Moving to San Jose? Here’s What Is Waiting for You in the Third Most Populous City in CA

Pros of Moving to San Jose, California

When you plan to move to a new city, you need to learn a bit about it to make sure it’s the right choice for you. That being said, relocating to a big city that has a lot to offer, such as SJ, is bound to come with plenty of relocation benefits. Here are some of the most important ones:

• Incredible weather – if you like spending your hours out in the sun, SJ can be the ideal place for you. Did you know that this city has more than 300 sunny days every year? Summers are long and warm, with temperatures averaging around 80°F, while winters tend to be on the milder side.
• Good employment prospect – if you plan to get a job in a new city, know that many major companies made SJ their home. Also, the SJ area is said to have the highest level of happiness and satisfaction at work.
• Diversity, both in people and in food – SJ is one of the most diverse cities, not only in California but in the whole country. As a result, you’ll be presented with a city with a high level of inclusiveness and an incredibly diverse food scene. Almost every day, you can try new food from a different part of the world.
• Plenty of entertainment options – swimming, wine tasting, museum touring, walking, hiking, and biking are just some examples of the activities that will be at your disposal.
• Excellent education opportunities – while The University of California, Berkeley, and Stanford University, are located nearby, remember those interested in engineering, science, and business can attend the popular San Jose State University. As for lower education, if you’re relocating with kids, there will be plenty of renowned elementary schools and school districts to choose from.

Due to the benefits it offers, SJ has become a popular location for both residential and corporate relocations. If you deem this metropolis perfect for your future home or office, make sure to choose a long-distance moving company that fits you the most, and let cross-country movers help you move to a new home.

Pick the Best Neighborhood and Enjoy Your Life After the Move

SJ is the center of Silicon Valley, so this is the place to be if you want to start your own business or move up the corporate ladder. Amazing job opportunities made this place perfect for millennials, techies, and entrepreneurs. Still, note that it’s also known as one of the best places to raise your family.

That being said, keep in mind that not all neighborhoods in SJ are created equal, and some of them are bound to be perceived as better places to live in than others. Take a look at the top choices you should consider before getting your relocation essentials and completing the move.

Silver Creek Can Be a Family Paradise

Silver Creek is a wealthy neighborhood in SJ and a hidden gem of Silicon Valley. It is a neighborhood in the southeast part of the city that is in the hills, reserved for people from the upper and upper-middle classes. Beautiful scenery, peaceful environment, safety, and highly-ranked schools make this place a good choice if you’re moving to San Jose with family. If you can afford it, living in Silver Creek will end up being a unique and pleasant experience.

West San Jose Also Has a Lot to Offer

Residential West San Jose is only a 15-minute drive from downtown, so people who live there get the best of both big city amenities and a suburban feel. Designer boutiques, high-end shopping malls, craft cocktail bars, and five-star restaurants attract many people of all ages. There are also walking paths and parks in this quiet neighborhood, making it easy to live an active life. There may be many affordable home styles to choose from, whether you plan to live on your own or with a family, but ranch-style homes from the 1950s are the most common types.

Willow Glen Is One of the Most Charming Places in SJ

Willow Glen is located just south of downtown, but it will surprise you with its abundance of character. Cute shops, local boutiques, trendy restaurants, and homes built in the 1920s and 1930 are all part of that unique charm. Named San Jose’s Local Treasure, it also offers a close-knit community, many interesting festivals, and delicious food.

If you want to learn more about SJ’s desirable neighborhoods, don’t miss watching the following video:

Employment Opportunities SJ Offers Are the Most Common Reason People Decide to Move Here

SJ is a booming city with plenty of job opportunities for those who know where to look. The city’s close proximity to Silicon Valley means that there are plenty of tech-based jobs available, but there are opportunities in other industries as well. Thankfully, SJ is doing well economically, and the job market is strong. In fact, the unemployment rate as of August 2022 was only 2.5%, which is far below the national average.

