San Jose is the third-largest city in California, and considered by many to be the “Capital of Silicon Valley.” In addition to being famous for being a city on the cutting edge of technology and innovation, it’s also a city that offers world-class dining, a wide variety of museums and cultural events, bustling nightlife, and a pleasant climate year-round. In addition, San Jose has a strong and vibrant LGBTQ community that is continually growing and welcoming to all. Truly, it would make a great city to call home.
A Look at San Jose’s History
Prior to the time that European explorers arrived in the area, it was inhabited by Costanoan Indians. In 1777, Jose Joaquin Morago, a Spanish settler, founded a farming community in the area, and initially named it Pueblo de San Jose de Guadalupe for St. Joseph – or San Jose, for short. Following the American occupation of California in 1846, San Jose briefly became the state’s capital, though it was later moved to Sacramento. San Jose continued to grow, as both a gold rush town, a trade depot, and a railroad hub, before eventually becoming a major agricultural producer and a center for innovation and technology, which it remains today.
A Few Fun Facts About San Jose
Find more fun facts about San Jose here.
The LGBTQ Community in San Jose
San Jose has a large, diverse, and thriving LGBTQ community that adds so much to the personality and character of the city as a whole. Fortunately, the LGBTQ community in San Jose is well-supported by a variety of community groups and resource centers, including:
The Billy DeFrank LGBTQ Community Center
The Billy DeFrank LGBTQ Community Center has been serving San Jose’s LGBTQ community since 1981. Located in an easily accessible location on The Alameda, it seeks to offer community, advocacy, leadership, services, and support to the LGBTQ community and its allies in the Silicon Valley area.
PFLAG San Jose is the city’s local chapter of the national PFLAG organization, which is the largest grassroots organization of its kind in the country. PFLAG currently has 500 chapters and more than 200,000 members in the United States. It plays a critical role in providing advocacy, support, and resources to the LGBTQ community, and offers monthly support meetings, advocacy and networking opportunities for the LGBTQ community and its allies.
San Jose Weather
San Jose is well-known for its sunny, mild, and pleasant climate. Those who live in San Jose can expect long, dry, and fairly warm summers. Winters are usually cool and damp with occasional foggy spells. Fall and spring are mild and pleasant, and year-round, those who live in San Jose can expect plenty of sunshine. San Jose receives an average of 17 inches of rain per year, and no snow.
Events in San Jose That You Won’t Want to Miss
Silicon Valley Pride has been a celebration of San Jose’s LGBTQ community since as long ago as 1975 when it began as a gay rights rally. Since that time, it has grown to become the largest Pride celebration in the South Bay area, encompassing San Jose and many neighboring towns as well. This family-friendly festival includes a parade, parties, networking events, and many other festivities. You won’t want to miss your chance to help celebrate all that the LGBTQ community adds to the San Jose area!
Though not actually located in San Jose, San Francisco is only an hour away, and its annual pride celebration is certainly worth traveling for! The mission of San Francisco pride is to educate the world, and celebrate and support the thriving, incredible diverse LGBTQ communities in San Francisco and the surrounding areas – and for 50 years, it has been doing exactly that. You won’t want to miss your chance to participate in this amazing week of parades, parties, networking opportunities, shows, and other events.
Where to Live in San Jose
Unlike its relatively close neighbor, San Francisco, San Jose doesn’t have any particular “gayborhood” per se. But not to worry! This simply means that many neighborhoods might be a good fit for your family, depending upon your lifestyle needs and personal preferences. With that said, a couple of the most popular neighborhoods in San Jose include:
Willow Glen lies just south of downtown San Jose and is a neighborhood full of unique California character. It is an upscale neighborhood with a small-town feeling and beautiful tree-lined streets. It has its own “downtown” area on Lincoln Avenue, full of cafes, boutiques, restaurants, and bars the commuter-friendly neighborhood of Willow Glen. Full of vintage California charm and character, this upscale neighborhood has a cozy, small-town feeling. While housing is certainly pricey, there are a number of home styles to choose from, including Victorians, Spanish stuccos, and bungalows from the 1920s and 1930s, among other options. The median price of homes currently listed in Willow Glen is $1,199,000.
Downtown San Jose is a hip, diverse area preferred by those who are single, or without children. Those who choose to live downtown will be in close proximity to plenty to see and do, including a wide variety of bars, theaters, art galleries, museums, cafes, restaurants, and more. There are many newly developed lofts and condos to choose from in the area, though housing can be expensive. The median home value in San Jose is currently $1,073,255.
Arts and Entertainment
The San José Museum of Art is a museum for modern and contemporary art, located in downtown San Jose. Founded in 1969, the museum has a permanent collection that emphasizes the art of West Coast artists of the 20th and 21st centuries. It’s a beautiful and inspirational collection that is sure to make for an enjoyable visit.
The Mountain Winery is a must when in the San Jose area. Listed on the National Register of Historic places, The Winery was initially founded by Paul Masson, who was a pioneer of the California wine industry many years ago. Today, The Winery continues to offer the opportunity to take tours, taste, and purchase excellent wines, but also other fun events like a concert series in its outdoor seating area, the opportunity to enjoy “dinner and a show” with a delicious three-course meal made from local, sustainably-farmed ingredients, and more. Regardless of what you end up doing though, it’s a wonderful place to spend a day!
Parks and Recreation
Silicon Valley Gay Softball League
The Silicon Valley Gay Softball League is an LGBTQ softball league in the greater San Jose area with the mission of providing an opportunity for those in the LGBTQ community and their allies to play organized slow pitch softball in a safe, healthy, and positive environment that promotes the development of positive relationships among its members, and the wider LGBTQ community in the San Jose area.
Alum Rock Park is California’s oldest municipal park, and certainly one of many that are very beautiful. Alum Rock Park offers visitors much to see and enjoy in its 718 acres, including playgrounds, hiking and biking trails, beautiful views, pavilions for gathering, and more. You’ll definitely want to spend time enjoying a beautiful, sunny San Jose day here!
San Jose Nightlife
Splash Bar and Grill is a popular LGBTQ nightspot that offers two separate levels for dancing, as well as a rooftop patio. Those who visit can expect strong drinks, lively music, regular theme nights, and plenty of opportunities to mix and mingle.
Renegades Bar is a lively LGBTQ bar that offers a wide variety of cocktails and appetizers, as well as a pool table, darts, pinball, and a nice outdoor patio area for guests to enjoy.
Mac’s Club is the oldest gay bar in San Jose. This welcoming dive bar provides strong drinks, plenty of laughs, and is the perfect place to visit with old friends or make new ones.
Contact a San Jose Realtor Today
Are you thinking of calling San Jose home? If so, you’ll have plenty of wonderful neighborhoods to choose from, and the opportunity to be a part of a divorce and thriving community that you love. Contact a San Jose gay realtor today for a free, no-obligation consultation!
