RELOCATION GUIDE



  • RELOCATION GUIDE
  • San Jose is the heart of Silicon Valley
  • BACKGROUND + INFO
  • VENUES. EVENTS. FESTIVALS.
  • KIDS ACTIVITIES
  • NATURE PARKS
  • ART + WINE
  • DINING
  • TRAVEL + TOURISM
  • PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
  • SCHOOLS
  • REAL ESTATE
  • SERVICES
  • MOVING AND STORAGE
  • SHORT TERM 
  • HOUSING
  • APARTMENTS & RENTALS
  • INSURANCE 
  • SERVICES
  • MORTGAGE LOANS
  • HOME BUILDERS

  • RELOCATION GUIDE

Welcome to Silicon Valley! Situated at the southern end of the San Francisco Bay Area, this dynamic region offers an exceptional quality of life. We hope this guide provides valuable insights to support your relocation.



  • San Jose is the heart of Silicon Valley

San Jose is the heart of Silicon Valley - great for families, adventurers, shoppers, cuisine connoisseurs, and nature lovers.


San Jose's prime location makes it effortless to set out on new adventures, with easy access to neighboring cities and attractions. In under an hour, you can find yourself in Santa Cruz, soaking up the sun on the beach, strolling downtown, or enjoying the lively summer boardwalk. A little over an hour away, Monterey offers a stunning aquarium experience along with top-tier wine and fresh seafood. Many beaches and parks allow dogs off-leash, so a quick online search will help confirm the specifics before heading out. Further south, Big Sur remains a spectacular day-trip destination, offering breathtaking scenery and a refreshing connection to nature. On your way back, a stop in Gilroy means fresh, locally sourced fruit and its famous garlic.

Heading north, San Francisco is just an hour’s drive away, making for an excellent day or weekend excursion. With its vibrant culture, rich history, dynamic food scene, and flourishing arts, it stands out as one of the most fascinating cities in the world. Other destinations within easy reach include Napa Valley, Yosemite National Park, and San Luis Obispo, offering limitless opportunities for unforgettable weekend getaways.

When winter rolls around, skiing and snowboarding become go-to activities, with Lake Tahoe just a four-hour drive away. And with 300 days of sunshine each year, San Jose is truly the perfect place to embrace the California dream.



  • BACKGROUND + INFO
San Jose stands as a prominent global city, recognized for its innovation, wealth, Mediterranean climate, and notably high cost of living. Positioned at the heart of the thriving high-tech industry, it serves as a cultural, political, and economic powerhouse, earning its title as the "Capital of Silicon Valley." As the largest city in Northern California, San Jose remains a key driver of the region’s economic and cultural landscape.

  • Compact, walkable Downtown

  • Easy access to three major airports

  • One of the safest, cleanest big cities in America

  • Diverse dining, recreation, nightlife and attractions


           TOTAL POPULATION: 1,023,031

MALE SHARE OF THE POPULATION: 50.5%

FEMALE SHARE OF THE POPULATION: 49.5%

SENIOR CITIZENS: 11.9%

EMPLOYED POPULATION 16+ : 502,992

AGE OF THE POPULATION: 36

MEDIAN EARNINGS 25+ : $50,070

MEDIAN FAMILY INCOME: $105,943

AVERAGE COMMUTE TIME: 29 MINUTES

% WORKING FROM HOME: 4.1%

% WALKING/BIKING TO WORK: 2.6%

% USING PUBLIC TRANSPORT: 4.5%

PEOPLE LIVING ALONE 19.6%

MEDIAN GROSS RENT:$1,822

MEDIAN HOUSE VALUE: 714,200


SANTA CLARA

TOTAL POPULATION: 

127,134

MEDIAN HOUSE VALUE:

$1,284,100


CUPERTINO

TOTAL POPULATION:

60,777

MEDIAN HOUSE VALUE:

$2,106,600


CAMPBELL

TOTAL POPULATION:

41,544

MEDIAN HOUSE VALUE:

$1,276,600


MILPITAS

TOTAL POPULATION: 

78,106

MEDIAN HOUSE VALUE:

$1,028,600


MORGAN HILL

TOTAL POPULATION:

45,037

MEDIAN HOUSE VALUE:

$901,400


Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Jose,_California





  • VENUES EVENTS FESTIVALS

The SAP Center is a premier venue, hosting nearly 100 sporting events annually, including more than 40 regular-season home games for the San Jose Sharks. 



