5 things we love about living in San José

Seated in the heart of Silicon Valley, which is known internationally for its large concentration of high tech companies, City Year San José has been serving schools and students since 1994–well before the advent of tech luxuries like wireless internet and the ubiquitous smartphone. There is so much more to San José than the latest app or software company. Read on to learn why you should consider choosing this beautiful west coast city for your next move.

Adventure is right around the corner

The explorer in you is waiting for you to discover San José. Its close proximity to other cities and attractions makes it a great base camp. Take a long weekend and drive to Yosemite National Park which is only four hours away or save half the time and drive two hours to beautiful San Francisco. If you’re looking for a scenic drive, cruising along the beautiful California coast is something all road trippers dream of!  So whether you love the great outdoors or exploring urban centers, living in San José makes it easy to get out and embark on an adventure.

Affordable local shopping at the flea market

Serving with City Year means learning to live on a budget. Luckily, the San José Flea Market makes it easy for locals to shop til’ they drop without breaking the bank. At the market, you can shop for clothing and grab a meal all at an affordable price. If you can, be sure to stop by the market on Wednesdays when admission is free.

International cuisine options galore

Want to take your taste buds on a trip around the world? Then move to San José. It’s truly every foodie’s dream come true. Business Insider ranked it number six on its list of U.S. cities with the most diverse food. From Afghan to Brazilian cuisine and everything in between, you’ll never run out of amazingly diverse food options in this town!

Quirky architecture

For those who like fun and quirky attractions, San José is home to the Winchester Mystery Home, one of the most bizarre houses in the world. Built over the course of 38 years, the sprawling Winchester mansion boasts 160 rooms, 40 staircases, 2,000 doors and just one shower. There are doors that lead to two-story drops and dead-end staircases that lead to ceilings. Its strange architectural features certainly make it one of San José’s most visited attractions.

Sunshine 300 days out of the year

Lastly, San José has truly great weather! Its climate is perfect for those who don’t like anything too extreme but like sunshine and light jackets. Summer temperatures average around 69 degrees and winter temperatures average 49 degrees. With 301 days of sunshine a year and an air quality index that’s three percent better than the national average, it’s a great place for anyone who doesn’t like to stay indoors!

And best of all…

San José is truly an amazing place to be but at City Year, we would argue that serving the 8,000 students in our 14 are partner schools is the best thing about living and working in San José. If you want to be a part of a team that makes a lasting impact in the lives of students through the power of mentorship and academic support, you should consider applying to be an AmeriCorps member with City Year San José.

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