San Jose is Silicon Valley’s economic, political, and cultural capital. It is the largest city in Northern California, and is home to one of the most vibrant and culturally diverse metros you’ll encounter. We have a busy tech industry, a bevy of popular tourist attractions, and a competitive real estate market. San Jose is also located near many other exciting places to visit, such as San Francisco, Napa, Monterey, and the Pacific Ocean.
Location
Surrounded by the rolling hills of Santa Clara Valley, San Jose serves as the county seat of Santa Clara County. It’s the third most populous city in the state, and also counts as the largest city in the San Francisco Bay Area.
San Jose is divided into several districts, each with their own unique personalities. These areas include the downtown district, West San Jose, North San Jose, and East San Jose.
The city is also home to a several neighborhoods, such as Berryessa, Rose Garden, Winchester, Willow Glen, and Evergreen. The Villages Golf & Country Club is located in Evergreen.
Cost of living
As with most, if not all, the San Francisco Bay Area, the cost of living in San Jose ranks as one of the highest in the country. However, the quality of life is also exceptionally high in the city. Here, you can enjoy many modern conveniences, job opportunities, as well as outdoor recreation. That’s why San Jose real estate is a thriving market full of options for both home buyers and sellers.
Weather
San Jose enjoys a Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot and dry summers with mild humidity, and relatively mild winters, with only some rainfall. Temperatures in the summer range in the 70’s to the 90’s, and in the winter in the 50’s and 60’s. We have what I feel is the best weather in the country!
Public transportation
Getting around San Jose is easy as the city is served by the light rail and bus systems of the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority. There is a bus stop just outside the Villages Golf & Country Club gate, and the Villages Medical Auxillary also provides complimentary rides to the doctor or grocery store.
Caltrain is a train line residents often use to ferry themselves from San Jose to San Francisco (and vice versa).
Bay Area Rapid Transit, or BART, is coming to Milpitas, which is just north of San Jose, and is a great way to get to cities on the East Bay such as Hayward and Oakland, as well as San Francisco. The closest BART station now is located in South Fremont (just north of Milpitas). Eventually it will go into San Jose and end at the Caltrain station.
If you are travelling a short distance, consider riding a bike. Although most of San Jose still relies on cars, biking culture (as well as accompanying infrastructure) is growing in the city. It’s a sustainable and healthy alternative for going around the city, and there are many paved bike paths available to enjoy.
Flying out of San Jose? Most residents use the Mineta San Jose International Airport, which is only 20 minutes from the Villages Golf & Country Club, and is in the heart of San Jose. It is very convenient for flying anywhere in the country, and some international destinations as well. If you are going to a place that is not served by the San Jose Airport, the San Francisco International Airport is only about 45 minutes away.
I can tell you more about what it’s like to live in San Jose, CA! Just give me a call at 408.223.3220 or email me at jill@jillcurry.com. Let me tell you why it’s such a pleasure to live in San Jose.