Beyond Campus: Finding Your Perfect San Jose Apartment in the Perfect Student Friendly Neighborhood

Sunny San Jose is so much more than just an incredible place to go to school, get an education, and prepare for the next chapter of your life. It also provides a vibrant backdrop for a picture-perfect collegiate lifestyle, as it brings a little bit of everything to the table.

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You’ve got an energetic downtown to explore, juxtaposed with plenty of hidden coffeehouse gems and quirky local landmarks you’ll love discovering. (Winchester Mystery House for the win!) Plus, the quiet suburbs are just a quick light rail ride away, so eager students truly have their pick of environments when deciding where to live or spend their free time. No matter who you are and what you’re into, San Jose has something special to offer you.

I'm Shannon, your ApartmentHomeLiving.com Local Expert for San Jose, California. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll introduce you to some incredible local schools to take a closer look at, in case you’re still deciding where you’d actually like to study. I’ll also cover a few neighborhoods near each that would make amazing places for students to look for an apartment or other rental. Let’s dive in and get started!

San Jose State University

If you’d love to study right in the beating heart of downtown San Jose, then you need to consider enrolling at San Jose State University (SJSU). SJSU is famous for its top-tier programs in business, the arts, and modern engineering – perfect for anyone looking to break into those fields.

This is also a very diverse campus, filled with students who positively thrive on everything urban environments have to offer. Plus, the fact that you’re already downtown means you’re just a few steps away from multiple museums, coffee shops, music venues, and next-level taquerias.

Public transportation access near San Jose State University is also robust and effortless, so getting around without a car is never a problem.

Downtown San Jose

One of the best parts of living downtown as an SJSU student is the nearly nonexistent commute. So, if you want to be able to roll out of bed and walk into your first class of the day within ten minutes, this is the place to look for an apartment.

A downtown home base also means easy access to the very best of what San Jose has to offer, including comfortable little study nooks like Academic Coffee and cultural locations like the San Jose Museum of Art. The city has a really fun, vibrant nightlife to look forward to, as well – just right for students who love to balance serious study time with classic city excitement.

Japantown

If you see yourself living someplace a little quieter and more community-oriented than downtown proper, you might really love living in Japantown. It’s just a short bike ride away from campus, so it’s got the proximity advantage going for it.

It’s also one of America’s last remaining historic Japantowns, so you’ll be steeped in culture and rich experience the entire time you’re there. Set aside a weekend sometime to check out the neighborhood’s art galleries. Then grab a bite at one of the local sushi spots or ramen houses. You won’t be sorry!

Naglee Park

Looking for a place to put down some college roots that feels classically residential? Naglee Park is green, leafy, beautiful, and situated just east of SJSU. Naglee Park residents are proud of their neighborhood, and it’s not hard to see why.

It’s filled with historic homes and charming, tree-lined streets. Try walking to class when the weather’s nice or you’re in the mood for a little fresh air. It makes for a very peaceful way to start and end your day, especially when you really need a break from the hustle and bustle of downtown.

San Jose City College

Located in West San Jose, San Jose City College (SJCC) is a great place to have your college experience if you prefer a scaled-down experience. SJCC is affordable, with plenty of financial options available to assist with funding. Students also benefit from smaller class sizes, more hands-on attention from instructors, and an expansive selection of student services.

SJCC is noteworthy for its supportive community and seamless transfer programs. Students can easily start their education here and transfer their credits to a four-year university later on if they’d like to earn a bachelor’s degree. And you’re just a quick jaunt away from public transit at any given time, as well as plenty of dining options and fun places to shop.

Willow Glen

If you like the idea of living somewhere with a really nice “small town within a city” feel, take a closer look at Willow Glen as an option for great apartments near San Jose City College. It’s a lot quieter than downtown proper, but it’s still energetic enough to keep life interesting and give you plenty to explore.

Start with a stroll down Lincoln Avenue, some afternoon. Spend it ducking in and out of all the different boutiques, bookstores, and cafés without too much of an agenda. There’s always something to discover here or to get a little curious about.

Rose Garden

Historic Rose Garden is easily one of my favorite little neighborhoods to visit in San Jose because of its namesake. I’ve been coming to the Municipal Rose Garden here for years during the spring and summer to see (and smell) the thousands of different roses that bloom here. I find it nearly impossible to feel stressed out here, so it’s a must-see for students under pressure.

Rose Garden is also home to lots of quirky little bungalows and cozy apartments that are just right for a student’s needs. And the neighborhood itself truly lives up to its name. It’s peaceful, beautiful, and quietly elegant in a unique way that will make you glad you moved in.

Burbank

Burbank is located right next to the San Jose City College campus, so it’s definitely a neighborhood to look at if you’re looking for maximum convenience. It’s within easy walking distance of not only the campus but also lots of different shops and casual dining options – plenty of places to spend a free period or a lunch hour.

The neighborhood itself is eclectic, with a nice blend of older residences and small businesses, plus plenty of affordable apartments. Practical, straightforward, and easily walkable – everything SJCC students are looking for.

