The Best San Jose Neighborhoods in 2024

Situated next to the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains and Diablo Range, the innovative tech hub of San Jose offers an abundance of year-round outdoor recreation, family-friendly attractions and entertainment, and beautiful weather — and that just touches the surface. Whether you’re relocating because of a job, to be closer to family, or another reason, it’s hard to go wrong with San Jose. But what are the best San Jose neighborhoods? Here are 12 neighborhoods that top our list.

San Jose at a Glance

• San Jose has a population of just over 971,200.
• There’s a considerable number of families who reside in San Jose, and the overall area is very diverse. Close to 40 percent of the population is Asian, while almost 31 percent is Hispanic or Latino.
• The weather is among the best in the nation, due to its Mediterranean climate. The summer season is sunny and warm, and the winters are mild. Mornings usually start in the 60s, and afternoons typically reach the mid-70s all year long.
• The average home value is more than $1.35 million — much higher than the state’s average of around $750,700 and the national average of around $342,900.
• The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around $2,950.
• San Jose is great for diversity, outdoor recreation, fun attractions, entertainment, beautiful weather, and history buffs.

Best San Jose Neighborhoods — FAQs

Q: What is the best area to live in San Jose?
A: According to Niche, West San Jose is the best neighborhood to live in San Jose. 

Q: What is the safest part of San Jose?
A: According to Area Vibes, Berryessa is one of the San Jose safe neighborhoods to consider. 

Q: What is the most affluent neighborhood in San Jose?
A: With a hefty median home sale price of over $2.5 million, Silver Creek Valley prides itself as one of San Jose’s most affluent neighborhoods. 

Q: Where is the best place to buy a house in San Jose?
A: With lower average home values than most of the other good areas of San Jose on our list, North Valley and Burbank tend to offer some of the most affordable options.

12 Best San Jose Neighborhoods 

These San Jose Neighborhoods offer close access to the city while also featuring plenty of fun attractions, dining, shopping, and unique charm. If you’re considering a move to Silicon Valley, check out a San Jose neighborhood map to see which area works best for you. 

Almaden Valley in San Jose, CA 
Source: Trulia.com

1. Almaden Valley 

• Average rent (one-bedroom): N/A
• Average home value: $2.03M
• Great for: Families, commuters, shopping, country club amenities, scenic views

The upscale community of Almaden Valley, currently ranked as Niche’s No. 1 Best Neighborhood to Raise a Family in San Jose, is known for its beautiful views and rolling hills.

The Almaden Country Club, in particular, is a highlight for local residents. Aside from a championship 18-hole golf course, the club also has a swimming pool, gym, and tennis courts.

The popular shopping destination of Almaden Plaza is a must-visit for all shopaholics. It features more than 50 establishments, which include retail stores, boutique shops, and restaurants, such as Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar. 

2. Cambrian Park

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,525
• Average home value: $1.65M
• Great for: Families, outdoor recreation, small-town atmosphere, commuters

Families looking for a home within the San Jose Area should also consider living in Cambrian Park. It’s also ranked as one of the best neighborhoods in San Jose for families by Niche and comes with a small-town feel without sacrificing accessibility. 

Those who reside in Cambrian Park are also very close to various outdoor spots for recreation activities, like scenic hiking trails, parks, and family-friendly facilities. One of the best places to enjoy the outdoors with your furry friends is at Butcher Park, situated along Camden Avenue. This park features paved trails, a fenced-off area, and plenty of open space.

3. Rose Garden

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $3,100
• Average home value: $1.5M
• Great for: Beautiful views, historical landmarks, dining

The historic Rose Garden neighborhood is in close proximity to the downtown area of San Jose. This area is characterized by its many public parks and gardens, as well as its beautiful rose varieties (would you believe it?). Old-century homes are featured, along with tree-lined streets, cafes, and shops.

One of the most prominent landmarks in the area is the Municipal Rose Garden, which was first established in 1927. It spans over five acres and features over 3,500 rose shrubs! Thousands of people visit this area each year to see this impressive attraction.

There are a wide range of cuisines that you can choose from while living in the Rose Garden area, as well, and one of the most popular establishments is the Funny Farm Restaurant. This establishment is known for its vibrant and eclectic decor and wide variety of food items, like poutine and beef stroganoff.

4. West San Jose

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,875
• Average home value: $1.93M
• Great for: Young professionals, historical landmarks, shopping, dining

West San Jose is the place to be for young professionals, as the fun never ends in this vibrant neighborhood. The Winchester Mystery House, for example, is located in West San Jose, and it’s one of the most famous landmarks in the area. This historic mansion gives guests a glimpse into the bizarre mind of Sarah Winchester (heiress to the Winchester Rifle fortune), and its interesting architecture and design features can be toured daily. 

Residents can also easily head to Santana Row or Westfield Valley Fair, a fashionable shopping district with luxury shopping options just 15 minutes away.

