Are you considering moving to the West San Jose area? This sprawling area is mostly residential but home to one of San Jose’s most well-known attractions and it’s a regional shopping destination with the Westfield Valley Fair mall and Santana Row shopping.
Popular with retirees, families, and young professionals, living in West San Jose means getting to know your neighbors and enjoying shopping and dining right around the corner. Here’s what you can look forward to.
Where Is West San Jose?
West San Jose is the western region of the city bordering the cities of Campbell, Saratoga, Cupertino, and Santa Clara in Santa Clara County. It’s loosely bounded by I-280 to the north, Route 17 to the east, and Route 85 to the west and south. The San Tomas and Lawrence expressways run north-south through the community.
The eastern edge of the West San Jose region is just 4 miles outside Downtown San Jose.
West San Jose Map
West San Jose History & Overview
The West San Jose area was mostly developed in the 1950s when modestly priced homes were built. The area has become more upscale and affluent as the Silicon Valley tech industry has grown. Today, it’s not uncommon for home values to reach $2 million or more, especially in the most western section.
West San Jose is home to about 97,000 people, or nearly 10% of the city’s population. It’s one of the largest San Jose neighborhoods and densely populated with more than 8,000 people per square mile.
The median household income is $104,600, about average for the area and well above the San Jose average of $90,300. The most affluent neighborhood in the city, Fruitdale, is located in West San Jose. The median household income in Fruitdale is $178,891.
What’s It Like Living in West San Jose, CA?
Living in West San Jose offers a quiet lifestyle in a safe, residential area yet the convenience of nightlife, shopping, entertainment, and employment centers within minutes. Residents enjoy a diverse selection of dining options, ranging from upscale restaurants in Santana Row to cozy cafes and small, family-owned eateries dotted throughout the area. Shopping enthusiasts will appreciate the proximity to Westfield Valley Fair, a regional shopping destination with high-end and popular retail stores. You’ll enjoy well-maintained community parks within walking distance with new playground equipment, trails, and open green space for kids and dogs to run and play.
Young professionals appreciate the short commute to the downtown area while young families appreciate the outdoor spaces, amenities, and great schools. With great access to public transportation and major highways, you’ll find getting around your new community and the surrounding area easy.
Many residents work in the healthcare industry thanks to the Santa Clara Valley Medical Center located in the Fruitdale neighborhood. It’s a major regional employer as the anchor facility for the Santa Clara County Health System.
West San Jose Neighborhoods
There are several great neighborhoods to choose from. Here’s a look at some of the best neighborhoods in West San Jose.
Winchester
The Winchester neighborhood is a dynamic area known for its rich history and vibrant community. Home to the famous Winchester Mystery House, a historic mansion with architectural oddities and a captivating backstory, the neighborhood is a magnet for history buffs and tourists.
It’s one of the most desirable places to live in West San Jose thanks to its close proximity to Westfield Valley Fair and Santana Row. It’s home to the brand-new Hanover Winchester mixed-use development with a seven-story apartment complex and luxury four-story condos, flats, and row houses.
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Santana Row
Santana Row is sometimes called the Rodeo Drive of Silicon Valley and it’s one of the most upscale and stylish neighborhoods in West San Jose. Known for its European-inspired architecture, this area features a mix of luxury condos and apartments at The Residences at Santana Row nestled amid high-end boutiques, trendy restaurants, and luxurious spas. It’s a popular spot for both residents and visitors who enjoy the atmosphere of its open-air shopping district, chic cafes, and lively events.
Fruitdale
Fruitdale is home to about 1,000 people and it’s best known for Santa Clara Valley Medical Center and San Jose City College. It’s a major employment center for the region and a healthcare hub. There’s a good mixture of single-family homes and apartments in the Fruitdale area.
Westmont
The Westmont San Jose neighborhood is a family-friendly community of dense cul-de-sacs, Craftsman bungalow homes, Mediterranean-style homes with tile roofs, and townhome communities. It’s prized for its winding, tree-lined streets, great parks, and excellent schools.
Blackford
Ten minutes from downtown and the airport and minutes from shopping and dining, Blackford is a popular community for families and young professionals alike. You’ll find a variety of housing options including newer apartments and condos built in the last twenty years, Mid-century ranch-style homes, and Craftsman homes on tree-lined streets. Homes here are meticulously cared for with beautiful landscaping and manicured lawns. Most lots here are 1,500 to 2,500 square feet. Attached garages are also common.
