San Jose 79 Exceptional
San Jose Livability #52 ranked city in California#1,819 ranked city in the USARanks better than 93% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in San Jose

PROS
  • Amenities

    Conveniently located, the area boasts a variety of amenities, including grocery stores, shopping, coffee shops and entertainment options all within walking distance.

  • Commute

    The high commute score in this area could imply easy access to public transportation, as well as shorter-than-average commute times to your workplace.

  • Employment

    With higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates, this area scores extremely well in the employment category.

  • Health & Safety

    Accessible health facilities like hospitals, doctors offices, clinics and nursing homes as well as good air quality are all factors that have led to a high score in this category.

  • Ratings

    According to recent surveys and polls, locals had excellent ratings for walkability to nearby amenities, safety, access to public transit and the overall sense of community in the area.

CONS
  • Cost Of Living

    This area is known for its high cost of living, which means you should anticipate higher costs for everyday goods and services, housing, groceries, and health care.

  • Crime

    Reporting high crime rates per 100,000 people, this area may be perceived as an unsafe place to reside. These statistics encompass both violent and property crime rates.

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What's it like Living in San Jose?

Located in the state of California, San Jose is a large city with a population of 1,029,409 people. In San Jose, there are 5,773 people per square mile, which is well above the national population density average. Individuals of White (37%) and Asian (37%) backgrounds make up a significant portion of the population of San Jose. Additionally, more than a quarter of the population of San Jose are of Hispanic or Latino origin, and 22% of the population also speak Spanish. When traveling to work, spending unnecessary time in your vehicle is not ideal and downright frustrating. Across all of America, the average one way commute time is 26 minutes, unfortunately, living in San Jose offers up a higher than average one way commute time of 31 minutes.

Living in San Jose can be a good experience for anyone moving to the city. Having said that, in the state of California, there are many incredible places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. With useful information like amenities, crime, cost of living, education, housing and other key data points, finding the best places to live in San Jose and in the areas around San Jose is a much easier task.

San Jose, CA receives 81 out of 100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #42 in California and #1,103 in the USA. Pack your bags! This is a very high score in comparison to other US cities. Living in San Jose could be a great choice! San Jose is also ranked in the top 10 percentile of all cities across the USA. Based on the scores for each individual category, San Jose has been rewarded with high marks for education (B). On a more negative note, San Jose does not have favorable scores for the following: cost of living (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.

If you're living in San Jose, you can expect to enjoy a multitude of local amenities, mostly thanks to the strategic placement of essential services such as grocery stores, restaurants, coffee shops, parks and various shops. If you're contemplating a move to this locale with the intent of establishing it as your permanent residence, you'll be pleased to find an extensive array of amenities and recreational opportunities within easy reach, either on foot or via a brief commute. This wealth of accessible amenities not only enhances the livability of the area but also ensures that you can enjoy a rich and fulfilling lifestyle, making San Jose an attractive destination for those seeking a vibrant and well-served community to call home. Among the enticing options for fun and exploration in San Jose are: Winchester Mystery House, The Tech Museum, and Children's Discovery Museum.

Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in San Jose. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in San Jose are affordable. Median real estate prices in San Jose come in at $925,800, which is 126.2% higher than the California average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In San Jose, the home price to income ratio is 7.9, which is 23.4% higher than the California average.

Best Places to Live in and Around San Jose

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Compare San Jose, CA Livability

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      San Jose transportation information

      Statistic San Jose California National
      Average one way commute31min28min26min
      Workers who drive to work72.6%73.5%76.4%
      Workers who carpool11.3%10.6%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit4.1%5.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.6%1.1%0.6%
      Workers who walk1.7%2.7%2.8%
      Working from home8.2%5.4%4.6%
      Source: The San Jose, CA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).