Apartments for Rent in San Jose, CA(7,745 Rentals)

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San Jose, CA Local Guide

Photo of Justin Habersaat - Editing Staff
Written By:
Justin Habersaat
Editing Staff

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San Jose Overview

Many people have been flocking to California Bay Area’s biggest city for the past 50 years and it only takes a moment to see all the reasons why. Nestled in the middle of Silicon Valley, the booming Tech Industry calls this area home, the sun shines over 250 days a year, and the beauty of all of California’s diverse landscapes are all within a few hours’ drive. Its residents are highly educated and culturally diverse and the city offers many opportunities for them to get out of their San Jose apartments and meet your neighbors from annual festivals to enjoying a day at the 170 acre Kelley Park. If you prefer not to drive, the Downtown area caters to those who would rather walk, bike, or ride the train or bus.

What is the history of San Jose?

San Jose was established almost 75 years before it became an official city of the United States in 1777 by the Spanish Empire. It is the second oldest incorporated city in California after Sacramento, its capitol. The economy was mainly industrial until World War II when it became a major supplier of military weaponry. Soon after, IBM Corporation established its west coast headquarters here and so began the major growth into the now booming technology industry. Many other companies started to relocate over the years due to the designation of Silicon Valley, and by 1990, the city had become the biggest in the Bay Area (over San Francisco) for the first time in history and currently houses over 1 million people.

How is the weather in San Jose?

San Jose is a refuge for those who prefer to avoid the snow as well as excessive heat. Living here, you will experience mild conditions in all seasons with summer temperatures averaging around 85 degrees and winters bottoming out at only the mid-40s with over 250 days of sun a year!

How do I get around town?

Spanning over 180 square miles, it’s highly advisable to own a car in San Jose. However, the city does provide several forms of public transportation including buses and trains run by the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (or VTA) and Caltrain. Finding apartments in San Jose near these stops and stations may be required, or you can join the growing number of multi-modal commuters who bike to the closest station and either bring their bikes on-board or strap them to the front of the vehicle. In the past 4 years, the city has also made it their priority to create “the most pedestrian and bike-friendly” downtown area in the Bay Area. Possibly the most convenient aspect of San Jose is the Norman Y. Mineta San José International Airport, which is located in the center of the city.

What is the San Jose commute like?

There is good news and there is bad news for those electing to drive in San Jose. The good news is that you will have several major freeways to choose from. “The 101” is California’s main north-south highway and passes through the entire length of the city right down the middle. The 280 / 680 is the horseshoe-shaped interstate that covers most of the northern portion of San Jose. The 880 crosses the 101 going northeast and southwest, eventually reaching the Pacific Ocean. Also, traffic patterns are highly predictable and consistent. The bad news is that that traffic is bad at peak rush hour. If you can manage a schedule to avoid this hazard or find apartments in San Jose that avoid them altogether, this should not put too much of a cramp on your lifestyle.

What are the local media outlets?

"The Mercury News is San Jose’s only local newspaper with a circulation of over 700,000. Radio shares the airwaves with San Francisco, with the notable stations being: KREV 92.7 “The Revolution"" , KYLD 94.9 ""Wild 94.9"" for Hip Hop, KRTY 95.3 ""The Bay Area's HOT Country"" and KQED 88.5 - Public Radio. "

Why live in San Jose, CA?

San Jose is known for being at the leading edge of technology when the tech industry is in its Golden Age. Business is booming and the economy is growing so well that the city has dubbed itself the “Capital of Opportunity”. Young professionals will feel at home here with almost 40% of the population being between the ages of 20 and 40. And with a wide variety of options for homes and apartments in San Jose, finding the perfect place is a cinch.

What San Jose landmarks should I see?

The most popular and unique landmark by far is the Winchester Mystery House. This “house” is a 4-story mansion that was originally bought and purchased in 1884 by a wealthy widow and the myth states she built it as a place to house the ghosts of her lost loved ones. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, this Mystery House is a sight to see with over 20,000 gallons of paint required to give the house its unique blend of bright colors. It has over 160 rooms, 47 fireplaces, and 10,000 panes of glass. San Jose’s version of Central Park is a 172-acre green space called Kelley Park located just south of San Jose State University in the heart of downtown. Like board games, but enjoy being outside even more? You’re in luck as the city also claims the world’s largest Monopoly board of 30 square feet in Guadalupe River Park.

What is there to do around San Jose?

