Which Part of San Jose Is Best to Live In? Your Complete Neighborhood Guide

San Jose spans over 180 square miles and hosts diverse neighborhoods—each with its own character, price point, and lifestyle perks.

Whether you’re seeking top-tier schools, easy commutes to Silicon Valley offices, green spaces and dog parks, or access to transit, the “best” area depends on what matters most to you. In this guide, we profile six standout neighborhoods:

1. Evergreen (95123) – Family-friendly with top schools and ADU potential

2. Almaden Valley – Upscale estates and country club living

3. Cambrian Park – Balanced affordability, parks, and schools

4. Willow Glen – Historic charm and walkable downtown

5. Berryessa – Transit-oriented growth and condo options

6. Downtown San Jose – Urban living with lofts and apartments

We’ll cover median vs. average prices, days on market, school ratings, average rents, and more—so you can zero in on the perfect pocket.

1. Evergreen (95123)

1.1 Housing & Price Trends

• Median Home Price: $1.48 million

• Average Price: $1.52 million

• Days on Market: 13 days (spring/summer 2025)

• Pending Ratio: 70% of active listings under contract

1.2 Schools & Education

• Jackson Elementary: 9.2/10

• Oak Grove High: 8.4/10

• Excellent track record for STEM programs.

1.3 Parks & Recreation

• Lake Cunningham Regional Park: Multi-use trails, dog play areas

• Belvedere Park: Basketball courts and picnic spots

1.4 ADU & Investment Highlights

• ADU Permits in 2024: 300+

• Rental Income Potential: $2,500/month

• Equity Boost: +$50K–$100K on resale

Who it’s best for: Growing families seeking top schools and potential rental income via ADUs.

2. Almaden Valley

2.1 Housing & Price Trends

• Median Home Price: $1.55 million

• Average Price: $1.60 million

• Days on Market: 11 days

• Pending Ratio: 85%

2.2 Lifestyle & Amenities

• Almaden Country Club: Golf, dining, events

• Almaden Quicksilver County Park: Historic mining trails and open space

2.3 Schools & Community

• Castillero Middle School: 9.0/10

• Leland High School: 8.7/10

• Neighborhood associations host farmers’ markets and street fairs.

2.4 Investment & ADU Considerations

• ADU Feasibility: Moderate; large lots permit second units.

• Long-Term Outlook: Stable demand; low supply means steady appreciation.

Who it’s best for: Buyers wanting upscale homes, club amenities, and safe, established communities.

3. Cambrian Park

3.1 Housing & Price Trends

• Median Home Price: $1.40 million

• Average Price: $1.45 million

• Days on Market: 14 days

• Pending Ratio: 75%

3.2 Schools & Parks

• Castlemont Elementary: 8.5/10

• Central Park: Dog parks, playgrounds, community center

3.3 Commute & Transit

• Highway Access: Close to Hwy 85 and 17 for south peninsula commute

• Bus Lines: VTA routes cover major corridors

3.4 ADU & Growth Potential

• ADU-Friendly Zoning: Many homes qualify for accessory units

• Affordability Edge: Slightly lower prices than neighboring districts

Who it’s best for: Families and commuters seeking balanced cost, parks, and straightforward commute routes.

4. Willow Glen

4.1 Housing & Price Trends

• Median Home Price: $1.75 million

• Average Price: $1.80 million

• Days on Market: 12 days

• Pending Ratio: 80%

4.2 Neighborhood Vibe

• Historic Downtown: Tree-lined streets, boutique shops, cafés

• Walkability Score: 85/100

4.3 Schools & Community Events

• Willow Glen Elementary: 8.8/10

• Annual Events: Art and wine festivals, holiday parades

4.4 Rental & Condo Options

• Average Rent (2-bed condo): $3,500/month

• HOA Fees: $400–$600/month in small complexes

Who it’s best for: Buyers who value charm, walkable downtown living, and community festivals.

5. Berryessa

5.1 Housing & Price Trends

• Median Home Price: $1.25 million

• Average Price: $1.30 million

• Days on Market: 15 days

• Pending Ratio: 68%

5.2 Transit & Development

• BART Extension (2026): Direct link to downtown and East Bay

• Mixed-Use Hubs: New retail and apartment complexes near station

5.3 Schools & Diversity

• Brooktree Elementary: 7.8/10

• Diverse Population: Strong cultural communities and ethnic restaurants

5.4 Entry-Level Opportunities

• Condos & Townhomes: Starting near $900K

• Rent vs. Buy: Rents around $2,800/month for 2-bed units

Who it’s best for: Young professionals and first-time buyers banking on transit-driven growth and modern condos.

6. Downtown San Jose

6.1 Housing & Price Trends

• Median Condo Price: $950,000

• Average Price: $1.05 million

• Days on Market: 18 days

• Pending Ratio: 65%

6.2 Urban Lifestyle

• Walk Score: 95/100

• Entertainment: SAP Center, theaters, museums, eateries

6.3 Transit & Commute

• Caltrain & Diridon Station: Direct Bay Area access

• Light Rail & Bus: Extensive VTA coverage

6.4 Rental & Airbnb Potential

• Average Rent (1-bed loft): $3,000/month

• Short-Term Rentals: Strong ROI for furnished units

Who it’s best for: Urbanites craving live/work/play environments, transit convenience, and cultural hotspots.

Conclusion

Deciding which part of San Jose is best to live in hinges on your priorities:

• Evergreen: Top schools and ADU income

• Almaden Valley: Luxury estates and green space

• Cambrian Park: Balanced price and parks

• Willow Glen: Walkable charm and community

• Berryessa: Transit potential and condos

• Downtown: Urban excitement and convenience

Use median and average price data, days on market, school ratings, transit access, and ADU feasibility to guide your choice. At Block Change Real Estate, we blend hyperlocal data with your lifestyle needs to find the perfect San Jose neighborhood match. Ready to explore your best-fit area? Let’s start the search today!