A Local Expert's Guide to the Top 10 Best Affordable Neighborhoods for Renters in San Jose

If you’ve spent much time in San Jose, you’ve likely heard it referred to as “the capital of Silicon Valley” a time or two, and with good reason. San Jose has it all when it comes to the modern California lifestyle and then some. It’s also decently affordable, especially compared to other major cities and cultural hubs like San Francisco.

Residents enjoy access to an amazing job market, especially within the tech industry. Creatives and remote workers are plentiful here. And whether you’re into arts and culture or sports and socializing, there’s always something to do here when you have a little spare time on your hands. Best of all, you get to do it while enjoying San Jose’s abundant California sunshine and mild year-round climate.

But what’s the experience of living in San Jose really like? Which neighborhoods are the best fits for someone looking for affordable housing that truly suits them? I’m Shannon, your ApartmentHomeLiving.com Local Expert for San Jose, and I’m here to introduce you to some of my favorite affordable neighborhoods in the city.

Santee

If you love the idea of living in a small, diverse neighborhood with an open, sunny feel to it, then Santee is a solid option to take a closer look at. Located just outside of East San Jose, Santee is well-known for its budget-friendly housing options and friendly, likeable people. This is the type of place where locals still stop and chat with one another when the mood strikes.

This neighborhood is also very walkable with easy access to all the daily essentials, making it a great place for families and singles looking to connect to a vibrant, living community. And a quiet stroll through Santee that involves ducking in and out of its many locally-owned shops and cafes all afternoon is one of the most delightful ways to spend a Saturday that I can think of.

Silver Creek

If a life well-lived means plenty of time spent enjoying the outdoors in your book, then definitely check out the available housing options in Silver Creek. Silver Creek is best described as idyllic and picturesque, with plenty of inviting outdoor spaces and gorgeous views to enjoy. It’s an awesome place to live if you enjoy being among other outdoor enthusiasts, early retirees, and families who love staying active as much as you do.

Take a stroll along peaceful Silver Creek Trail some afternoon while having a think, or enjoy championship-level golfing at the Silver Creek Country Club. There are plenty of pretty little spots to partake in a picnic or get in some reading, too. And best of all, Silver Creek is just a few miles away from downtown San Jose – perfect for commuting or days you’re in the mood for a different vibe.

Los Gatos

Los Gatos is one of the oldest communities in all of Santa Clara County, making it a great place for culture and history lovers to put down a few roots, permanent or otherwise. It’s also ideal for people looking for someplace cost-conscious that beautifully blends the local charm of a smaller community with easy access to modern amenities. (Writers, creatives, and remote workers of all types love it here for that reason!)

Los Gatos is part of a comprehensive transportation network in the area, so it’s well-connected to multiple other cities within Silicon Valley, as well as the Mineta International Airport. It’s also home to quite a few of San Jose’s most notable landmarks, so it’s well worth having a good look. (My personal favorite is the Winchester Mystery House, because who doesn’t love a good ghost story followed by a stroll through a magnificent garden.)

Pinehurst

Situated comfortably in South San Jose and just west of Communications Hill, Pinehurst is quiet with a distinctly suburban feel to it. It’s an especially solid neighborhood to explore if you’re interested in a duplex or a well-kept multi-family complex. The vibe here is mellow and tranquil, with residents that range from second-generation families to everyday commuters to retirees.

Pinehurst is just a short, enjoyable drive from popular spots like Oakridge Mall and Almaden Park. (Miner Park is also right nearby.) Pinehurst is VTA light rail-accessible, as well, making it a solid option for public transportation users.

McKinley

If you like the idea of living in an affordable neighborhood with more of a blue-collar vibe going on, McKinley just might be the right pick for you. This is an area with strong working-class roots – tight-knit and populated by residents like young couples, growing families, and multiple types of blue-collar professionals. McKinley Elementary and Five Wounds Church are nearby points of pride.

This is also another neighborhood that’s quite walkable. Charming local spots like community gardens, mom-and-pop eateries with amazing food, and multiple cultural centers are just an afternoon stroll away. And downtown is just a short 7-minute drive away, making McKinley a great place to live for commuters and those who like knowing a wealth of additional resources are just a few minutes away.

Heritage

Best described as a cozy, eclectic little pocket within San Jose’s larger Blossom Valley neighborhood, Heritage is a diverse community filled with hard-working commuters and middle-class families. Housing options are comparatively affordable and include many townhouse developments and small apartments.

Do you have anyone in the family who’s still in high school (or will be soon)? Heritage is quite close to Oak Grove High School. It also has easy freeway access and is located near multiple amenities. Spend the day exploring one of the area’s many shopping plazas, or sample some of the local cuisine. Heritage is an especially solid place to grab some incredible Mexican or Asian food, so definitely add that to your San Jose to-do list.

Evergreen

Evergreen is a large but affordable corner of beautiful San Jose with a lot of different things to offer an eager resident. If you’re interested in renting a townhome or an older apartment, take a look at what’s available near the community center, as well as Evergreen Valley College. You’ll find some charming student-friendly options there.

Evergreen is also home to some incredible cultural touchpoints, including Gurdwara Sahib, a beautiful Sikh temple that’s one of the largest in North America. The neighborhood hosts frequent community events, so it’s a terrific place to get out and about while meeting the locals.

Raging Waters is here – perfect for enjoying some unforgettable summer fun. And if horseback riding’s your thing? You’ve got Joseph D. Grant County Park nearby. In other words, Evergreen is just a serious good time and a wonderful place to set up your home base.

Mayfair North

Mayfair North has one of the strongest cultural identities of any San Jose neighborhood, as it was historically significant for the Chicano movement. It remains a place that positively vibrates with local color and energy, with a largely Hispanic population. (San Jose’s Pacific Islander and Asian populations are also well represented here.)

This neighborhood is also highly walkable with terrific VTA and bus access, making it a wonderful place to live if you like getting around on foot. Downtown San Jose is a mere ten minutes away. Cesar Chavez Elementary School and the Mayfair Community Center are here, as is the Cesar Chavez Memorial Walkway and Five Wounds Trail.

I personally recommend keeping an eye on Mexican Heritage Plaza, if you do find yourself in or near the neighborhood, as they host multiple events throughout the year.

Bonita 24th

Often referred to by locals as 24th Street or simple Bonita, Bonita 24th is actually part of San Jose’s larger Mayfair region. It’s a developing neighborhood currently undergoing a fascinating revitalization process, so a good dose of gritty character still remains. It’s also full of wallet-friendly places to live, including duplexes and small family homes. Working-class families and recent immigrants make up a lot of the population here.

Bonita 24th is home to some truly fantastic parks, including Bonita Park. You’re also just a hop, skip, and a jump away from nearby attractions like the Imaginarium 360, Happy Hollow Park and Zoo, and the Japanese Friendship Garden. And don’t sleep on all the little local taquerias here! They’re incredible places to grab a quick, affordable bite.

El Rancho Verde

El Rancho Verde is a great neighborhood to check out if you picture yourself living in an affordable apartment complex with plenty of amenities. El Rancho Verde Apartments is one very notable example, as it offers residents access to basketball courts, fitness centers, pools, and more – perfect if you’re looking for easy, on-site access to some fantastic resources.

This neighborhood is home to renters of all ages, including students, as well as many multilingual households and families. And it’s urban-adjacent, so you’ll have easy access to all the advantages city life brings to the table. Looking for a nourishing way to spend a free afternoon? Explore one of the area’s many parks and green spaces for some sun and fresh air.