Seeking family friendly, unpretentious neighborhoods (San Jose, Sunnyvale: spring break, renting, condo)

[westcoastbestcoast]

Hello, we are currently living in Northern Virginia but originally hail from the West Coast. Husband was born and raised in Sunnyvale. It's been 10 years since we've moved away and are wanting to be close to family and live in the California climate again. We have 2 young boys and are seeking a safe, family friendly area of San Jose with an unpretentious and down to earth vibe. Our current area is very keeping up with the Jones' and not our preferred environment. So far we are looking at Willow Glen and Cambrian. We are visiting the area at the end of March and would love to gather some areas to drive around and feel out!
Thank you!

[StandingRoomOnly]

What is your rent/purchasing budget? Great schools a must or going the private school route? Job offer(s) already and where will the job(s) be located?

[westcoastbestcoast]

We're going the public school route. No job offers as of yet, but husband might be working remotely from his current company. Our number one priority is a family friendly, safe neighborhood with a great school system. Husband currently has a 1 hour commute, so something equal to that or less is desirable.

We're visiting family for Spring Break and just thought we'd get a jump start at looking at possible areas for our family to live. Budget is around 600,000.

Thanks!

[roadwarrior101]

Not sure how many neighborhoods in SJ meet all of your criteria, including the housing price AND great schools. Almaden Valley and West SJ have good schools, but I know Almaden is a lot more pricey. You may be able to find something in West SJ for a little over your budget, but I doubt you'll be happy with what you can get for that price. Most of the other SJ neighborhoods have terrible schools, so I wouldn't advise Willow Glen. Also, I don't think you're going to get anything decent for your budget in Sunnyvale or any of the other West Valley cities.

You may have to move out of the SJ area...perhaps Pleasanton or San Ramon would fit the bill? You can probably get something nice in your price range up there and the schools are very good. The commute won't be great, but you can get to the valley in an hour or less.

[westcoastbestcoast]

Thanks! We may add San Ramon to the list!

[StandingRoomOnly]

What size house/number of bedrooms is a must for you? You may be able to find a 2 bedroom house for 600k in willow glen, but hard pressed to find much bigger in that price range in the better neighborhoods...and also have to be careful where you live in willow glen as there are good schools and not so great schools. Booksin elementary was considered a great elementary school when I worked for sjusd about 7 years ago. Prices are just starting to climb again, along with people putting in multiple offers so don't rule out renting until you get a better feel for the area and nearby communities.

Almaden is the go-to neighborhood for most families looking for great schools in San Jose, but 600k will get you a 3 bedroom condo there, assuming the multiple offers don't drive it up 50k over listing :P

[westcoastbestcoast]

Thanks so much for the information! We aren't opposed to a smaller home or townhouse to be in a great area! We are actually hoping to move to a walkable area, like Willow Glen seems to offer. Farmer's markets on the weekend, etc. Schools don't have to be the best, just good

[Old Army Soldier]

Originally Posted by westcoastbestcoast

Thanks so much for the information! We aren't opposed to a smaller home or townhouse to be in a great area! We are actually hoping to move to a walkable area, like Willow Glen seems to offer. Farmer's markets on the weekend, etc. Schools don't have to be the best, just good

You will love the Willow Glen area. I've been here for 16 years and believe me, there are plenty of places to walk. Also does your husband and boys like to fish? There are some real good areas to do that and its not a long commute either. The community farmers market on Lincoln Ave is not to be missed. Unfortunately it opens May 1st. Here is a link for information on Willow Glen.

Willow Glen Community Farmers' Market | Downtown Willow Glen (San Jose, CA)

[OrangeSunset]

Since your husband might be working from home, check out Livermore! It is super family friendly and just about affordable for your budget. The schools are great and there are lots of parks and activities for the family. People are super nice and friendly. It is laid back and there are gorgeous views of the mountains/vineyards and lots of open space. The downtown is quaint with lots of mom/pop shops and local restaurants. There are also over 40 wineries in Livermore

If you decide to live near downtown you will be within walking distance of wineries, hiking trails and shops/restaurants.

Livermore Web - Visitors

Livermore Area Recreation and Park District

[Wintermomma]

Commute is so important to quality of life here. I would really narrow down the area which he will be working (or that he will in fact be working from home) before deciding.

Also check www.crimereports.com (be sure to play around with the filters) and www.greatschools.net to help decide.