San Jose is the largest city in northern California and is home to 1.013 million people.
Located in Santa Clara County and about 50 miles southeast of San Francisco, this city once was the capital of California. While Sacramento is now the state capital, San Jose is famous for being the capital of Silicon Valley.
Silicon Valley is known as the global innovation and tech headquarters, with tech giants like Facebook, Apple and Google calling the San Jose area home. It’s also full of start-ups hoping to become the next tech unicorn.
In addition to the tech scene, people love San Jose for its amazing climate, incredible hiking trails, ample job opportunities and a wide variety of neighborhoods. If you’re moving to San Jose, here’s everything you need to know to make your transition as easy as possible.
We’ll talk about the all good, the bad and the expensive things associated with living in the bay area.
What should I know before moving to San Jose?
Before moving to any city, it’s smart to research things like crime rates, rental costs, housing costs and median income. These things will help you understand if you can afford the average rent and make a life for yourself in San Jose.
We’ll dig into all the details about life in San Jose below, but here are some quick San Jose facts for you to consider upfront:
These are just some of the things to consider before moving to other major cities. Whether you’re moving to San Francisco, Santa Cruz or any other city in the surrounding bay area, it’s important to do your due diligence before signing a lease.
Is San Jose a good place to live?
Most people rave about life in San Jose, so if you’re thinking about moving here, chances are you’ll love it. San Jose is a large city but it has a good blend of buildings and rolling hills so you get the downtown vibe plus the beauty of nature. Compared to other cities, it doesn’t feel as crowded as Downtown New York, for example.
San Jose residents are typically young professionals, with 37 percent of the population in the 20-44 age range. It’s a city that values education, with 25 percent of people holding an associate’s or bachelor’s degree.
People flock to San Jose for high-paying jobs and the booming tech market. People will either love or loathe the competitive nature and hustle culture, so keep that in mind when considering a move to San Jose proper.
In general, San Jose is a great place to live. You’ve got mild weather, a diverse culture, close proximity to the San Francisco bay area and a variety of San Jose neighborhoods to pick a home or apartment to settle down.
If you’re still skeptical about moving to San Jose, keep reading and we’ll let the facts about San Jose speak for themselves.
Popular neighborhoods in San Jose
San Jose is a big city with lots of different areas to choose where to live. We’ve highlighted some of San Jose’s best neighborhoods and added a few fun facts about each of them. This should help you decide which San Jose neighborhood is best for you.
Blossom Valley
Source: Rent.com/One Pearl Place
Blossom Valley is a neighborhood located in the south part of the city, northeast of Almaden Valley and northwest of Santa Teresa. This neighborhood houses approximately 78,000 people, so it’s quite large. Residents of Blossom Valley pride themselves on their connectedness and community involvement. Residents host several community events and you’ll likely become friends with your neighbors. The Westfield Oakridge Mall is in this neighborhood, so you’ll have close access to shopping, specialty stores and restaurants. Apartments in Blossom Valley average $2,859 for a one-bedroom place.
Willow Glen
Source: Rent.com/Cedar Glen Apartments
The Willow Glen neighborhood is “San Jose’s Local Treasure.” Residents love the tree-lined streets and historic charm of Lincoln Avenue. This neighborhood is full of shops, boutiques, coffee shops, bakeries and restaurants. Residents can enjoy the year-round Farmer’s Market and other festivals that are often put on. You can find an apartment in Willow Glen and can expect to pay an average of $2,495 for a one-bedroom apartment.
North San Jose
North San Jose is one of the more expensive areas with a one-bedroom apartment renting for $2,967 a month, on average. This area has three districts — Alviso, Berryessa and Rincon – Golden Temple. North San Jose, or NSJ, is a great area and is famous for the San Jose Flea Market. You can find some hidden treasures at the antique shop and then enjoy some delicious food from some of the ethnic restaurants located here. You’ll also be near several parks, including the Guadalupe River, where you can trail walk and enjoy nature.
Morgan Hill
Morgan Hill is another area located in Santa Clara County at the southern tip of Silicon Valley. Frequently ranked as one of the safest cities in California, this neighborhood is sure to please residents who choose to live here. If you’re looking for a place to live that’s vibrant and full of outdoor activity, this is a great neighborhood to consider. You’ve got biking, golfing, swimming and boating almost year-round. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Morgan Hill averages $3,044, making it a more expensive place to live.
South San Jose
The neighborhood of South San Jose is home to many professionals and tech companies. If you’re looking for a place that’s close to work and affordable, consider this area of San Jose. You’ll have a shorter commute and can save money on transportation costs. After work, enjoy a variety of parks and walking trails in the neighborhood. You can also check out the Santa Teresa district, located in South San Jose. Renters pay approximately $2,255 for a one-bedroom in this part of the city.
Central San Jose
This neighborhood is the heart of Silicon Valley and the financial district. It houses a variety of people from young professionals to retirees. You can expect to pay about $2,688 for an apartment in Central San Jose. Residents in this San Jose neighborhood can enjoy the Municipal Rose Garden, where you can see over 3,500 roses and 189 varieties at any given time. The Rose Garden is a great tourist attraction, but it’s also great for residents who can meander through the flowers, for free, and literally stop to smell the roses.