Beyond sports, the arena welcomes Olympic athletes, Grammy award-winning performers, and a diverse lineup of family and children's entertainment, totaling approximately 150 events and 170 event days each year. Click below to explore event calendars for this and other top venues.

Event Calendars:

SAP CENTER

SANTANA ROW

SAN PEDRO SQUARE MARKET

MOUNTAIN WINERY

JAPANTOWN

APPLE PARK VISITOR CENTER

DO THE BAY

CONSCIOUS SAN JOSE 

MONTALVO ARTS CENTER

CHILDREN’S MUSICAL THEATER

CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS


San Jose offers a vibrant lineup of annual events, including the renowned San Jose Jazz Festival, the bustling Farmer’s Market in San Pedro Square, and the expansive San Jose Flea Market. Celebrate local flavors at the Almaden Valley Art & Wine Festival and the famous Gilroy Garlic Festival, or enjoy seasonal favorites like Christmas in the Park and the Obon Festival. Music in the Park and the Renaissance Faire round out the year’s festivities, ensuring there’s always something exciting to experience.





  • KIDS ACTIVITIES

Visit one of Silicon Valley’s many world-class science and technology museums:

  • Children’s Discovery Museum

  • The Tech Museum of Innovation 

  • The Computer History Museum

  • NASA Ames Visitor Center 

  • The Intel Museum



For the animal lovers:


  • Curioddyssey at Coyote Point

  • Palo Alto Junior Museum + Zoo 

  • Happy Hollow Park + Zoo 

  • Harley Farms



Tour San Jose's History Park :

A neighborhood of 32 original and reproduction homes, businesses, and landmarks displaying what San Jose looked like 100 years ago.. 


Get spooked at The Winchester Mystery House:

Sarah Winchester famously went on a non-stop building spree to appease the evil spirits she believed were haunting her...




Spend the day running and jumping around in one of these theme parks:


  • California's Great America

  • Raging Waters Park 

  • Sky High Sports 

  • Gilroy Gardens

Catch a show at the Palo Alto Children's Theater:

This unique theater is by kids, and for kids!



Take a ride on the Roaring Camp Railroad:

Ride into the past on this 19th-century historic steam train in Felton, CA. 



Catch a San Jose Giants ballgame:

One of San Francisco's Minor league teams that play at historic Memorial Park in San Jose. 






  • NATURE PARKS

NATURE PARKS

Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve

Municipal Rose Garden

Japanese Friendship Garden

Heritage Rose Garden

Rotary Playgarden

Overfelt Gardens

Lake Cunningham Park

Emma Prusch Farm Park

Joseph D. Grant County Park

Kelley Park

Castle Rock State Park

Penitencia Creek Park


HIKING

Santa Teresa County Park

Alum Rock Park

Almaden Quicksilver

Los Alamitos Creek Trail

Los Gatos Creek Trail

Penitencia Creek Trail

Guadalupe River Trail

Calero County Park

Coyote Creek Trail

Boccardo Loop Trail


Visit https://www.sanjose.org/things-to-do/outdoors-and-nature for a longer list.



  • ART AND WINE

Discover San Jose's vibrant arts scene! The SoFA District in downtown San Jose is a hub of creativity, home to dynamic galleries, cozy cafes, and independent shops that showcase the talents of local artists and musicians.

Don't miss South First Fridays Art Walk, a lively monthly event filled with captivating art, live music performances, and opportunities to connect with fellow art enthusiasts.

Visit https://www.sanjose.org/things-to-do/visual-arts for a full list of galleries and events.


The Mountain Winery is a beloved spot for wine tasting, offering breathtaking views from its perch atop a mountain overlooking the stunning Santa Clara Valley. Beyond its exquisite wines, it serves as a premier venue for concerts and events, welcoming legendary artists such as James Taylor, Steely Dan, Diana Krall, Stevie Wonder, and Willie Nelson.

Check out their events calendar to see what's coming up!



TOP 20 WINERIES IN THE AREA:



Many wineries in the area likely feature free live music and outdoor events—check out their websites for details!

The experience of great wine, lively performances, and stunning scenery extends beyond San Jose to our neighboring cities of Santa Cruz, Santa Clara, Morgan Hill, and Gilroy. We’re truly spoiled!



