San Jose, CA City Guide | What is it Really Like to Live in San Jose?

San Jose, CA City Guide | Crime Rate, Cost of Living, Education, and More

San Jose is the heart of Silicon Valley. It’s busy, it’s diverse, and it’s full of tech energy—but it’s also a city where neighborhoods feel like neighborhoods. Professionals, families, and students all find a place here, and there’s always something nearby to see or do.

Where is San Jose, California?

San Jose sits in the southern Bay Area, about 50 miles south of San Francisco. Mountains frame the city—Santa Cruz to the west, Diablo Range to the east—giving you trails, views, and outdoor space when you need a break from city life. Neighboring cities like Santa Clara, Cupertino, and Milpitas make the whole Silicon Valley area feel connected and active.

San Jose Transportation

The city’s public transit is run by the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA), with buses and light rail that reach most areas. Diridon Station connects you to Caltrain, Amtrak, and the upcoming California High-Speed Rail. Driving is easy too, with major highways—U.S. 101, I-280, and I-680—linking San Jose to the rest of the Bay Area.

San Jose Weather & Climate

Sunshine is a big part of life here. Summers are warm and dry, winters are mild, and the rain mostly falls from November through March. Average July highs hit about 82°F, January lows drop to 50°F, and the city gets around 15 inches of rain per year.

San Jose Population & Demographics

How many people live in San Jose? As of 2025, nearly 1 million people call San Jose home. Median age is about 37, and median household income is around $141,565. You’ll find a mix of young professionals, families, and students spread across neighborhoods, each with its own vibe.

Is San Jose Safe?

San Jose is safer than a lot of big California cities, but crime happens like anywhere. Some neighborhoods see more activity than others, so it pays to check the area you’re moving to.

Violent crime is relatively low for a city of this size, but property crime—things like break-ins or car theft—happens more often. Downtown and areas around major transit hubs tend to see more incidents, while many suburban neighborhoods are quieter.

Cost of Living in San Jose

Living in San Jose is quite a bit more expensive than the national average (81% higher), and housing is the biggest reason why.

• Utilities: Around $300 per month.
  
• Groceries: Roughly 15% higher than the national average.
  
• Rent: About $2,800 for a 1-bedroom apartment.
  
• Home Prices: Median homes are near $1.8 million.
  

Working in San Jose

The tech sector drives the economy. Big names like Adobe, Cisco, and PayPal have offices here. Salaries are high, reflecting the tech-heavy job market, but that also plays into the higher cost of living.

San Jose Schools

The city has strong public schools, like Fremont Union High School District and Moreland School District. The city is also home to the prestigious universities San Jose State University and nearby Stanford University.

Things to Do in San Jose

San Jose offers a variety of attractions and activities for residents and visitors:

• The Tech Interactive: An innovative science and technology center featuring hands-on exhibits.
  
• Winchester Mystery House: A historic mansion known for its architectural curiosities.
  
• Japantown: One of the last three authentic Japantowns in the U.S., offering cultural experiences and cuisine.
  
• San Pedro Square Market: A vibrant public market with food vendors, live music, and events.
  

San Jose Restaurants | Places to Eat

San Jose’s culinary scene is diverse, reflecting its multicultural population:

• La Mediterranee: A Mediterranean restaurant known for its fresh ingredients and flavorful dishes.
  
• The Table: A farm-to-table eatery offering seasonal American cuisine.
  
• Sushi O Sushi: A popular spot for sushi lovers, offering a wide variety of rolls and sashimi.
  

Get Ready to Call San Jose Home with Joshua’s Moving

Planning a move to San Jose? Joshua’s Moving is here to make sure your move goes off without a hitch. Apartments, family homes, offices—we pack, load, and transport everything safely for your residential move in San Jose. Communication is clear, we show up on time, and we treat your belongings like our own. Furniture, antiques, art, long-distance? Covered.

Moving is stressful enough, so we make the heavy lifting the easy part. 

Ready to get moving? Check out our blog, download our moving checklist, and reach out today for a free, no-obligation moving estimate!