At the center of Silicon Valley, the country’s technology boom put San Jose on the map and turned this quiet area into one of the best cities in California to call home. But living in a tech hub comes with a hefty price tag. While it may not be as expensive as San Francisco, San Jose rent prices are still well above the national average.
Unfortunately, rents in some areas are increasing faster than in others. Here’s a look at the neighborhoods seeing the greatest year-over-year rental rate increases.
10. South San Jose
- Annual rent price increase: +7%
- Average 2-BR rent: $2,825
This family-friendly, suburban area combines laid-back living with an amazing scenic view. With the Santa Cruz Mountains providing the neighborhood’s southern border, South San Jose is somewhere constantly enticing you to head outdoors.
Even with the lowest increase in San Jose rent prices overall, this area can still be an expensive part of town. It’s home to the most expensive apartment in the entire city, which has a price tag of $10,000 per month.
9. River Oaks
Source: Rent./Elan at River Oaks
- Annual rent price increase: +10%
- Average 2-BR rent: $3,704
The highlight of River Oaks is the River Oaks Parkway. This paved trail extends over the Guadalupe River. A short hike provides easy access to some of San Jose’s natural beauty and serves as a connector between River Oaks and Santa Clara.
River Oaks isn’t all about nature, though. Residents also take shopping very seriously thanks to the proximity of The Great Mall and its more than 200 shops.
8. Central San Jose
- Annual rent price increase: +12%
- Average 2-BR rent: $3.260
For family-friendly fun and a little history right around the corner, think of calling Central San Jose home. Here you’ll find both the Happy Hollow Park and Zoo and the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum.
The 16-acre park and zoo at Happy Hollow has more than just animals. You’ll also find attractions like the Danny the Dragon Train and nature-themed play areas. The Rosicrucian is home to the largest collection of Egyptian artifacts in Western North America. Make time to visit to see pieces related to daily life, as well as the after-life of this ancient culture.
7. The Woods
Source: Rent./The Woods
- Annual rent price increase: +14%
- Average 2-BR rent: $2,825
About 10 minutes from Downtown, The Woods is a small, suburban community with all the local amenities families and young couples are searching for.
Living here puts you close to multiple city parks, a drive-in theatre for date nights and plenty of great restaurants. If you’re looking for a community that’s not far from the action, but lets you live a little quieter, this is the place.
6. Downtown
- Annual rent price increase: +23%
- Average 2-BR rent: $3.047
To be where all the action is, you have to live in Downtown San Jose. The perfect spot for professionals, families and more, you’ll also find plenty of students in this area. That’s thanks to Downton being the home of San Jose State University.
A smaller area than some of the other neighborhoods on our list, Downtown packs a lot into a few city blocks. You’ll find an assortment of office buildings, historical landmarks, restaurants, shops and bars all rolled together in this highly-walkable area.
5. Almaden Lake
- Annual rent price increase: +24%
- Average 2-BR rent: $3,659
An upscale community known for its peace and quiet, Almaden Lake offers a bit of tranquility among the busier areas of San Jose.
While there is an assortment of public parks in the area, most residents spend their summers around the 32-acre lake at Almaden Lake Park. Here you can fish, picnic and even go pedal boating. The park has hiking trails, bocce courts and opens a concession stand in the summer.
4. Winchester
- Annual rent price increase: +25%
- Average 2-BR rent: $4,417
Named for Sarah Lockwood Winchester, an early resident of the area, and once partial heir to the Winchester Repeating Arms Company, the neighborhood of Winchester has one main attraction. The Winchester Mystery House began as an eight-room farmhouse and has since grown into a 160-room mansion. Guests come from all over to see this massive home that’s also reportedly haunted.
Tourist attractions aside, Winchester residents like living in this small community primarily because of its location, good schools and the suburban feel achieved in only a few city blocks.
3. Santana Row
Source: Rent./Santana Height at Santana Row
- Annual rent price increase: +32%
- Average 2-BR rent: $4,603
Close to Downtown, but with a more luxurious vibe, Santana Row puts you near plenty of great restaurants, shops and nightlife. A highly-walkable area, you’re never far from some sort of activity or entertainment.
Rent is pricey in this popular part of town, but with plenty of condos and apartments, you’ll have a lot of options to pick from in order to live in this exclusive San Jose spot.
2. Berryessa
- Annual rent price increase: +36%
- Average 2-BR rent: $3,725
Attractive to a more professional crowd, Berryessa is a melting pot of cultures and nationalities as many residents weren’t born in the U.S. Berryessa’s location makes your everyday commute easy no matter where you’re headed with public transportation routes, easy highway access and proximity to San Jose’s international airport.
In your free time, Berryessa is also near Sierra Vista Point and Open Space Reserve. The area protects both the land and local wildlife, including specific species of frog, salamander, owl and more. Visitors can take advantage of the multi-use trails for hikers, mountain bikers and even horseback riders.
1. West Valley
Source: Rent./Blue Hills
- Annual rent price increase: +44%
- Average 2-BR rent: $3,197
Though a bit of a sprawl, West Valley has plenty of pockets that are highly walkable and full of shops. The area is also a great place for foodies with its assortment of restaurants, craft cocktail spots, pubs and more.
Between the more commercial spots, you’ll find plenty of parks in West Valley, including Calabazas Park. This unique place features a BMX track and horseshoe pits along with more common park amenities like playgrounds, tennis courts and picnic areas.
Are San Jose rent prices inspiring you to move?
If you’re ready to call sunny San Jose home, but still aren’t certain exactly where you should live, we’ve got a perfect neighborhood quiz to help you out. Once you’ve narrowed it down to your top 2 or 3, it’s time to find the most affordable options, which you can do by searching on Rent..