  • DINING



San Jose is a food lover’s paradise, offering an incredible variety of global cuisines. As one of the most diverse cities in the U.S., ranking #8, ahead of San Francisco at #11, it’s no surprise that you can find nearly any type of dish here.

Start your culinary adventure in Japantown at Banana Crepe, or experience the interactive fun of cooking your own Korean hot pot at Q-Pot. For a taste of Michelin-starred excellence, visit Adega, San Jose’s first Michelin-recognized Portuguese eatery. Looking for dinner with entertainment? Cafe Stritch offers fantastic jazz performances to accompany your meal.

Downtown’s San Pedro Square Market is a bustling, late-night food hall perfect for casual dining or a quick bite. With over 25 restaurants spread across a five-block area, there’s always something delicious to try.

Did you know San Jose has the largest Vietnamese community outside of Vietnam? That cultural richness is celebrated in Little Saigon, where traditional Vietnamese flavors blend with modern American influences. Pho soup and Banh Mi are must-try staples in this vibrant neighborhood.

For a mix of casual and gourmet experiences, Santana Row is the city’s top spot for dining and shopping. This open-air destination features 20+ restaurants and bars, many with patio seating, perfect for soaking up the sunshine and enjoying some people-watching. Indulge in dim sum at Sino, Southeast Asian fusion at Straits, or classic Italian at Maggiano’s. For a taste of Paris, Left Bank Brasserie offers authentic French cuisine with a rotating seasonal menu, while LB Steak delivers a refined, elegant dining experience.

No matter what you’re craving, San Jose’s diverse culinary scene has something to satisfy every palate.


Other areas to explore are Los Gatos, Santa Clara, & Campbell.






  • TRAVEL + TOURISM


TRAVEL + TOURISM


SHORT ON TIME? DON’T MISS THESE:

WINCHESTER MYSTERY HOUSE 

SANTANA ROW 

THE TECH MUSEUM OF INNOVATION 

ROSICRUCIAN EGYPTIAN MUSEUM 

SAN JOSE MUSEUM OF ART 

SAN PEDRO SQUARE MARKET 

ROSE GARDEN NEIGHBORHOOD 

CHILDREN’S DISCOVERY MUSEUM 

CATHEDRAL BASILICA OF ST. JOSEPH 

HISTORIC JAPANTOWN


TECHNOLOGY & EDUCATION TOURS:

APPLE PARK VISITOR CENTER

COMPUTER HISTORY MUSEUM

INTEL MUSEUM

NASA AMES EXPLORATION CENTER

STANFORD UNIVERSITY


AIRPORTS:

SAN JOSE

SAN FRANCISCO

OAKLAND 






  • PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

PUBLIC 

TRANSPORTATION


San Jose boasts a well-connected public transportation system, making travel throughout the South Bay convenient and accessible. The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) is the primary provider of bus and light-rail services, offering efficient routes across the city and neighboring communities. Additionally, Caltrain operates rail service through parts of Santa Clara County, providing a seamless connection to cities along the Peninsula.

For comprehensive details on VTA bus and light rail routes, fares, and schedules, visit or simply dial 511 from any phone in the Bay Area. The VTA Customer Service Center, located at Santa Clara & First Streets in Downtown San Jose, is open weekdays from 9 AM to 6 PM to assist passengers with inquiries.

Travelers looking for regional connections can access Amtrak, Thruway buses, and Altamont Corridor Express (ACE) trains at Diridon Station, offering transit options to various destinations across California.

For BART access, riders can take Route 181 on weekdays or Route 180 at other times from Diridon Station or downtown San Jose to Fremont Station, where frequent BART service provides transportation to Oakland, Berkeley, San Francisco, and beyond.

Whether commuting, exploring, or heading out for a weekend getaway, San Jose's transit network provides efficient travel options to keep you connected.


  • SCHOOLS



SCHOOLS


San Jose Unified School District employs over 3,000 full-time staff members, dedicated to educating approximately 30,000 students across 41 schools. Spanning from Downtown San Jose in the north to Almaden Valley in the south, the district plays a vital role in shaping the local community’s education landscape.


