Travel info  Travel tips Travel advice
*Travel Tips>>>San Jose Travel Tips

Best places to live in Silicon Valley? What is San Jose's downtown ("SoFa") like?


Travel Info
Hi, I'm looking at a job transfer to a job in San Jose. I have a basic familiarity with Silicon Valley from business trips out there, but I'm trying to decide where the best place to live would be.

Let me first say that I do have some hesitations about SV in general. I'm not a big fan of urban sprawl, strip malls, McMansions, and "car culture". I much prefer a denser city that is pedestrian-friendly, living in apartments/condos instead of big houses, etc. I absolutely love San Francisco, but it looks like the daily commute to San Jose would be too tough (over an hour each way).

SO, which community would you recommend....San Jose, Santa Clara, Sunnyvale, Los Gatos, Redwood City, San Mateo, etc?

Also, I've just heard that that downtown San Jose (especially the South of First neighborhood) is much cooler than it used to be, and it's now got nice condos, a nightlife/restaurant scene, a good light rail, etc. Can you give me any tips about it? THANK YOU

Travel Tips
check out santana row... you might like it a lot

Others
Los Gatos, if you are close to downtown, would meet your stated preferences if you can find a house/condo/apartment you like there. A friend of mine just moved into Santana Row and likes it a lot. It's has a lot of restaurants/shops in a compact area, is close to a very large mall, and has good, close access to Silicon Valley as well as San Jose Mineta Airport.
It depends on your marital status. You mentioned night life etc. and I would recommend Sunnyvale, Mountain View, Palo Alto, Foster City areas. These are my personal choices.

San Jose has a cool area called Santana Row where I spend my weekends with my family. Check out http://www.santanarow.com/. It is a little strip with some of the nicest shops and restaurants. The condos there are very nice too
I wouldn't live downtown if someone paid my rent for me.

I live in San Jose, but on the boarder of Campbell/Willow Glen & love it. I am close to public transportation & freeways. However, the coolest part is I have great bars, restaurants, a Sunday morning Farmer's market & a great trail that leads to Vasona Park in Los Gatos all within walking distance.
The entire South Bay is suburban.
Downtown SanJo has changed, but it doesn't resemble a city, yet.
You will be disappointed with life, here.

Santana Row is a very expensive outdoor shopping mall that also has overpriced condos. It is in the middle of one of the densest traffic areas in the city because it is across the street from a huge shopping mall and in between two highways.
Tags
Portland Sacramento San Antonio San Diego San Francisco San Jose Seattle St. Louis Washington, D.C. General - United States Aberdeen
Related Links
  • Best places to live in Silicon Valley? What is San Jose's downtown ("SoFa") like?
  • What was the weather in San Jose over the last five days?
  • Any one from here?
  • What's the cheapest air ticket from (modesto CA - or San jose) to San diego .?
  • Car Audio Store?
  • Does anyone need or know anyone who has an available room for rent in Santa Cruz, Cali beginning 11/13?
  • I have some work at Houston and will come from Mumbai in India. I must also visit San Jose & Florida!?
  • Good vacation spot for kids within 2-3 hrs drive from San Jose?
  • Where do I find an on-line alphabetical list of streets in San jose, CA?
  • Places to go for the long weekend in bay area?
  •    

    Travel Info Categories--Copyright/IP Policy--Contact Webmaster