Santa Clara University

Santa Clara University (SCU) is a private university famous for its gorgeous architecture and strong academic programs. It’s also in a prime location for students interested in pursuing Silicon Valley internships, jobs, and general opportunities.

Small class sizes facilitate intimate learning experiences and strong student-faculty connections, as well as impressively high retention and graduation rates. And the SCU student body is highly diverse and active, making it a wonderful school for folks who look forward to making new connections and expanding their horizons.

SCU is a Jesuit school, specializing in offering students an education that underscores the care of the whole person. It’s centrally located near multiple fun hangouts and places to explore, as well.

North San Jose

Many SCU students are balancing full school schedules with nearby tech internships (or plan to) and need apartments near Santa Clara University that make it easy to balance both. North San Jose offers plenty of commuter benefits, including easy access to public transport and highways. However, it’s much quieter than downtown, so logging plenty of focused study time won’t be a problem.

Housing options are diverse and family-friendly, so whether you have your heart set on an expensive apartment of your own or are planning on renting a house with friends, you’re covered. North San Jose is also steadily growing as a neighborhood, so expect a variety of dining and shopping options.

And when it’s time for recreation? Don’t sleep on the area’s beautiful natural areas. I personally really love walking the trails at Alviso Marina and maybe lowering my blood pressure with a little birdwatching.

Santana Row

Style, activity, and plenty of beauty to enjoy – just a few of the perks you can expect if you decide to move to Santana Row. It’s pricier than some of your other options. (Think luxury apartments, trendy eateries, and high-end boutiques.) But there are still students who love the lifestyle advantages of living here, especially those who like to take in a little excitement after class is out for the day.

The mall at nearby Westfield Valley Fair is an especially popular place to unwind or hang out after school or on the weekends. Amble on over sometime for some excellent shopping and lots of options to nosh on.

Midtown San Jose

Midtown is situated directly southeast of SCU. It’s also a rapidly growing area of San Jose that’s currently in transition, so it’s an interesting place to live for sure. Expect an even mixture of older homes that have been around a while and newer apartment complexes that are absolutely perfect for students.

SCU students who pick Midtown as a place to settle while they study love the proximity to campus, but the vibe here is pretty sweet, as well. It’s got a really cool, artsy, youthful feel to it, thanks to its abundance of breweries, coffee houses, and music venues.

Evergreen Valley College

Evergreen Valley College (EVC) is another San Jose school option with a strategic Silicon Valley location. Students often begin their education here while taking advantage of nearby internship opportunities, and then transfer to a four-year university of their choice later.

Additional career-focused opportunities are available through the work experience program. EVC students also have potential access to financial support through scholarships, grants, and similar perks.

The campus itself really lives up to its name, with a serene atmosphere surrounded by beautiful, rolling hills. Strong community roots and a quiet suburban vibe make EVC an ideal place to go to school for those who like their opportunities blended with restorative vibes and genuinely nice people.

Evergreen

Picture coming home after class to a neighborhood that’s serene, relaxed, and feels like a suburban California neighborhood right out of a movie – somewhere that makes it easy to engage in as much focused study as you need to. That’s what life will be like if you choose to move to Evergreen.

Evergreen is located literally right next to campus, so you’ll enjoy a fairly hassle-free commute. The neighborhood itself is full of family-friendly parks where you can take a stroll or enjoy some low-key downtime with friends. Student-friendly housing options run the gamut from small apartments to charming townhomes, for a little something for everyone.

Silver Creek

If you have your heart (and your college life fantasies) set on a more affluent standard of living, Silver Creek is a solid place to look for a place to live if you also go to EVC. You’ll find plenty of beautiful, new apartment communities complete with resort-level amenities. There’s also a lot of tranquil green space, including multiple golf courses.

The scenic views from Silver Creek are second to none, and the streets are completely serene – perfect for after-class strolls or a nice morning jog. You’ll be close to a wealth of Silicon Valley job opportunities, as well, so you’ve got your options open if you’d like to stay awhile after graduation.

East San Jose

And if you’re looking for something affordable but still close by, East San Jose is a pick that’s eclectic, diverse, and wonderfully culturally rich – a mix many EVC students absolutely love. You’ll find plenty of reasonably priced apartments up for grabs, as well as shopping centers and lush community gardens to enjoy.

But the real advantage of living in East San Jose, in my humble opinion, is the food. You’ll find multiple taquerias here, the mind-blowingly authentic kind that will literally redefine how you think of tacos forever after. And there are lots of mom-and-pop shops, Asian grocery stores, and the like.

As you can see, San Jose is far from one-dimensional when it comes to places to study, live, and make memories. Getting a fantastic education while enjoying plum work opportunities comes easily here, and choosing the right San Jose apartments and living options only makes the experience better.

So, whether you see yourself making the most of urban life in Downtown San Jose, living out your personal fairytale in Rose Garden, or keeping things affordable in East San Jose, you’re in for a truly unforgettable experience.