Call: 408-535-6000

Email: info@sjusd.org


The Santa Clara Unified School District serves 14,451 students across multiple communities, including Santa Clara, the Alviso neighborhood of San Jose, and parts of Sunnyvale. The district operates a total of 16 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, 3 high schools, and one K-12 school, providing a diverse and comprehensive educational experience for students of all grade levels.


Call: 408-423-2000

Email: communications@scusd.net

Explore a comprehensive list of public and private schools, along with their rankings and ratings—just click the link below! 

CLICK HERE


  • REAL ESTATE


REAL ESTATE


Contact Us Or Click Here For A List Of San Jose Homes For Sale

Abitano is a proud, active community leader. For every house sold, we donate a bike to a child in need. 

Hosting community events regularly, with us, you have an inside guide to the area and what is

going on currently. 




  • SERVICES


SERVICES


Update Your Mailing Address Here


If you're relocating to California from another state, you have 10 days from your move-in date to update your driver’s license and vehicle registration. Both processes must be completed at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), but to save time, you can schedule an appointment online.


Appliance & Repair Services:

Appliance Repair Gurus

Fuse HVAC & Appliance Repair


Plumbing Services:

San Jose Drain and Main

Capitol Plumbing & Hydro-Jetting Service


Cleaning Services:

InstaMaids

Silicon Valley House Cleaning


Remodeling Services:

Wise Builders

Done Right Home Remodeling


Landscaping/Demolition/Junk Removal:

Applewood Landscaping

Frank’s Yard Clean Up




  • MOVING AND STORAGE

MOVING AND STORAGE


TOP INTERSTATE MOVING COMPANIES:

BEST INTERSTATE MOVING & STORAGE

INTERNATIONAL VAN LINES

ALLIED VAN LINES

NORTH AMERICAN VAN LINES

UNITED VAN LINES



TOP STORAGE COMPANIES:

EXTRA SPACE STORAGE

PUBLIC STORAGE

U-HAUL

CUBESMART



CONTACT US TO SET UP MOVING AND STORAGE FOR YOU VIA OUR PERSONAL AND TRUSTED CONTACTS.







  • SHORT-TERM HOUSING

SHORT TERM 

HOUSING






Not ready to commit to buying just yet? Here are some great places to stay in the meantime:


SAN JOSE EXECUTIVE HOUSING

Furnished apartment building / (408) 677-5106


STUDIOS INN

2-star hotel / (866) 333-7733


BLU CORPORATE HOUSING Short-term rental agency / (855) 997-0406


OAKWOOD SAN JOSE

Furnished apartments / (602) 427-2752


EXTENDED STAY

Hotel suites / (408) 573-0648


SHORT-TERM HOUSING

Fully furnished short-term housing / (888) 798-3041


FURNISHED FINDER

Furnished housing / (661) 489-5907


  • APARTMENTS & RENTALS
  • INSURANCE  AND SERVICES

INSURANCE 

SERVICES





Rose Mary Nunes State Farm 

408-532-6680 / rosie@rosenunes.com


Allstate Insurance

Liberty Mutual

Progressive

Covered

Covered California

eHealth


*Tips*:

  • The average homeowners insurance rate in California is $618, with costs ranging from $446 at the lowest to $806 at the highest.

  • If you bundle your renter’s insurance with your auto insurance through the same provider, you may qualify for premium discounts on both policies.






  • MORTGAGE LOANS

MORTGAGE LOANS



Do you qualify for a mortgage at current interest rates?


Here are the requirements for several types of loans:

Get preapproved for a mortgage before you start shopping around!


Contact Scott Hill Hill Mortgage

925 570-0752 / Scott@scotthillteam.com


Contact Hector Ramirez, CCM Mortgage

408-841-6630 / hector@hectorramirez.com



  • HOME BUILDERS






Building a new home is one of the biggest investments you'll ever make, so it's essential to get everything right from the start.


Management is key.


Step-By-Step Guide


Reputable Companies:

Pulte Homes

Toll Brothers

D.R. Horton


Abitano is a community-driven real estate company, dedicated to providing expert guidance for home buyers and sellers while actively contributing to the vibrancy of South San Jose.

Stay connected by joining our Facebook page, where you can explore upcoming events and opportunities, and be part of our growing community. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for weekly videos packed with insights and updates.

Contact us today to learn more!

Contact
www.abitano.com
408.479.2427
Community@Abitano.com


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