Life in San Jose Overview

San Jose, California’s third-largest city, is home to 969,655 residents spread across 219 distinct neighborhoods. As the largest city in the Bay Area and the heart of Silicon Valley, San Jose has evolved from a Spanish pueblo into a globally recognized tech hub—where innovation, culture, and community intersect.

The city is known for its extremely high real estate values, consistently ranking among the most expensive housing markets in the U.S. But what sets San Jose apart is the opportunity it offers. The region has a deep talent pool in tech and science, with more people working in computers and math than 95% of U.S. communities.

A growing share of the workforce also works remotely 16.3% of residents telecommute, well above the national average. These are typically white-collar professionals in knowledge-based industries, startups, and tech, many of whom are drawn to San Jose’s combination of urban amenities and active outdoor living.

San Jose is also a magnet for young, educated professionals, especially those in their 20s and 30s. With 46.02% of adults holding at least a bachelor’s degree, the city far exceeds the national average of 21.84%. This has helped create vibrant, social neighborhoods that cater to career starters and creatives alike.

In 2022, San Jose reported a per capita income of $59,913, placing it in the upper-middle-income bracket for California and the U.S. That equates to an annual income of $239,652 for a family of four. Like many major metro areas, the city includes both very affluent and lower-income households, adding to its socioeconomic diversity.

San Jose’s cultural makeup is one of its defining features. Residents identify as 35% Asian, 32% Hispanic, 26% White, and 3% Black. The primary language spoken is English, followed by Spanish and Vietnamese, highlighting San Jose’s international feel. From students and creatives downtown to families in tree-lined neighborhoods like Willow Glen and Cambrian, San Jose has a diverse, inclusive environment that you can call home.