Your Guide to Buying a Home in San Jose, CA

Buying a Home in San Jose, California

San Jose is one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the nation

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San Jose is located in Santa Clara County

San Jose holds three very exclusive distinctions: it was California's earliest civilian settlement, its first incorporated town, and was the site of the state's first capital. It is no wonder that San Jose is one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the nation, where residents speak over 46 different languages. In addition, the predominant ethnic group represents just 36% of the population. San Jose recognizes its cultural wealth and hosts a diverse range of festivals and parades, including Cinco de Mayo, the Vietnamese Tet Festival, the Filipino Heritage Festival, and the Afribbean Music & Cultural Festival. Other major events focus on gay pride, the children of San Jose, and the city's artistic influences.

Housing Prices average approximately $490,000

Because San Jose is known as the hub of "Silicon Valley" one might guess that its economy is carried by the high-tech industry...and that would be partially correct. San Jose is an important center of commerce that ranks second nationally in exports. It also maintains close economic ties with countries around the world. Each of these ingredients points to an overall economic strength that derives fuel from a large number of factors. Regardless, the city's largest employer is Cisco Systems, the leader in networking for the Internet, and IBM is its third-largest employer. San Jose's three most represented sectors are services, branch locations of other businesses, and financial/insurance/real estate. Financial World magazine recently recognized San Jose as one of the best-managed cities in the country. With a budget of nearly $2 billion the city makes good on its promise to deliver the highest quality services in the most cost-effective manner.

The San Jose area is served by 33 separate school districts, most of which are faced with the challenge of providing quality education to students with varying linguistic skills and backgrounds. In some districts the growth of students with little or no English proficiency is rapidly increasing. However, the school districts have enacted various plans to alleviate this situation, such as hiring interns possessing emergency credentials. Whatever changes do occur the school districts will be prepared to change with them.

San Jose enjoys its cozy location between the Pacific Ocean and the Diablo Range. Cool ocean breezes keep the heat and humidity away, providing the perfect weather for outdoor fun. Almaden Lake Park is the city's only park featuring a sand beach and swim area, though all eight of the San Jose Regional Parks properties are sure to bring relaxation and family fun. The Pacific coastline is 25 miles to the west and features numerous designated beaches and parks.

San Jose's love of the arts and history is evident in its vintage buildings and museums dedicated to preserving the stories of early residents. The San Jose Historical Museum in Kelley Park, and the Peralta Adobe & Fallon House Historic Site in downtown San Jose are great places to start. The de Saisset Museum at Santa Clara University is a museum of art and history founded in 1955 through a bequest from Isabel de Saisset, in memory of her deceased brother Ernest (a former artist and student at the university). Other items of interest in San Jose are the Intel Museum, which teaches how computer chips are used and manufactured, and the National Steinbeck Center Museum for fans of this author's works and life.

San Jose is currently California's third-largest city and is poised to keep growing. Both San Francisco and Oakland are within 30 miles from San Jose and this trio of towns is heavily interconnected via highway and rail.

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