You can learn more from the Blackford Neighborhood Action Coalition (NAC).
Things to Do in West San Jose
There’s always something to do in the Westside San Jose area! It’s home to the Winchester Mystery House, one of the most visited attractions in San Jose and the former home of Sarah Winchester, the widow of the firearm magnate. It’s next to another major destination: Santana Row. This upscale entertainment and shopping district features luxury brands, spas, bars, restaurants, and live music.
In the mood for shopping? Westfield Valley Fair is a high-end mall in the area known for its luxury brands. Westgate Mall is another nearby option for standard retail stores, casual food options, and specialty stores.
There are also great parks in West San Jose. John Mise Park offers almost 12 acres of game courts, a lighted softball field, and a playground. Calabazas Park is a unique park with horseshoe pits, tennis courts, playgrounds, and a BMX track. It’s a hidden gem for families.
Here’s where to find everything:
- Winchester Mystery House, 525 S Winchester Blvd, San Jose, CA 95128 (408) 247-2000
- Santana Row, 377 Santana Row, San Jose, CA 95128 (408) 551-4611
- Westfield Valley Fair, 2855 Stevens Creek Blvd, Santa Clara, CA 95050 (408) 248-4450
- Westgate Mall, 1600 Saratoga Ave, San Jose, CA 95129
- John Mise Park, 594 Park Meadow Dr, San Jose, CA 95129 (408) 793-5510
- Calabazas Park, 6852 Rainbow Dr, San Jose, CA 95129 (408) 793-5510
While living in West San Jose, you’ll enjoy many great amenities like the West San Jose Community Center, the Bascom Community Center, and the Southwest YMCA in neighboring Saratoga.
Schools in West San Jose
Several public school districts serve families living in West San Jose:
- Campbell Union High School District (CUHSD), the public high school district
- Western section past Lawrence Expressway: Fremont Union High School District (FUHSD)
- Western section: Cupertino Union School District (CUSD)
- Central section: Moreland School District with seven elementary and middle schools
- Eastern and Southern section: Campbell Union Elementary School District (Campbell USD) with eight elementary and two middle schools
Neighborhoods are zoned for the following San Jose high schools: Lynbrook High School (FUHSD), Del Mar High School (eastern section), Prospect High School (eastern section), or Westmont High School (western section).
There are also many private schools in West San Jose:
- Archbishop Mitty High School (Mitty neighborhood)
- The Harker School with three campuses has one of the highest tuition costs among Bay Area private schools
- Challenger School – Strawberry Park (PK to elementary) in the Strawberry Park neighborhood
- Queen of Apostles School, a coeducational PK-8 Catholic school
- Saniku Gakuin Japanese School
Families can pursue a higher education with two local colleges: San Jose City College (SJCC) in Fruitdale & De Anza College in Cupertino.
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Is West San Jose Safe?
West San Jose is a safe place to live with crime that’s 19% below the national average. There is 28% less violent crime than the U.S. average. The crime rate is estimated at 1,878 total crimes per 100,000 people and 266 violent crimes per 100,000 people.
That’s also well below average for San Jose. In fact, West San Jose is one of the safest places to live in San Jose with 45% less crime than the city average!
West San Jose, CA Real Estate
You probably want to know what to expect from the housing market before moving to West San Jose. The median price of homes for sale in West San Jose is $2.15 million and $1,444 per square foot. Home prices are up 19.4% year-over-year. The market is incredibly competitive: the average home sells in 9 days and for 11% over list price.
As a renter, you’ll find tons of great options in the area:
- Winchester Palms Apartments near the medical center starting at $2,125 per month
- La Terraza with one-bedroom apartments starting at $3,188
- The Aegena Apartments with one-bedroom units starting at $2,095
- The Monterey Apartments in Santana Row starting at $2,005 for studio apartments
- Hanover Winchester, a brand-new complex near Santana Row, starting at $2,972 for a studio apartment
- Eaves West Valley starting at $2,145 for studio apartments
Is moving to West San Jose, CA in your future? AMS Relocation is here to help with a seamless moving experience. Call the best West San Jose movers at (650) 284-2931 to get started with a free moving quote!
