San Jose Neighborhoods

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Just south of Downtown lies the commuter-friendly San Jose area of Willow Glen. Full of vintage California charm and character, this upscale neighborhood has a cozy, small-town feeling. It even has its own “Downtown” on Lincoln Avenue, complete with coffee shops, boutiques, margarita bars, and some must-try restaurants. The tree-lined streets are scattered with Victorians, Spanish stuccos, and Craftsman bungalows from the 1920s and 1930s.Professionals, couples, and families will appreciate the quality of life, safety, and security this haven offers from more urban, metro living.

This quiet and beautifully manicured residential area is one of San Jose’s oldest neighborhoods, complete with famous architecturally designed homes dating back to the 1800s.

San Jose Municipal Rose Garden is the cornerstone of the neighborhood and was deemed “America’s Best Rose Garden.” The 5½ acre garden features more than 3,500 rose shrubs with nearly 200 varieties represented year-long. 

Experience the quiet side of San Jose in historic Naglee Park and its surrounding park neighborhoods: Hyde Park, Luna Park, Roosevelt Park, and William Street Park. Just a few minutes outside of Downtown, you can find estate homes, old-growth trees, and a small-town residential vibe.

Downtown San Jose is keeping up with the influx of digerati with newly developed lofts and condos in close proximity to bars, theaters, art galleries, and museums. Catch a San Jose Sharks game or a concert at the SAP Center, chill in the more than two acres of green space in Plaza de César Chávez (Downtown’s urban plaza and park), or go out on the town in SoFA (South of First Area), the arts, cultural, and entertainment district. San Pedro Square Market is where the locals go for bites and brews.

Experience the heart and culture of the city in one of the best neighborhoods in San Jose. There are only three official Japantowns in the country, and San Jose claims one of them. Cafes, restaurants, retail shops, and cultural facilities are scattered next to high rises and townhouses—making Japantown a convenient and self-sufficient place to live for those who want to stay, play, and shop close to home. This San Jose neighborhood is perfect for young professionals who want to live near Downtown (it’s just a mile away), but are looking for a more unique living experience than your run-of-the-mill condo.The neighborhood’s unique micro-economy makes this area particularly well-suited for entrepreneurs and startups. Japantown also hosts several festivals and has a year-round farmers’ market on Sundays.

Set in the hills of southeast of San Jose, this upscale San Jose neighborhood is known for its extra large homes, country club lifestyle, and enviable views of the San Jose area. 

Looking for a more affordable view of the foothills? The very residential neighborhood of Evergreen is in tucked away in the southeast corner of San Jose, right at the foothills of the city. Evergreen has great schools, but limited options in terms of shopping and dining. 

Want access to San Jose’s amenities without the full-scale hustle and bustle of the city? This distinctly residential San Jose area offers spacious living options just a 15-minute drive away from Downtown. It includes places like the upscale shopping mall, Santana Row, Valley Fair Mall and West Valley Community College. 

The Cambrian Park area (aka Cambrian) is boarded by Willow Glen to the north, Campbell to the west, and Los Gatos and the Almaden Valley to the south. Cambrian tends to draw in families due it's superb location and highly rated schools.

Almaden Valley is nestled in the Santa Teresa foothills. It’s also near the Almaden Quicksilver County Park, which has miles of hiking, horseback riding, and biking trails. You’ll find residents at the Rancho San Vincente Open Space Preserve, or one of several golf courses in the area. This area provides larger homes, larger lots and great schools. Tucked back a bit in towards the hills, it will take some time to get home if you're a commuter (closest highways are 85 & 87). This area has great schools, both public and private, and is popular with families.

South San Jose encompasses many distinct neighborhoods including  Oak Grove, Edenvale, Hayes, Hellyer-Christopher, Blossom Hill and Blossom Valley, Coyote Creek, Silver Leaf, Basking Ridge, Rue Ferrari, Palmia, Great Oaks, Vista Park, Martial Cottle Park, and Gunderson.

These areas tend to be a bit more affordable due to being located a bit more south.

Located in Northeast San Jose (close to Milpitas), Berryessa has risen steadily in popularity over the past decade. Here you'll find international eateries and grocers with a growing community of younger residents and families. The foothills are dotted with ranch style homes that are quintessential to the California residential lifestyle and there is easy access to mass transit systems including a new BART station that connects Berryessa to San Francisco, perfect for people in the tech community who needs to commute up the Peninsula or into the East Bay.

Known as "East Side" to the locals, the Alum Rock is home to the California's oldest municipal park - Alum Rock Park. This area is also home to Lake Cunningham and Lake Cunningham Skate Park, as well as Raging Waters. You’ll find delicious Mexican and Asian fare around every corner. Alum Rock expands upward on highway 130 toward Mount Hamilton where you’ll discover farm to fork at GrandView Restaurant featuring spectacular views of Silicon Valley. The Alum Rock neighborhood is also home to the San Jose Country Club.