San Jose, CA, is the heart of Silicon Valley, home to countless tech companies and relatively close proximity to major Bay Area cities like San Francisco and Oakland. There are lots of other reasons besides the job opportunities that draw people to San Jose. From the diverse restaurants, central location, and Mediterranean climate, San Jose is a great place to live.
Even with everything San Jose offers, every city has its quirks and flaws. While people may move to San Jose, the city’s cost of living and traffic may detract others. And if that’s you, we can help you find the right city near San Jose to live in instead.
The following 9 cities near San Jose are organized by proximity to the city, each with its own features and charm that may draw you in.
#1: Santa Clara, CA
Miles from San Jose: 5
Population: 127,000
Median home sale price: $1,362,500
Average 1-bed rent: $2,543
Walk Score: 58
Bike Score: 41
Transit Score: 74
Santa Clara is one of the many tech-oriented cities near San Jose you may want to consider living in. The city has a perfect mix of small-town charm and big-city living. It’s home to Santa Clara University, where you can find the 18th-century Mission Santa Clara de Asis, Levi’s Stadium, the San Francisco 49er’s home stadium, and renowned restaurants.
Santa Clara has a lot to offer its residents, from nature parks to stellar restaurants. There are a few museums in Santa Clara, including the 49ers Museum, Triton Museum of Art, and Intel Museum. Once you’ve visited the museums, head to Levi Stadium to catch a 49ers game or concert, or stop by California’s Great America for a rollercoaster ride. There are also over 40 parks in Santa Clara, including Santa Clara Central Park, Everett Alvarez Junior Park, and Lick Mill Park. Il Fornaio Santa Clara, Mio Vicino, and Crepes Bistro are some delicious restaurants you can check out while in the city.
Homes for sale in Santa Clara, CA
Apartments for rent in Santa Clara, CA
#2: Milpitas, CA
Miles from San Jose: 11
Population: 75,000
Median home sale price: $1,275,000
Average 1-bed rent: $2,904
Walk Score: 54
Bike Score: 36
Transit Score: 66
The city of Milpitas is located just north of San Jose at the southern tip of San Francisco Bay. Milpitas is a great place to live, with plenty of landmarks and attractions to enjoy.
The Terra Serena Luna Fountain is a famous landmark in Milpitas, and the city is also home to a rich arts and culture scene. You can also visit the LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Bay Area. The city is also known for its nature preserves and parks, which are perfect for spending time outdoors. Milpitas’s most popular parks include Cardoza Park, Ed Levin Dog Park, and Dixon Landing Park.
Homes for sale in Milpitas, CA
Apartments for rent in Milpitas, CA
#3: Cupertino, CA
Miles from San Jose: 11
Population: 60,000
Median home sale price: $2,650,000
Average 1-bed rent: $3,813
Walk Score: 48
Bike Score: 32
Transit Score: 65
Cupertino is another one of the major tech cities near San Jose, most notably for being the headquarters of Apple. However, many other things make Cupertino a great choice to buy or rent in.
There are many places to visit in Cupertino, including museums like the California History Center, Euphrat Museum of Art, and Cupertino Historical Society & Museum. There’s also a unique art and culture scene, with performing arts venues like De Anza College Visual & Performing Arts Center and Chinese Performing Artists of America Arts Center. And if you’re looking for green space, there are plenty of parks in Cupertino, like McClellan Ranch Park, Cupertino Memorial Park, and Stevens Creek County Park. You’ll also find plenty of restaurants and up-and-coming eateries throughout the city.
Homes for sale in Cupertino, CA
Apartments for rent in Cupertino, CA
#4: Sunnyvale, CA
Miles from San Jose: 12
Population: 153,000
Median home sale price: $1,627,000
Average 1-bed rent: $2,877
Walk Score: 60
Bike Score: 40
Transit Score: 78
Sunnyvale is a beautiful city located on California Highway 101 and the historic El Camino Real. The city has a rich history rooted in agriculture, which you can still see today through its strong, sustainable farming culture.
Sunnyvale is home to many public parks, including Baylands Park, which is home to an expansive wetland preserve, and Seven Seas Park. There are also two impressive golf courses available for play at the Sunnyvale Golf Course, including an 18-hole championship course.
