San Jose Neighborhoods, Locations and Districts

(San Jose, California - CA, USA)

Founded in 1717, San Jose is California's third largest city and the Capital of Silicon Valley, receiving 300 days of sunshine per year, making San Jose one of the sunniest places in the country. San Jose is synonymous with Silicon Valley and contains a number of historical and modern districts and neighborhoods.

Many massive tech companies operate in the San Jose area, such as Apple and Hewlett-Packard, and the downtown district is easily explored on foot. San Jose is also known for its safety, together with fantastic green areas and districts, including the Guadalupe River Park, which is loaded with trees and gardens, and links downtown San Jose with the popular Children's Discovery Museum. Here are San Jose's main districts, neighborhoods and locations.

Downtown San Jose

Over the last few years San Jose has grown into one of the country's most thriving cities, with a mountain of attractions and entertainment options located downtown. There are attractions and dining options galore as well as quality arts and cultural establishments and a nightlife that buzzes. The clean and safe downtown area is condensed into a few city blocks and is being improved all the time.

Burbank District

Named after Luther Burbank, the Burbank district is somewhat of a historic neighborhood annexed to San Jose, boasting dozens of historical homes and the popular Burbank Theater, a local icon and home to a radio station. Those who are interested in antiques should also visit Burbank, as there are more than a few antique stores here located not far from Santana Row and downtown San Jose.

Almaden Valley District

Located between the Santa Cruz Mountains and some smaller hills, Almaden Valley is an upmarket neighborhood to the south of downtown San Jose, which was a player in the days of the Gold Rush. Now part of Silicon Valley, you will find the likes of IBM, Sun Systems and Apple Computers based here. Named after the Almaden Mines during the Gold Rush, San Jose's Almaden Valley district boasts the lovely Quicksilver County Park and street names here are named after the original mercury mines, such as Silver Lode Lane.

Japantown District

San Jose's very own Japantown district is one of only three left in the United States and is easily the best example, with its authentic configuration. You will find some quality attractions in Japantown including the Japanese American Museum of San Jose, Okida Hall and many superb restaurants, of which there are more than twenty.

Rose Garden District

Located to the west of downtown San Jose and north of Burbank, the Rose Garden neighborhood was established in the late 1920s initially as prune orchards and was later converted into the Municipal Rose Garden with farmhouses and mansions. Today, the Rose Garden is an upmarket part of San Jose, with many of Silicon Valley's top executives living here. The major streets in this district offer great shopping and dining.