Living in Downtown San Jose
Sitting within the Santa Clara Valley, San Jose, California seamlessly blends innovation, culture, and urban living. Downtown in particular is a dynamic epicenter worthy of a city known as the “Capital of Silicon Valley.” If you’re wondering what living here might be like, read on to get a feel for this storied Bay Area locale…
Where is San Jose located?
San Jose is situated in the southern part of the San Francisco Bay Area, and in the center of the Santa Clara Valley. It’s home to Silicon Valley, where major global tech companies like Cisco, eBay, and Adobe have their respective headquarters. San Jose is strategically positioned at the crossroads of technology, business, and culture, making it a magnet for professionals, artists, and enthusiasts alike.
Downtown San Jose is conveniently located in close proximity to major highways, providing easy access to neighboring cities like Santa Clara, Palo Alto, and Mountain View. The city's excellent public transportation system, including VTA light rail and buses, ensures that residents have convenient and sustainable ways to navigate the area.
What are the boundaries of downtown?
Downtown San jose is generally considered to be within the Guadalupe River to the west, Coyote Creek to the east, Hedding Street to the north, and Interstate 280 to the south.
How big is the downtown?
Downtown San Jose covers approximately 8.5 square miles and has a population that hovers around 85,000 people. This centralized area is brimming with everything from skyscrapers to historic landmarks, creating a unique juxtaposition of the old and the new.
Whats's there to do in Downtown San Jose?
Downtown San Jose is a playground for all sorts of activities. Here are some highlights:
- A Day of History: Explore the rich cultural scene with visits to the San Jose Museum of Art, the Tech Interactive, and the iconic California Theatre, the St. Joseph's Cathedral Basilica, and more.
The Culinary Scene: Indulge your taste buds with all kinds of craving-slaying finds, from trendy cafes and food trucks to upscale restaurants. Popular downtown spots include a host of options at the San Pedro Square Market, inspired pairings at Devine Cheese & Wine, old-school ambiance at the Orchestria Palm Court , Portugese delicacies at Pestiscos and more.
A Night on the Town: From lounges to dive bars, notable spots for a drink downtown include arty cocktails and bites at Paper Planes, pool and live music at Caravan,, superb cocktails and whisky at 55 South, arcade games at Miniboss, British pub fare at Trials, and more.
Green Spaces: Enjoy the California sunshine in parks like Guadalupe River Park or take a leisurely stroll through the historic St. James Park.
Specialty Shops: Locally owned boutiques include retail pop-ups at Moment, sustainable home goods at The Source Zero, fine art from Kaleid Gallery, green goods from Plant Slut, and more.
Why Live in San Jose?
Living in San Jose, especially downtown, offers endless benefits, from job opportunities to the mild, Mediterranean climate. As the heart of Silicon Valley, San Jose provides unparalleled career opportunities in the tech industry, attracting professionals from around the globe. This directly reflects in the diversity of the population, which is a veritable cultural melting pot. It also helps that the climate is highly desirable, with mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers, making outdoor activities a year-round possibility.
Come see what downtown San Jose has to offer and plant your roots at The Ryden. We accept walk-ins or you can schedule a visit with our leasing professionals. Contact our office for more information.