A major draw to the area is the variety of activities available to residents. If you’re a hockey fan, you can head over to “The Shark Tank” and cheer on your new hometown team the San Jose Sharks (or against them when your team is in town). Popular among locals is the San Jose Flea Market, open every Wednesday, Friday, and Weekends featuring over 1500 vendors and is easily accessible from train or car. Speaking of shopping… and fresh food, the San Pedro Square Farmer’s Market is open to the public every weekend from May to November offering fresh, organic food from over 30 local growers. For the nightlife, the most popular bars and clubs include SoFA, Paper Plane, and 55 South for the “hipper” crowd. The best news is this all located in the center of town, making it accessible from anywhere in the city!

Any annual festivals or San Jose events to know?

Leave it up to San Jose to combine its two favorite things into a series of festivals. Food and technology have combined to create the Taco Festival of Innovation, Electronic Sriracha Festival, and the Bacon Festival of America all presented by Moveable Feast. Basically, the deal is that musicians and contemporary food trucks all converge at Plaza De Cesar Chavez near the city’s Tech Museum of Innovation once a year to offer all the combinations of food and music you could imagine. Cinco de Mayo and the Chinese New Year also bring in large crowds annually to celebrate the holidays in grandeur.

Where are the nearby vacation spots?

This is middle California at its finest and finding great day trip vacation spots to get out of your San Jose apartments and enjoy is easy here. There are numerous state and national parks surrounding the area with many mountain hiking and skiing trails to choose from. The Pacific Coast is within an hour’s drive of downtown, and if you’re feeling lucky, you can take a short flight or scenic drive to Las Vegas or its baby sister city Reno.

Where is the best place to move in San Jose?

If you’re young and single and ready to mingle, the best San Jose apartments will be located in the city’s Downtown district. It is the center of all the action and although a bit pricier, the need for a car may significantly decrease as most of your necessities will be within walking (or biking!) distance. Many of the city’s public transportation stops also serve this area and make commuting a breeze. For those who are looking to settle down into something a little more calm and private, or looking for a safe place for their families, the Willow Glen neighborhood southwest of Downtown offers a mix of that quiet, close-knit community feel at a distance that won’t significantly impact your commute.

Founded in 1777, the city of San Jose's apartments offer close proximity to an enticing combination of history, scenic beauty and thriving nightlife.

California is known as the land of sunshine for good reason, and apartments in San Jose have much to offer prospective residents. Let us assist you in connecting with the ultimate San Jose apartment, easing your search through a combination of amenities, leasing options and locations.

From historic hot spots such as the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum and the San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles,to the exotic fare of the Japanese Farmers Market, life in San Jose, CA is far from ordinary.Head over to A Perfect Finish for an innovative wine tasting, or grab a candle lit dinner at one of the many critically-applauded restaurants that line the downtown area.

Regardless of whether you are a lifelong California resident or someone completely new to the area, this city has something special in store for you. Search from our huge assortment of San Jose apartment listings today, we're confident the perfect place is out there waiting for you!

San Jose, CA
Population: 1,030,119

Ranked #10

in US Census Population by City

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Pet Friendly Lifestyle
San Jose, CA

Ranked #20

Among cities in California for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities

Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score

3.5
Pet Friendly

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Remember the 3 Rules of Real Estate:
Location, Location, Location!

Explore San Jose, CA Rentals by Map

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Getting Around San Jose, CA

Walk Score®

68 / 100

Somewhat Walkable

Some errands can be accomplished on foot

Bike Score®

73 / 100

Very Bikeable

Biking is convenient for most trips

Transit Score®

48 / 100

Some Transit

A few nearby public transportation options

Frequently Asked Questions about San Jose

How much are Studio apartments in San Jose?

There are currently 524 Studio Apartments in San Jose with rent ranges from $1,250 to $159,500 with an average price of $3,175.

What is the current price range for One Bedroom San Jose Apartments for rent?

Today's rental pricing for One Bedroom Apartments in San Jose ranges from $1,150 to $14,563 with an average monthly rent of $3,283.

What does renting a Two Bedroom Apartment in San Jose cost?

The monthly rent prices of Two Bedroom Apartments currently available in San Jose range from $756 to $17,370. Today's average rental price for Two Bedrooms here is $4,117.

How expensive are San Jose Three Bedroom Apartments?

There are currently 1,501 Three Bedroom Apartments listings available in San Jose on ApartmentHomeLiving.com. The pricing ranges from $1,040 to $12,750 - averaging $4,418 for the location.

Expert Rental Resources

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