San Jose is a major city in California and the economic, cultural, and technological center of Silicon Valley. It is one of the wealthiest and most innovative cities in the United States, home to numerous global tech companies and startups.
Overview
- Population: ~1 million (3rd largest city in California)
- Nickname: Capital of Silicon Valley
- Founded: 1777 as a Spanish settlement; became California’s first state capital in 1850
- Geography: Located in the Santa Clara Valley at the southern end of the San Francisco Bay
Landmarks and Attractions
- Tech Interactive Museum and Children’s Discovery Museum
- Winchester Mystery House
- SAP Center – home of the San Jose Sharks (NHL)
- San Pedro Square Market and Japantown
- Alum Rock Park and Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum
Economy
San Jose’s economy is anchored by:
- Technology and innovation – home to Cisco, Adobe, PayPal, eBay, and many startups
- Venture capital and entrepreneurship
- Education and R&D
- Advanced manufacturing and aerospace
It is among the top cities globally for patents and venture capital investment.
Culture and Lifestyle
- Highly educated, diverse population
- Significant Vietnamese, Latino, and Indian communities
- Culinary scene blends international flavors with California fusion
- Green initiatives, bike-friendly infrastructure, and sustainable urban planning
Education and Research
- San José State University (SJSU)
- Proximity to Stanford University and UC Berkeley
- Strong presence of tech incubators and coding academies
Transportation
- Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC)
- VTA light rail and Caltrain connections to San Francisco
- Bike lanes, smart transit, and walkable districts
Fun Facts
- San Jose was California’s first state capital
- The city gets over 300 days of sunshine a year
- Located near the epicenter of the tech boom, it helped birth the term “Silicon Valley”