What it’s like living in Downtown San Jose
If you want to live in the heart of the city, consider living in San Jose Downtown area. Here, residents will see historic buildings and apartments that date back to the 1870s. You’ll have plenty to do, as well. From delicious restaurants and bars to artsy theaters and museums, downtown San Jose seems to have it all.
Because it’s the city center, it’s usually more crowded and residents experience more traffic. Be prepared for a longer commute to work if you live here.
Residents like living in Downtown San Jose because they have easy access to almost all types of entertainment. And, you can easily get to parks or walking trails, too. Renters pay about $2,454 living here, which is actually less expensive than some other neighborhoods in San Jose.
Life in West San Jose
West San Jose is another part of the city that is highly desirable. It’s a highly populated residential area, but it also has lots of shopping. You’ve got the Westfield Valley Fair mall full of your typical chain stores, plus, Santana Row. Santana Row is a stretch of boutique shops and artisan restaurants. It’s pricier to shop on Santana Row, but you’ll come away with lots of unique goodies.
What salary do you need to live in San Jose?
As you’ve probably heard, San Jose is an expensive city. From the high cost of housing to the high costs of utilities and groceries, you need to earn a certain amount of money to afford San Jose’s cost of living.
Let’s do a little math to help you understand what salary you need to live in San Jose. Conventional wisdom states that only 30 percent of your income should go to rent. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in San Jose is $2,704 a month or $32,448 per year, which is 30 percent of $108,106. That means you’d need to have a salary of at least $108,106 to afford the average cost of a one-bedroom apartment. The median income in San Jose is right around $117,000, for additional context.
When considering San Jose’s costs, you’ll want to budget for the basics — rent, utilities, groceries, insurance and entertainment. While everyone’s budget is different, you do need to have an above-average salary to afford a comfortable life in Silicon Valley.
The pros of living in San Jose
A pros and cons list is one of the best ways to see all the facts about a city on paper. We’ve covered the top pros and illustrated all the benefits of life in San Jose.
Great weather
Most California cities have great weather but the San Jose climate is next level. It’s often called a Mediterranean climate as you’ll experience both wet and dry seasons. Overall, the temperature is mild and ranges between 40 and 80 degrees but it rarely gets too hot or too cold.
March is the rainiest and most humid month. June through August are the driest months. July is usually the warmest month with the longest days, so if you’re looking to enjoy some warm weather to get outside, your best bet is July. December sees the least amount of sunshine and the average temperature is around 43 degrees.
Overall, San Jose residents enjoy a mild climate year-round. If you’re looking for a place where the temperatures are not extreme, San Jose is the city for you.
Hot job market
San Jose city boasts of high-paying jobs above the national average and a low unemployment rate. With hundreds of start-ups and tech giants headquartered in Silicon Valley, you’re in good shape if you’re looking for a job in San Jose.
Santa Clara County saw a 5 percent increase in growth in the second half of 2021, despite Covid-19 surges. Workers enjoy being employed by companies like Airbnb, Slack, LinkedIn, Square and Dropbox, according to a report by Business Insider.
Young professionals are particularly eager to live and work in San Jose as it’s a great place with a hot job market.
Beautiful scenery
San Jose is a unique place because it has a perfect blend of downtown life and beautiful scenery. Full of rolling hills, parks, walking trails and other outdoor activities, residents can live in a suburban neighborhood, visit the city center and get their fix of city life and then enjoy nature and the surrounding scenery of San Jose. You can also get to the beach in under an hour and enjoy the ocean views in Santa Cruz.
The cons of living in San Jose
For every pro, there’s a con or downside to living in San Jose. The three cons we’ve highlighted are expensive housing prices, limited social scene and heavy traffic. Let us tell you why these are pain points for residents of San Jose.
Expensive housing prices
Housing is incredibly expensive, both for renters and homeowners alike. In fact, it’s 34 percent more expensive compared to the national average. Here’s a snapshot of rental prices for a few different apartment types:
- The average cost of a studio apartment is $2,485
- The cost of a one-bedroom apartment is $2,704
- The average cost of a two-bedroom apartment is $3,444
- The average cost of a three-bedroom apartment is $4,099
Only one percent of rentals cost less than $1,000 per month. Most places, 86 percent to be exact, will run you more than $2,000 per month.
Limited social scene
San Jose is not known for its nightlife. While you’ll find several restaurants, coffee shops and bars in the Downtown area, you’ll be disappointed in the social scene if you compare to places like Los Angeles or New York City.
It’s a big city in terms of size and population, but it doesn’t have a wild social scene for party-goers. However, you’ll be able to save money on social outings as it has limited offerings.
Heavy traffic
As with any big city these days, traffic is always a problem, especially during rush hour. The average commute time is anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes. While traffic is a pain point, it’s a fairly walkable city with a walk score of 62 and a bike score of 69. That means that you can get around fairly easily without a car. However, most locals still have a car and suggest keeping it when living in San Jose to make getting around easier.
