Moving to San Jose, CA

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San Jose At-A-Glance

Known as the beating heart of Silicon Valley, San Jose is where tech dreams take shape. Sitting pretty as the county seat of Santa Clara, one of America’s richest counties, San Jose also finds itself among some of Cali’s top-notch vineyards. Yep, good wine is never far away here.

Home to nearly a million folks and with the San Francisco Bay just a hop away, it is the biggest city in Northern California — big in people, size and ideas. And if you’re wondering about living in San Jose, get this: it’s ranked as one of the best large cities to call home.

Fun fact: Did you know San Jose was California’s first state capital? Before all the tech buzz, this city was making history in its own quiet way, growing on agriculture.

Such a Happy City To Live In

Living in San Jose is as sunny as the weather. Not just because it’s one of the happiest cities in the U.S., trailing just behind nearby Fremont, but because folks here are doing things right.

Low rates of depression, divorce and separation? Check. Plus, people here are upbeat, thanks to great jobs and better pay, not to mention the top-notch food scene that’s as diverse as the city itself.

Paychecks aside, San Jose takes well-being seriously. Green spaces, healthy food and solid healthcare all contribute to that. And it shows in the stats — low obesity rates, few folks with high cholesterol or blood pressure and the lowest premature death rate around.

Extra: San Jose also thinks green, rocking a solid mix of solar, wind and hydroelectric power.

Bright Opportunities in Tech and Beyond

For all you science and tech enthusiasts out there, guess where the hub is? Yep, it’s San Jose, boasting the largest crowd of STEM workers in the entire U.S. You know what else is interesting? The wages for these brainy folks are climbing faster than anywhere else.

Home to over 2,500 high-tech companies, San Jose is synonymous with innovation: in advanced manufacturing, healthcare and, of course, software. And it’s not just tech that puts it on the map. A whopping 66,000 businesses call San Jose home, offering jobs to around 439,000 people.

As the Bay Area’s biggest city, it attracts a mix of ambitious fresh grads, tech geniuses and experienced leaders. If you’re looking for a job here, it shouldn’t be hard to find something with top-notch pay — it offers the highest starting salaries you could have in the U.S.

Sure, the cost of living is up there, about 49% higher than the national average. Yet, when you consider the median household income sitting at a hefty $125,000 — that’s soaring 80% above the U.S. average — people here find it more than manageable.

Unemployment rate: 3.4 percent (as of September 2023)

Average weekly wages for all industries in the San Jose metro area: $2,579 (Q1 2023)

A High-Value, Competitive Housing Market

San Jose’s real estate game is intense. With over half the population owning their homes, the city’s housing market is as competitive as it gets. And the stakes are pretty high. The median home value here hovers around a million dollars. That’s a massive four times the national median.

Renting in San Jose is no small affair either. Expect to shell out about $2,366 a month. That’s double the national average and even manages to edge out San Francisco by 10%.

Why so pricey? Well, it’s San Jose. But don’t let the numbers scare you. Those who invest in living in San Jose know they’re paying for more than space — it’s an exclusive lifestyle where innovation and opportunities are neighbors.

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So Much Neighborhood Diversity

Whether you’re a tech whiz, a student or a family looking for a slice of suburbia, living in San Jose can be great — you just have to know where to look:

Downtown San Jose is full of energy and a perfect match for millennials, college students and artists. You’ll stumble upon an awesome blend of trendy bars, gourmet eateries and cultural landmarks in this part. But, be mindful of the areas around campus; they can be a bit dodgy.

West San Jose is a chill spot if you’re into tech and crave peace; it’s like the best of both worlds, giving you a cozy residential feel while keeping big-name companies within arm’s reach.

Japantown is the way to go if you want to experience the cultural richness of San Jose. It is packed with markets, tantalizing sushi spots and quirky stores that you won’t find anywhere else.

Willow Glen brings a small-town vibe to an otherwise big city. Brimming with family life and small local businesses, this mellow neighborhood delivers a tranquil yet easily navigable lifestyle.

