California San Jose
Moving to San Jose, California
San Jose, the largest city in the bay area, developed from a small Spanish settlement into the expanding urban center it is today. Yet, it has managed to escape one of the trappings of large cities – it has one of the best public safety records of any U.S. metropolitan area. San Jose is known for its high quality of life and exceptional theaters for the arts. The San Jose professional soccer team, the Earthquakes, have won Major League Soccer cup titles, making soccer a popular past time throughout the city.
San Jose by the numbers
City population
Cost of living vs. national average
Median home price
Planning a Long-Distance Move?
Discover San Jose: Top Attractions and Things to Do
Local Experiences
Local Experiences
San Jose offers a rich tapestry of local experiences that cater to both residents and tourists, blending cultural diversity, historical landmarks, and modern attractions. Here are some highlights:
Cultural Experiences:
Japantown is one of only three remaining Japantowns in the U.S. offering a unique cultural experience with authentic Japanese cuisine, shops, and the Japanese American Museum of San Jose.
Explore the vibrant neighborhoods of Little Saigon and Little Portugal for a taste of Vietnamese and Portuguese cultures, respectively.
San Jose hosts various cultural festivals like the Vietnamese Tết celebrations and Dia de los Muertos procession, showcasing its multiculturalism.
Historical and Educational Attractions:
History San José, located in History Park, provides insights into the region's history through exhibitions and educational programs.
Winchester Mystery House is known for its quirky architecture, this mansion offers guided tours and is a must-visit for history enthusiasts.
Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum features the largest collection of Egyptian artifacts in Western North America.
Culinary Adventures:
San Pedro Square Market offers a variety of food vendors and live entertainment, making it a great spot for dining and socializing.
La Victoria Taqueria is famous for its orange sauce and authentic Mexican cuisine.
The Farmers Union provides a farm-to-table dining experience with seasonal menus.
Arts and Entertainment:
California Theatre hosts Broadway shows and other performances.
Street Art includes vibrant murals and public installations throughout the city, particularly in Japantown and Downtown San Jose.
Outdoor Activities:
Alum Rock Park offers scenic hikes and a tranquil escape from urban life.
Guadalupe River Park provides a peaceful environment for walks and relaxation.
Municipal Rose Garden is a beautiful spot for photography and strolls, featuring over 4,000 roses.
Sports and Recreation
Sport and Recreation
San Jose offers a rich variety of sports and recreational options for residents, ranging from professional sports venues to community parks and specialized programs. Whether you're looking for organized sports, fitness facilities, or family-friendly outdoor spaces, the city has something for everyone.
Adventures
Adventures
San Jose is a vibrant city with plenty of local and nearby adventures for both residents and tourists. From family-friendly parks and historical landmarks to thrilling outdoor experiences, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Seasonal Events
Seasonal Events
San Jose offers a vibrant array of seasonal events and activities for both residents and tourists. Here's a breakdown of some of the key events and attractions across different seasons:
Community Resources
San Jose is home to several hospitals and medical centers offering a range of healthcare services. Below is a list of notable facilities:
Major Hospitals in San Jose:
Good Samaritan Hospital is an acute-care hospital providing advanced medical treatments with campuses in San Jose and Los Gatos.
Kaiser Permanente San Jose Medical Center offers comprehensive care, including emergency services, pharmacy, and specialty departments.
Regional Medical Center of San Jose is known for advanced cardiovascular, neurological, and orthopedic care.
Santa Clara Valley Medical Center provides a wide range of healthcare services as part of Santa Clara Valley Healthcare.
O'Connor Hospital is a general hospital serving the local community.
Other Notable Facilities:
Stanford Health Care-Stanford Hospital is nationally ranked in multiple specialties, located near San Jose.
Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford specializes in pediatric care.
El Camino Hospital Los Gatos offers high-quality care in nearby Los Gatos.
Here's an overview of K-12 schools, high schools, and colleges in San Jose:
K-12 Schools:
Public Schools:
University Preparatory Academy Charter School is known for its college preparatory focus and unique educational experience.
Silver Creek High School offers a supportive environment with a focus on preparing students for their future.
KIPP San Jose Collegiate emphasizes college readiness with a strong AP participation rate.
Private Schools:
Valley Christian Schools is a K-12 college preparatory school emphasizing academic achievement, artistic beauty, and athletic distinction.
High Schools:
Public High Schools:
Lynbrook High School ranks highly in California, known for its high graduation rate and college readiness.
Evergreen Valley High School offers AP courses with a high graduation rate.
Leigh High School is known for its high graduation rate and AP participation.
Charter and Specialized High Schools:
Mission Early College High prepares students for college life with a small student body.
Apollo High School focuses on preparing students for college and the real world.
San Jose offers a variety of utilities, government agencies, and public resources to serve its residents. Below is an overview:
Utilities:
Electricity:
San Jose is served by PG&E and San Jose Clean Energy, a community choice aggregator providing clean energy since 2019.
Water:
San Jose Water Company is a regulated private utility managing one of the largest urban water systems in the U.S., with ongoing infrastructure upgrades like reservoir construction and smart meter installations.
Other Utilities:
Telecommunications services are provided by companies like AT&T, Verizon, Comcast, and others.
Government Agencies:
City Government operates under a council-manager system with an 11-member City Council led by its Mayor. Key departments include Public Works, Police, Fire, and the San Jose Public Library.
Public Works:
Responsible for permitting utility infrastructure projects and coordinating with agencies like Caltrans and Santa Clara Valley Water District.
Community Services:
San José 311 handles issues like graffiti, potholes, and illegal dumping.
Recreation:
Parks and Recreation offers access to community centers, parks, trails, and Happy Hollow Park & Zoo.
The Children’s Discovery Museum promotes creativity through interactive exhibits.
Libraries:
The San Jose Public Library provides educational programs, storytimes, and online resources for families.
Your Expert in Long Distance Moves to San Jose, California
Contact us or get in touch with a local agent
Request a Quote & Get a Free Moving Checklist!
This city guide is provided as a service by Atlas Van Lines.