2023 Most Diverse Places to Live in Santa Clara County

• Neighborhood in San Jose, CA

• •
  Rating 3.18 out of 5  125 reviews

Current Resident: The area is great although there are some homeless but that does not affect the beauty that can be found throughout downtown San Jose. Every city has up and downs. On a nice day you can take a walk and explore the area while taking pictures. San Jose State University is near downtown and holds beautiful scenery and views from the Martin Luther King Jr Library. In the evenings night life is great for dinner or going out with friends. Diversity is seen immensely in the community but the continued increase of people moving to this area creates a risk in rent affordability. All in all downtown San Jose has its flaws but it is still one of the fastest growing communities.... Read 125 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade B

• grade A+

• Population 69,092

• Neighborhood in San Jose, CA

• •
  Rating 3.54 out of 5  68 reviews

Current Resident: Wonderful place to live in San Jose, although it is by no means affordable, it is still slightly cheaper than other areas of San Jose such as neighboring Almaden Valley and Willow Glen. It is also a great place to raise kids, the public schools are steadily improving and there are a host of private schools nearby. Parks, shopping, and other amenities are all very close by and convenient.... Read 68 reviews

• grade B+

• grade A minus

• grade A+

• Population 65,598

• City in California

• •
  Rating 4.05 out of 5  1,333 reviews

Current Resident: I was always excited to be able to live in a big city, especially coming from a small one myself. Once I got here it was really exciting, but it did make me miss the nature and suburban areas of where I came from. I always saw San Jose as a busy city with always something going on which is really stimulating but can get tiring as well. I would like to see it be a bit cleaner and safer as I get scared to walk alone as a woman. I only feel safe when I walk on campus.... Read 1,333 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A

• grade A+

• Population 1,013,337

• Neighborhood in San Jose, CA

• •
  Rating 3.22 out of 5  69 reviews

Niche User: Although this area has many flaws, many of the pros outweighs the cons. And what area doesn't have negatives! The general community is welcoming and very casual. The people here are so diverse that you'll definitely find people who are like-minded and enjoyable to spend time with. It isn't an understatement to say that there are a lot of food places around here. The number of milk tea boba places are limitless, which are great to-go-drink or -snack places, and nice casual hang out areas. The food here is generally very good and pretty diverse. We have an exceptional number of Vietnamese and Mexican food places to point out.... Read 69 reviews

• grade B

• grade A minus

• grade A

• Population 27,987

• Neighborhood in San Jose, CA

• •
  Rating 3.44 out of 5  62 reviews

Niche User: The neighborhood is very quiet and there are many shops around. There is also incredibly easy access to public transportation, being less than a five minute walk to the bus stop.... Read 62 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade A minus

• grade A

• Population 24,542

• Neighborhood in San Jose, CA

• •
  Rating 3.5 out of 5  6 reviews

Niche User: Living in a city is great! Everything you need is close by, whether it be an errand or going out for fun. However, with the population increasing there is more traffic which gets pretty bad during rush hours.... Read 6 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B

• grade A

• Population 13,317

• Neighborhood in San Jose, CA

• •
  Rating 3.42 out of 5  86 reviews

Current Resident: Santa Teresa is safe. There's a mix of old blue collar and young white collar professionals living here. The area is becoming more gentrified. The old blue collar workers are being pushed out. There's a lot more young tech people moving into the neighborhood. The rents are expensive and home prices are high. I can't believe people are throwing away $3000 a month for rent. The area is very convenient to shopping, entertainment, hospitals, parks, gyms, MoHill, dtwn SJ and SV jobs.... Read 86 reviews

• grade B+

• grade A

• grade A

• Population 45,776

• Neighborhood in San Jose, CA

• •
  Rating 4.16 out of 5  70 reviews

Current Resident: Campbell has been the place I've grown up in since I moved from Tracy when I was four years old. It has been a rather tranquil journey; not much occurs and it's fairly small. However, I wish there was an improvement in regards to the diversity in this city. The population is superior in the aspect of White and Asian communites. I wish there was more of a strong representation of Black and Latinx cultures in order to bestow more diveristy on the area. Overall, this area is great and I'm honored to have been apart of this community.... Read 70 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• grade A