Willow Glen in San Jose, CA
Source: Alain Pinel Realators via  A.M. Cutchin via Mansion Global

5. Willow Glen

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $3,050
• Average home value: $1.64M
• Great for: Families, college students, shopping, dining, beautiful homes

Situated just a few miles away from Downtown San Jose, Willow Glen is a family-friendly community known for its historic homes and classic small-town charm. And because Willow Glen is located just minutes away from the nearby San Jose State University (SJSU), it’s a great option for students wanting to live off campus.

The main road through Willow Glen is Lincoln Avenue, where you can find many of the neighborhood’s best places to shop and dine. There's something for everyone, including cuisines from different countries, such as Siena Bistro and Braise.

6. Evergreen

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,700
• Average home value: $1.5M
• Great for: Outdoor recreation, shopping, entertainment

The Evergreen neighborhood has boasted plenty of new developments in recent years, and it currently ranks as one of the best San Jose neighborhoods, according to Niche. In addition to enjoying Brigadoon Park, residents can head to Joseph D. Grant County Park for beautiful trails that show off the city’s best views.

For shopping, residents can find pretty much everything they need at the nearby Eastridge Center — from large department stores to small chains. Shoppers can also grab a bite to eat afterward or catch a movie at AMC Eastridge 15. 

7. Berryessa

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,950
• Average home value: $1.5M
• Great for: Commuters, outdoor recreation, shopping, dining

One of the main advantages of living in Berryessa is its safety. According to Area Vibes, the neighborhood has 45 percent less crime than the city, as a whole. 

Besides being close to major roadways, Berryessa also has easy access to the airport and downtown San Jose. The BART station in Berryessa makes it especially easy for local residents to get where they need to go.

And families and retirees? They are particularly fond of the Great Mall in Milpitas — which happens to be the largest indoor outlet in Northern California, with lots of restaurants, stores, and entertainment options.

Downtown San Jose, CA

8. Downtown San Jose

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,975
• Average home value: $1.02M
• Great for: Young professionals, college students, attractions, nightlife, drinks

Situated mere minutes from Mineta San Jose Airport and SJSU, Downtown San Jose is one of the most lively neighborhoods the city has to offer, making it ideal for young professionals and college students.

Residents love the active nightlife scene in the nearby SoFA District, with its live music and specialty drinks at places like Mama Kin San Jose. You can also visit places like The Continental Bar for a night of dancing. And if beer is your thing, you can be sure to have your fill at places like Uproar Brewing Company.

9. Silver Creek Valley

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $3,025
• Median home sale price: $2.54M
• Great for: Beautiful homes, outdoor recreation

The Silver Creek Valley community is just 15 minutes from downtown and is ranked as one of Niche’s best neighborhoods to live in San Jose. Its luxurious homes overlooking the valley and overall serene atmosphere make it most ideal for retirees, in particular. 

Silver Creek Valley is located in San Jose's Evergreen District, which is bordered by the Diablo Range foothills. One of the area's most popular parks is Fowler Park, which has picnic areas, playgrounds, and tennis courts. It’s also pet-friendly and has great views of San Jose.

10. Santa Teresa

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,950
• Average home value: $1.29M
• Great for: Rich history, popular landmarks

Santa Teresa, which is surrounded by the beautiful Coyote Valley, offers the perfect blend of urban convenience and natural beauty. It has a rich history, as well, as it was first established in 1834 as Rancho Santa Teresa.

Among the many noteworthy landmarks in Santa Teresa are the Los Alamitos Creek Trail and the Santa Teresa County Park. Both of these are popular attractions that provide residents with a great opportunity to explore the outdoors. 

North Valley Neighborhood in San Jose, CA
Source: Zillow.com

11. North Valley 

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,825
• Average home value: $1.17M
• Great for: Housing options, transportations, fun attractions

The North Valley, which is bordered by I-680, I-280, and U.S. Route 101, is best characterized as a mix of industrial suburban areas. This region also enjoys easy access to major transportation networks and prominent tech firms, including ADS Technology INC.

Some of the top sights in the North Valley area include the shopping mall of Santana Row, along with other nearby attractions, such as the Computer History Museum and the SAP Center. Hockey fan? Catch the San Jose Sharks here!

12. Burbank 

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $3,300
• Average home value: $1.11M
• Great for: Commuters, outdoor recreation

Ranked in the top 10 on Niche’s list for best neighborhoods to live in San Jose, Burbank is, without a doubt, a great place to settle. Most residents own their homes and enjoy the easy commutes using either I-280 or I-880.

Since Burbank is an older neighborhood, you can expect the homes to replicate this older (yet lovely) charm. And aside from popular attractions nearby, such as Santana Row, residents of Burbank have ample access to outdoor recreation at parks such as Buena Vista Park and Frank M. Santana Park. 

PODS Can Help You Move to One of the Best Neighborhoods in San Jose