Researching jobs in demand must be part of your relocation checklist, even if you have a last-minute move. Therefore, before you decide to move and get packing services, check some of the most popular sectors in San Jose:

• Technology – as you might expect, given its proximity to Silicon Valley, the tech industry is booming in SJ. People with experience in software development, engineering, and other tech-related fields will have no trouble finding a job in this city.
• Hospitality – with so many people visiting SJ from all over the world, there’s a strong demand for hospitality workers such as hotel staff, restaurant workers, and tour guides. If you have experience working in customer service, you should be able to find employment fast.
• Retail – highly populated SJ is home to plenty of retail establishments ranging from small boutiques to large chain stores. If you’re interested in working in retail, you’ll have no problem finding a position that suits your skills and interests.

SJ’s Biggest Employers

As you can see, there are plenty of job opportunities after the move. In some cases, you’ll even be able to apply for a position prior to the scheduled relocation date and find a job before you move to another city. But which companies should you look at? In the table below, you’ll be able to see some of the SJ’s top employers:

You Need to Be Aware of the High Cost of Living You’ll Meet After the Move

When it comes to choosing a place to live, the cost of living is always an important consideration. After all, no one wants to move to a new city alone or with family, only to find out that they can’t afford it.

According to PayScale, living expenses in SJ are overall 53% higher than the national average, with housing being 143% more expensive. Utilities and groceries also don’t come cheap – their expenses are more than 20% higher compared to average costs.

The median home price comes close to one million – if you wish to buy a house, there are high chances you’ll need to consider relocating to a smaller home. Rent prices are also on the higher side; you’ll need to set aside around $2,450 for a one-bedroom apartment and $4,300 for a three-bedroom apartment in the city center. Of course, prices can vary widely depending on the neighborhood you choose and the type of housing you’re interested in.

SJ Has Bad Roads, but Good Public Transport

If you plan to get professional car shipping as a part of long-distance moving services and transport your vehicle cross-country, you must be aware of the not-so-splendid condition of SJ roads. Still, whether you should use public transportation or drive a car depends on your individual circumstances. If you choose to live close to downtown or don’t mind walking a few blocks, then public transportation may be sufficient. The light rail system is convenient and reliable, and there are also buses that run throughout the city.

However, if you live in the suburbs or plan on doing a lot of driving around town, then it’s probably worth having your vehicle shippers. While Uber and Lyft are available in SJ, they can be expensive if you use them all the time.

A Guide to SJ’s Airports

There are two major airports serving the San Jose area: Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC) and Reid-Hillview Airport of Santa Clara County (RHV). SJC is located just 2 miles from downtown San Jose, while RHV is located in the eastern part of the city. Both airports offer a variety of domestic and international flights, so you’ll be sure to find one that meets your needs. Additionally, keep in mind that Oakland and San Francisco Airports are located just a short drive from SJ.

Once You Move, You’ll Have Many Fun and Interesting Things to Do

Whether you’re interested in history, technology, or simply exploring new places, there’s something for everyone in SJ. When you’re finished with relocation day preparations and have enough time for entertainment, make sure you check the following:

• The Tech Museum of Innovation – you’ll be able to be a part of interactive exhibits as well as chances to learn about the history of Silicon Valley,
• The Winchester Mystery House – this spooky house was built by the widow of William Winchester, who believed that if she kept building the house, she would ward off evil spirits,
• Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum – this museum houses the largest collection of Egyptian artifacts on the West Coast. It’s perfect for anyone interested in history or ancient cultures,
• The Hammer Theater Center – this theater hosts a variety of performances, from dancing to music and the spoken word,
• San Pedro Square Market – this market is a foodie’s paradise, with a variety of vendors selling everything from fresh produce to gourmet cheese. There are also plenty of places to grab a bite if you get hungry,
• Happy Hollow Park & Zoo – in addition to seeing animals from all over the world, you can also take part in educational programs and feeding.

Additionally, make sure not to miss the Japantown neighborhood. SJ’s Japantown is one of three remaining Japantowns in the United States, and it’s a great place to experience Japanese culture without leaving the country. Check the video below for a walking tour through this amazing area:

When You’re Ready to Move, Get Help From Reliable Long-Distance Movers

Hiring professional movers is the best way to move efficiently and ensure your relocation goes smoothly. Therefore, when your decision to move to SJ is final, be sure to do your research before selecting a relocation company. With careful planning and the help of the right cross-country moving company, your long-distance move can be stress-free!