San Jose, California has a lot going for it. Although it fights the reputation of being San Francisco’s less-favored neighbor, its popularity seems to be growing as one of the best places to live in the US. If an average of 300 days of sunshine each year and plenty to do isn’t enough for you, then San Jose will charm you with its culture and small-town vibe.

Whether you’re working hard or playing harder, there’s something that will appeal to you. From its lively and culturally dynamic neighborhoods to its fantastic restaurants and lovely parks, San Jose attracts people from all walks of life. Even though the city is mostly known for being the honorary “capital of Silicon Valley” (the largest and most vibrant hub of entrepreneurial, high-tech innovation in the country), it’s quickly gaining a reputation as the friendliest and most livable city in the Bay Area. Let’s take a look at why people love San Jose, California.

San Jose is the third-largest city in California and the tenth largest in the US, touting a population of 1.9 million people. Founded in 1776, you won’t find any buildings that predate the late 18th century. According to U.S. News and World, San Jose came in third for quality of life and job opportunities in the country.

 Culture

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If you’d like to bask in some culture, take a quick jaunt over to the San Jose Museum of Art in San Jose’s historic Downtown neighborhood. The museum was founded in 1969 when San Jose was predominantly an agricultural community. It now maintains an extensive permanent collection and exhibits late 20th - and 21st-century works of art, created mostly by West Coast artists. SJMA considers itself on point in areas of architecture, contemporary and modern art, and design. According to their website, they have an “… ongoing commitment to also place the work of California artists in a national and international context.” The museum itself is considered an historic landmark and is listed on the US National Register of Historic Places. Frequented by critical thinkers, art lovers, and creative artists alike, this museum is the place to get together for an afternoon of gazing fine art and stimulating conversation.

Sports

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Maybe you’re more of a sports fan. If that’s the case, then San Jose has a lot to offer you as well. Bay Area hockey fans are obsessed with the San Jose Sharks. The Sharks play in San Jose's SAP Center (previously called HP Pavilion) in Downtown San Jose. The stadium resembles a glass pyramid and sits in the hub of Silicon Valley. Public transportation, called Caltrain, can transport those over the bay in San Francisco directly to the venue. Local fans can take the Capitol Corridor train that leaves them at Diridon Station, which is directly across the street from the SAP Center.

Dining

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Getting hungry? Then San Jose has just the restaurant to satiate any appetite. The famous Eggo waffles were invented in San Jose in 1953 by the Dorsa brothers. But If you don’t feel like defrosting a frozen waffle for dinner, there’s plenty of other cuisines to choose from. Way before the advent of computers gave rise to Silicon Valley, San Jose was primarily known for their orchard fields full of fruits and vegetables. Agriculture thrived until mid-century. By the 1950s, canning took over as the economic backbone of the area. (Mostly the canning of Del Monte Prunes. To this day, the names of some streets include Pruneridge Ave and one of the city’s premier shopping malls is called The Pruneyard.

When the 2017 announcements of the Michelin-star restaurants arrived, the big news was that the Bay Area now has as many three-star restaurants as New York, boasting a total of six.

Photo Courtesy of Faye's Fork

If you don’t feel like spending an arm and a leg for dinner, San Jose also has some of the best Asian food found anywhere in the country. The city is especially known for their Vietnamese cuisine, making sure you don’t have to travel far for some fantastic pho. San Jose is also home to Santouka Ramen, which is located in West San Jose and is often regarded as one of the best ramen spots in the whole Bay Area. Besides Asian food, you can find Portuguese, Greek, Ethiopian, Burmese, Moroccan, and the list goes on and on. San Jose is quietly giving San Francisco a run for its money when it comes to cuisine and culture. People seem to be finally paying attention to this once-overlooked city.