• Population 43,997

• Suburb of San Jose, CA

• •
  Rating 4.04 out of 5  24 reviews

Current Resident: Campbell is so unique compared to other suburbs of San Jose. It's smaller, but has so much more to offer than I've seen in other areas! It has an older feel to it, and generally feels very safe. I think walking to downtown Campbell at dusk, with all the lights, is so beautiful. And if you're ever bored, there's so much to do from trivia nights, to live music, to farmer's markets!... Read 24 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• grade A

• Population 43,954

• Neighborhood in San Jose, CA

• •
  Rating 3.3 out of 5  50 reviews

Niche User: San Jose is a city I will always come back to. It's where all my friends are, and the community is vivid and vast. The Bay Area is a hotspot for clubs and concerts, and the food scene is incredible and fresh. So many things are within an hour or 2 hour drive with a price tag that isn't too outrageous. The sights are majorly beautiful, and hiking trails are a constant in this area.... Read 50 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade A minus

• grade A

• Population 48,340

Current Resident: The town is great, there's lots to do and lovely places to walk! The neighbors are very friendly and the community is tight-knit. The one problem I've had repeatedly is the number of off-leash dogs with irresponsible owners. Other than that, the town is great!... Read 125 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B+

• grade A

• Population 45,267

• Suburb of San Jose, CA

• grade B+

• grade B

• grade A

• Population 5,415

• Neighborhood in San Jose, CA

• •
  Rating 3.28 out of 5  199 reviews

Former Resident: Very vibrant city! A lot of diversity in all types of race. People are usually really friendly! I would totally recommend everyone to take a visit there!... Read 199 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade A minus

• grade A

• Population 102,760

• Neighborhood in San Jose, CA

• •
  Rating 3.23 out of 5  100 reviews

Niche User: I love San Jose! It's a big city, you will never get bored here. There isn't too much traffic like in LA. The price of living here, however, is getting ridiculously expensive.... Read 100 reviews

• grade B+

• grade A

• grade A

• Population 76,506

• Neighborhood in San Jose, CA

• •
  Rating 3.25 out of 5  8 reviews

Niche User: Most houses have enough yard, privacy, and the city view is beautiful. If I could choose where to live all over again I would pick this area. I like that downtown is close to the hills. Its population is fair enough, you have everything near you and there's a variety of people; all sorts of people live in this area. There's really nothing I would change about San Jose. The atmosphere is my favorite because when its summer its hot and its enjoyable. Just like when its winter, the temperature drops and it gives you that sensation that Christmas is finally here.... Read 8 reviews

• grade B

• grade B+

• grade A

• Population 6,844

• Neighborhood in San Jose, CA

• •
  Rating 3.95 out of 5  86 reviews

Current Resident: This area is truly a welcoming community. If you are looking for the "friendly neighbor" feel, here you have it! People are constantly looking out for each other in person and on the site NextDoor. Whenever there is a safety concern or a personal need, people reach out and try to help. Need a graphing calculator for your high school student? Someone will most likely lend you one! See something sketchy going on? A neighbor will let people know to keep an eye out. The neighborhood feels very safe in most areas and times of the day and caters to all age groups. There are also great schools up to 12th grade. The only thing I would want to improve is the lack of diversity. Willow glen is predominantly made up of Caucasian middle to upper class families. That is not necessarily a bad thing, however a community with representation of more races, ethnicities, backgrounds, and socioeconomic statuses would create a more educated community overall.... Read 86 reviews

• grade A

• grade B+

• grade A

• Population 51,343

Former Resident: I was born and raised in Gilroy, the garlic capital of the world, and I enjoyed many things about my life there. The climate and relation between the geography and local agriculture was an enjoyable mix. By this, I mean that Gilroy is in the Central Coast where it is only thirty minutes away from the Pacific Ocean. Basically every afternoon of the year up until about mid-day, Gilroy has an influx of coastal clouds float in and coastal air that is very fresh and cool! While, Gilroy's garlic identity is noticeable through it's heavy agriculture in the surrounding areas of the city. In the summer nights, it is common to notice a strong scent of garlic fill the air -- especially in east Gilroy -- which is likely coming from the food processing plants. I've always enjoyed being outside in the summer and experiencing the rapid cooling effects of the ocean breezes and the beautiful scent of garlic. I think Gilroy can definitely improve it's public transportation and community engagement.... Read 113 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade B