San Jose does have public transportation. The VTA, or Valley Transit Authority, is the main public transportation system with busses, shuttles and light rails available for residents. With frequent routes and low fares, you can rely on public transportation to get around San Jose, especially when traffic is too heavy to drive.
Things to do in and near San Jose
When living in San Jose, you’ll have a plethora of things to do. Here are some of our favorite activities for both residents and tourists alike.
Visit Stanford University
Standford is one of the most famous universities and it’s well worth a day trip to visit the campus. Check out the different buildings, enjoy a snack on the quad and people watch as the students go to-and-from their research.
See a San Jose sharks game
San Jose residents love their hockey. When living or visiting San Jose, you must catch a San Jose Shark’s ice hockey game. You’ll enjoy the fierce competition and also get to check out the massive SAP center. Everyone loves an afternoon of sports, especially when cheering on the local team.
Go to the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum
Are you fascinated by ancient Egypt and the secrets of the pyramids? You can explore the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum in San Jose and see over 4,000 ancient Egyptian artifacts that are on display here.
Visit the Tech Interactive
San Jose is the tech hub of the U.S. so it’s only fitting that there’s a family-friendly tech and science center to get kids interested in STEM. Catch an IMAX movie and get hands-on tech experiences at this creative center focused on tech.
Take a hike or visit a park
Hiking is a must-do activity in San Jose. Some of the crowd favorite hikes are Los Gatos Creek Trail and Bridge, Calera County Park and Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve. Whether you’re a beginner or advanced hiker, San Jose offers something for you. The point is to get outside and explore!
If hiking isn’t your thing, you can spend the day exploring parks like Brigadoon Park or Hellyer County Park. These are full of green, grassy areas, walking trails and they even have a skate park.
Taste wine in Napa Valley
Less than two hours from San Jose, you can enjoy a day (or weekend) away in Napa Valley. Wine country is full of sprawling vineyards and amazing scenery. Visit one of the wineries located here and enjoy some of the finest wine in the U.S.
Santa Cruz beaches
If you want to enjoy a day at the beach, you can take a quick 45-minute drive to the ocean. Play in the water, soak in the sun and enjoy the feel of sand on your toes. This is the closest beach to San Jose.
Day trip to downtown Los Gatos
Another great day trip is visiting Downtown Los Gatos. You can eat, shop and explore the old town. Sometimes, it’s fun to tour your own state and visit other nearby cities for the day.
You may also consider a drive to visit the San Francisco bay area as it’s about an hour away. The bay area is always fun and you can bike across the Golden Gate Bridge or ride a trolley up and down the steep streets of the city.
Places to eat in San Jose
San Jose’s food scene is not lacking in taste. San Jose restaurants are diverse and delicious. You can have anything from Japanese food to French to American food. Some local favorites include District, Mosaic Restaurant, The Farmers Union and Elyse. Check them all out when you move to San Jose.
Schools in and near San Jose
San Jose is a great place for education. You’ve got great school systems from elementary aged-kids all the way up to advanced education. Here are some of the most notable San Jose schools and what they’re famous for.
- San Jose State University — San Jose State is known for its business, management and marketing programs.
- Santa Clara University — This is one of the most excellent schools for business programs.
- Stanford University — Stanford is a famous research school known for its top programs in computer and information sciences and engineering.
San Jose compared to San Francisco
As you’re thinking about moving to the bay area, you’re probably wondering about San Jose versus San Francisco. Both are in the northern part of California and both are great cities to call home.
San Francisco is more expensive compared to San Jose with rent in San Francisco averaging $3,430 for a one-bedroom apartment. While rent is expensive in both cities, it’s more expensive in San Francisco.
Both cities boast of a great job market with lots of jobs for tech enthusiasts. Like San Jose, San Francisco has a diverse culture, great scenery and beautiful weather. San Francisco has a more diverse nightlife and cultural scene, so if you’re looking for a wide variety of things to do after work, San Francisco is a better option. San Jose is a better choice if you’re looking for a large city with ample opportunity but don’t mind a quieter social scene.
The good news is that both cities are within close proximity to each other. From the San Francisco international airport, you are in San Jose in under 40 minutes. You can have the best of both worlds by moving to San Jose and day-tripping to San Francisco.
How to move to San Jose
So, you’ve decided you’re moving to San Jose. You’ve researched which San Jose neighborhoods you like, you’ve checked your budget and can make ends meet and you’re ready to find an apartment. Now, it’s time to plan your move to San Jose itself. Check out the Rent.com moving center as it’s a great go-to resource for all things moving.
We think you’ll truly enjoy life in the Santa Clara Valley as you settle into your new home in San Jose. After all, it’s one of the top-rated places to live in the US and a global hub for tech and innovation. Whatever part of the city limits you settle down in, you’re sure to love it. Enjoy moving to San Jose!
The rent information included in this article is based on a median calculation of multifamily property inventory from Rent.com. The information does not constitute a pricing guarantee or financial advice related to the rental market.
Additional data came from the U.S. Census Bureau, coli.org and Redfin.com.
Source: rent.com