Homes for sale in Sunnyvale, CA
Apartments for rent in Sunnyvale, CA
#5: Mountain View, CA
Miles from San Jose: 14
Population: 80,000
Median home sale price: $1,800,000
Average 1-bed rent: $3,547
Walk Score: 66
Bike Score: 41
Transit Score: 92
Situated just west of Sunnyvale, Mountain View gets its name from its stunning views of the Santa Cruz Mountains. It is also the headquarters of Google, one of the many large tech companies throughout Silicon Valley.
There are lots to do in Mountain View, whether you’re looking for a museum, concert, hike, or just to explore the area. The Computer History Museum is a great place to learn about the history of computing and see some interesting exhibits, and the Google campus tour is a must for any tech fan. Shoreline Amphitheatre is a great place to see a concert, or you can see a play at the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts. The Mountain View Farmers Market is great to find fresh and organic produce and other local goods. And make sure to take a walk or run along Stevens Creek Trail.
Homes for sale in Mountain View, CA
Apartments for rent in Mountain View, CA
#6: Fremont, CA
Miles from San Jose: 17
Population: 235,000
Median home sale price: $1,372,500
Average 1-bed rent: $2,372
Walk Score: 50
Bike Score: 36
Transit Score: 54
Fremont is located in the scenic Alameda County and on the east side of San Francisco Bay. Fremont is home to many major tech companies and is known for its rich culture, history, and tourist attractions.
There are many things to do in Fremont. There are several museums, including the Museum of Local History and the Children’s Natural History Museum. There are also several parks, including Fremont Central Park, Fremont Regional Park, and the Shinn Historical Park and Arboretum. Fremont is home to plenty of restaurants and charming cafes, so make sure you grab a bite to eat at Papillon Restaurant, La Pinata Restaurant, and Sala Thai Restaurant for a small taste of what this city offers.
Homes for sale in Fremont, CA
Apartments for rent in Fremont, CA
#7: Palo Alto, CA
Miles from San Jose: 18
Population: 68,000
Median home sale price: $2,870,000
Average 1-bed rent: $4,322
Walk Score: 61
Bike Score: 37
Transit Score: 91
Palo Alto is a world-renowned center of technology and innovation, home to major corporations and Stanford University. Palo Alto’s residential neighborhoods are beautiful and historical, and its shopping and downtown districts are vibrant. Palo Alto gets its name from a 1000-year-old coastal redwood tree along San Francisquito Creek, and the tree-lined streets and historic buildings reflect its California heritage.
Palo Alto is one of the great cities near San Jose to live in. It has a few popular museums, such as the Museum of American Heritage, Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo, and Palo Alto History Museum. Magical Bridge Playground, Mitchell Park, and Palo Alto Baylands Nature Preserve are just a few of the beautiful parks and green spaces you’ll find throughout the city. And Tamarine Restaurant, Taipan Restaurant, and Palo Alto Sol Restaurant are some of the numerous popular restaurants to check out when living here.
Homes for sale in Palo Alto, CA
Apartments for rent in Palo Alto, CA
#8: San Mateo, CA
Miles from San Jose: 31
Population: 104,000
Median home sale price: $1,350,000
Average 1-bed rent: $2,812
Walk Score: 68
Bike Score: 39
Transit Score: 65
San Mateo is situated on the coast, south of San Francisco, in between Daly City and San Jose. It’s known for its scenic views of San Francisco Bay.
There are plenty of things to do in San Mateo, whether you visit one of the California Missions, go wine tasting, or take a walk along the waterfront at Seal Point Park. Fiero Restaurant, Jack’s Restaurant & Bar, and Celia’s Mexican & American Restaurant are some of the many delicious restaurants to check out while living in San Mateo.
Homes for sale in San Mateo, CA
Apartments for rent in San Mateo, CA
#9: San Ramon, CA
Miles from San Jose: 38
Population: 81,500
Median home sale price: $1,377,500
Average 1-bed rent: $3,709
Walk Score: 24
Transit Score: 37
San Ramon is a beautiful city located in the East Bay with sights of Mt. Diablo to the north. You can go hiking or biking in the many parks, play a round of golf at one of the city’s golf courses, or drive into nearby Dublin for the afternoon.
Homes for sale in San Ramon, CA
Apartments for rent in San Ramon, CA
Methodology:
All cities must have a population of more than 50,000 and be less than 50 miles away from San Jose. Median home sale price data from the Redfin Data Center during August 2022. Average rental data from Rent.com during August 2022. Walk Score, Bike Score, and Transit Score from Walkscore.com during August 2022. Population data sourced from United States Census Bureau.
This post first appeared on Redfin.com. To see the original, click here.