Evergreen is yet another good choice if you’re planning a family or already have kids. With its first-rate schools and roomy houses, it is a place that prioritizes learning and living well — teeming with greenery for your relaxation needs and loads of activities perfect for family bonding.

Public Transport to the Rescue

The public transport in San Jose is accessible, convenient, safe and reliable — buses, light rail and the commuter Caltrain make cruising the city and beyond easy and hassle-free. Plus, you have BART, the Bay Area’s heavy-rail public transit keeping everything connected in the area.

Feeling a bit attached to your car? Your average commute is around 30 minutes, a tad longer than the national average. But traffic’s surprisingly manageable given the number of people living in San Jose. A 6-mile drive, for instance, takes just under 10 minutes on average.

San Jose’s mild climate and flat terrain make it ideal for biking and walking, so take advantage of Bay Wheels, the bike share program of choice around here. Downtown San Jose is pretty walkable, so it’s perfect for those lunchtime strolls or a quick hop to a meeting.

Attention to all jet-setters: San Jose Mineta International Airport is just four miles from downtown, connecting you to over 50 destinations. A stone’s throw, right?

Silicon Valley’s Educational Heartbeat

San Jose is almost the most educated spot in the U.S., right after Ann Arbor, MI. The place is simply packed with college-educated adults. And, with 20 colleges and universities in the area, including a mix of 12 private and 6 community colleges, there’s a course for everyone.

San Jose State University stands out, especially for business and engineering. And here’s an interesting fact: about three-quarters of SJSU grads end up staying in the Bay Area.

Before getting to college, San Jose Unified is educating over 26,000 students across 41 schools. From local neighborhood schools to unique programs like a science magnet and International Baccalaureate, they’ve got it all.

Not as Hot as You’d Think

The weather in San Jose is mostly sunny skies, with a few twists, as the city basks in a Mediterranean climate: warm, dry summers followed by cool, wet winters. But it’s not your typical coastal weather.

San Jose is tucked away in the rain shadow of the Santa Cruz Mountains, which means less rain and a touch of semi-arid climate. In fact, San Jose is a patchwork of microclimates. From the mild downtown to the slightly wilder south, this city keeps you guessing.

Snow is a very rare guest in San Jose, a couple of times per century maybe. It’s so scarce that it’s a big deal if it even shows up.

Summer average (June – Aug): 80℉ high, 57℉ low

Winter average (Dec – Feb): 61℉ high, 42℉ low

10 Can’t-Miss Things to Do in San Jose

Set on living in San Jose? You’re in for a treat with a mix of tech, culture and fun. From the high-tech wonders at The Tech Interactive to the tranquil Japanese Friendship Garden, there’s no shortage of diverse experiences. Here’s a taste of what the city has in store:

  1. Visit Tech Interactive, a hands-on tech and science museum that’s perfect for families and anyone curious about the future.
  2. Step into the mystery at the Winchester Mystery House. This legendary mansion with its bizarre architecture and intriguing history is a must-see. It took 36 years to build its 160 rooms spanning around 24,000 square feet.
  3. Have some family fun at Happy Hollow Park & Zoo in Kelley Park. You get a zoo, amusement rides and several play areas.
  4. Stroll through the San Jose Municipal Rose Garden and relax in the Japanese Friendship Garden.
  5. Kids will love the Children’s Discovery Museum. It features interactive exhibits, bringing a lot of educational fun for the little ones.
  6. Nature and wildlife lovers, head to Alum Rock Park — it has great hiking trails and breathtaking views.
  7. Cheer for the Sharks NHL team at SAP Center. Not into sports? The venue is also used for major concerts and events.
  8. Gaze at the stars at Lick Observatory atop Mount Hamilton, roughly 20 miles east of the city. 
  9. Explore the San Jose State University Campus and get a feel of its student life and architecture.
  10. Groove at the annual San Jose Jazz Summer Fest, held at the Plaza de Cesar Chavez.

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