Outdoor enthusiasts will love San Jose, California. It’s a base for exploring the Diablo Range and Santa Cruz Mountains, and isn’t too far away from the Pacific Ocean. Founded in 1777, the city now covers 181.4 square miles. Its median age is 37.1 (2022), and its proximity to other tech companies' headquarters in Silicon Valley, including Google in Mountain View and Apple in Cupertino, cements San Jose’s position in the tech hub.

San Jose isn’t all about tech, however. Its annual events cover various subjects, as seen in the San Jose Jazz Winter Fest, San Jose Bark in the Park, and Christmas in the Park. Residential areas feature homes in Neoclassical Cottage, Colonial Revival and Dutch Colonial Revival styles. The average home price here is $1,385,280, reflecting a 7% increase over the past year (Zillow, 2022). Students and singles often live downtown, while families and older citizens gravitate toward the tree-lined streets of Willow Glen and suburban areas like Cambrian or Blossom Valley.

The area is served by major roadways that include I-280, which runs through Cupertino, I-880 which heads north to Oakland, I-680, which serves the city’s northeast, and U.S. 101, which runs south to Los Angeles.

It’s hard to look around San Jose and not notice cultural diversity and an innovative spirit, all enjoyed in a mild and sunny climate.