, you won’t need a parka with highs averaging 41°F.
Neighborhoods in San José
San José has 45 communities and 17 main neighborhoods. Among the more popular are:
- Willow Glen: Known for having some of the best Halloween candy in the city and great light displays during the holidays, affluent Willow Glen has a small-town feel.
- Rose Garden: Lined with vintage cottages and grand estates, this area is home to the impressive Municipal Rose Garden.
- Downtown: Great for those who seek city life and a shorter commute, downtown has a slew of newly developed condos and lofts.
- Silver Creek: Lined with newer stately Tuscan-style homes, Silver Creek is a quieter neighborhood for those who seek country-club living.
- Almaden: Located on the hills, Almaden has plenty of recreational opportunities and established neighborhoods with views of the city below.
Average Housing Costs
San José is the most affluent county in California with a median home price of $1,106,600 at the time of publication. Housing prices are expected to climb 13 percent through 2019. The average cost to rent a one-bedroom apartment downtown is more than $2,200.
Things to Do in San José
- Swim with the Sharks: San José is Sharks Don teal and black, jump in the “shark tank” and cheer on the beloved NHL team. If you’re into soccer, buy tickets to an Earthquakes game.
- Ice skate: Downtown Ice is your typical outdoor ice rink … surrounded by palm trees.
- Haggle: The San José Flea Market has everything you’ll ever need for any occasion. Let out your inner impulse shopper.
- SoFA: A night on the town means a trip to the SoFA, San José’s creative, cultural, entertainment and arts district. It’s a nightclub hotspot where you can also check out cool art and eat great food.
- Stargaze: Head up to the University of California’s Lick Observatory on Mount Hamilton, which has made several astronomical discoveries, to check out celestial bodies.
Thinking of moving to San José or the surrounding area? Check out the latest employment opportunities at Solairus.