• grade A

• Population 58,802

• Neighborhood in San Jose, CA

• •
  Rating 3.93 out of 5  70 reviews

Current Resident: I was born in San Jose. Have lived in Cambrian 95124 since a baby in 1958. . Growing up there was so nice, orchards , open land, lots of families and kids to play with . Great schools. But all that is changing once Santa Clara Co. became *Silicon Valley* Once people from other states, countries started to come in. We now live and raised 3 kids here. Our kids went to Branham HS, like my husband did. We live in Cambrian and I still think it is one of the nicest areas of SJ. A lot of shopping, restaurants nearby. Library is close. Very walkable area. We have the fire dept right down the street Highway 85 is nearby. The cambrian K to 8th grade school system here is the best the HS district, is good also. Lots of dog parks. The negative is the cost of living here, way too high, homes are too pricey. More crime is happening here. As we are getting closer to retirement, we are going to sell the home and move to a small town.... Read 70 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• grade A

• Population 72,879

• Town in California

• •
  Rating 4.04 out of 5  136 reviews

Current Resident: I love Mountain View with my whole heart! I have grown up here my whole life, and it hasn't failed to provide fun, jobs, sense of community, and trust. They have such fun and welcoming holiday events that are free for anybody to attend, and have an amazing community center that I live very close to. The community center provides anything you could imagine! From dance classes, tutoring, yoga, daycares, and more, the City of Mountain View doesn't stop with provisions for their community. I have gotten lucky enough to work for the City as a lifeguard, and it has been the most fun and enjoyable experience I've had in all my years living here. They hire teens from the age of 15, pay extremely well, and it is a super fun and engaging job to have during the summer! I have learned so much in my years living here, and I hold a space very close to my heart for Mountain View.... Read 136 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• grade A

• Population 82,409

• City in California

• •
  Rating 3.87 out of 5  207 reviews

Current Resident: I am in love with Santa Clara, it's culturally diverse. Hospitals are close and roads are close to freeways. The stores are walking distance. Santa clara electric system is separate from PG&E, making prices cheaper. Water is included in rent. The areas to rent are pet inclusive allowing for people to be with loved ones and having understanding neighbors. There's always a good location to dine in or to even have drinks. Public school systems have pretty well maintained fields and have alot of opportunities. Real estate is expensive however for living costs. Renting is more affordable. Jobs are available and competitive.... Read 207 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• grade A

• Population 127,922

• Neighborhood in San Jose, CA

• •
  Rating 4.29 out of 5  7 reviews

Current Resident: The Rose Garden neighborhood is beautiful, and it's very easy to walk or bike around the area. There are some parts that feel very safe, and some others you might be a bit intimidated, however any crime reports in the area are not violent in nature. There's an array of cafes and restaurants, and neat little shops. It is very close to downtown, making it a perfect spot to relax in before an evening with friends. Santa Clara University and San Jose State University are also very close to each other! It's a really nice location, with a library right across from the coveted rose garden!... Read 7 reviews

• grade A

• grade B

• grade A

• Population 10,632

• Neighborhood in Palo Alto, CA

• grade A+

• grade A+

• grade A

• Population 3,451

• Suburb of San Jose, CA

• grade B+

• grade B+

• grade A

• Population 7,391

• Neighborhood in San Jose, CA

• •
  Rating 3.72 out of 5  133 reviews

Current Resident: I love this area. It is close to everything I need. Lots of restaurants, grocery stores, department stores, banks, parks, gas stations and the mall. This is a safe neighborhood, where I can walk my dog and exercise outdoors. I am also close to the gym. There are lots of friendly neighbors and families. The school system is better here than in East San Jose. There is traffic in the mornings and at night after work, but that is typical in the Bay Area. The homes are lovely in this part of town and I love living here. Santana Row is not far which is a great area for nightlife and Downtown San Jose is also close by. The airport is ten to fifteen minutes away. I have everything I need right here in the heart of Silicon Valley.... Read 133 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• grade A

• Population 99,150

• Neighborhood in Palo Alto, CA

• grade A+

• grade A+

• grade A

• Population 7,291