$1,297,404Average Value$786Average Price per Sq Ft23Homes For Sale
A peaceful hamlet near Bay Area attractions
Located 7 miles from downtown San Jose, suburban Penitencia is known for its highly rated schools and convenient access to the 720-acre Alum Rock Park, California’s oldest municipal park. “I feel very engaged with the community here,” says Michael Kraus, who’s lived here since 1985 and is the president of the Penitencia Neighborhood Association. “It’s quiet, but it's very accessible to Lake Tahoe, Yosemite National Park and Pebble Beach. I can get to the airport in 15 minutes, not using a highway. It’s a very comfortable place to live.” Penitencia has an overall CAP Index Crime Score of 3 out of 10, compared to the national average of 4. It’s also close to nearby attractions, including the San Jose Flea Market and Penitencia Creek Park, home to the annual Berryessa Art Festival.
Penitencia located 7 miles away from downtown San Jose.
The 720-acre Alum Rock Park is the oldest municipal park in California.
1/2
Mediterranean-style homes along curving streets
“The community was built in 1985,” Kraus says. “The homes integrate very well with each other throughout the neighborhood, and they’re all well-constructed.” Most homes are Mediterranean-style with a two-car garage, paved driveway and a yard large enough for an ornamental tree; buyers can also find split-levels and one-story bungalows. The homes sit close together along curving streets that often end in cul-de-sacs. Townhouses and condos are also available near Interstate 680 in Penitencia’s southwest.
In April 2024, the median single-family home price here was $1.4 million, 8% less than San Jose’s median. A three-bedroom bungalow can start at $1 million, while a five-bedroom with a three-car garage can cost up to $2.2 million. Townhouse prices range from $750,000 for a two-bed to $1.3 million for a four-bed. Condo prices range from $400,000 for a one-bed to $1.1 million for a three-bed.
Mediterranean-style homes are plentiful in Penitencia.
Many of the homes in Penitencia have attached garages and big windows.
1/2
Start an education career at Independence High
Local kids can start at Summerdale Elementary, which earns an A-minus from Niche, then attend the B-plus-rated Piedmont Middle; both schools are part of the Berryessa Union Elementary School District, which earns an overall rating of A-minus. High schoolers can go to the A-rated Independence High, part of the A-rated East Side Union High School District; students here can join career academies in education, space technology and engineering, or finance. Popular private options include the A-plus-rated St. John Vianney Catholic School, serving pre-kindergarten through Grade 8, and the A-rated Merryhill School for kids in pre-kindergarten through Grade 5.
Summerdale Elementary School is a public school in San Jose, CA.
Entrance sign for Piedmont Middle displays school news and updates.
Educational opportunities abound at Independence High School in San Jose.
1/3
See wildlife up close at Alum Rock Park
“A lot of people walk to Penitencia Creek Park to walk their dog,” Kraus says. “It's quite safe and has a pond with ducks.” Locals can take a trail from the 38-acre Penitencia Creek Park to the 720-acre Alum Rock Park. “It’s a wonderful park for hiking,” Kraus says. “There are a lot of trails and picnic areas. They even have a nature center where they give wildlife demonstrations for the kids.” In Penitencia’s center, kids can climb on the playground or play a game of basketball at the 7-acre Cimarrón Park. The Berryessa Branch Library hosts regular events, including book clubs and meditation workshops.
Enjoy a brisk morning walk at Penitencia Creek Park in Penitencia.
Alum Rock Park is the perfect place for an afternoon hike. nearby Penitencia.
1/2
Smoked brisket pho at Pho San Jose
For dinner, residents can enjoy smoked brisket pho and lychee iced tea on the patio at Pho San Jose, which makes their noodles fresh each day. Family-owned Jade China is the go-to takeout spot for huge portions of Chinese classics like honey walnut shrimp and beef chow fun. Residents can bargain hunt each weekend at the San Jose Flea Market, which has 120 acres of vendors and food stalls; there’s also live music and a kids’ area with a carousel and a mini-Ferris wheel. Residents can shop at the nearby Target and Marshalls, and grocery options include Safeway and Grocery Outlet.
You can find diverse selection of food trucks at Berryessa Flea Market nearby Penitencia.
Jade China is the go-to takeout spot for huge portions of Chinese classics foods in Penitencia.
Pho San Jose makes their noodles fresh each day in Penitencia.
1/3
Easy access to the VTA light rail
Interstate 680 passes through Penitencia’s southwest. The Valley Transportation Authority’s (VTA) light rail makes two stops in the neighborhood, and the Bay Area Rapid Transit’s Berryessa/North San Jose station is 2 miles southwest. With its dedicated bike lanes and sidewalks, Penitencia is friendly for cyclists and pedestrians. The Regional Medical Center of San Jose is 3 miles south, and San José Mineta International Airport is a 7-mile trip.
Interstate 680 is borders of Penitencia to the southwest.
Penitencia residents can use the light rail system and commute to San Jose downtown.
1/2
Meet the neighbors at National Night Out
Penitencia’s National Night Out draws neighbors to the streets each August to meet local police officers. “It’s a big picnic. We barbecue hotdogs in the street, and the neighbors can get to know each other,” Kraus says. May brings the Berryessa Art Festival, where thousands of people gather in Penitencia Creek Park to peruse the work of over 100 artists and artisans, sample local food trucks and dance to live music. The Pao Hua Buddhist Temple in Penitencia’s south is known for its striking architecture and popular events like Lunar New Year and the Ghost Festival.
Berryessa Art Festival is the longest running art festival in Penitencia.
Colorful windmill spinners at Berryessa Art Festival in Penitencia.
1/2
Flooding near Penitencia Creek
Residents near Penitencia Creek can experience flooding during heavy rains; Valley Water is planning to reduce the flooding risk by building floodwalls or levees as part of its Safe, Clean Water and Natural Flood Protection Program. While Penitencia is at low risk for wildfires, the Santa Cruz Mountains to the south and the Diablo Range to the east are at high risk. Though property damage from wildfires is unlikely, residents might see ash and smoke. The last major wildfire was in 2020 when almost 400,000 acres burned in the Diablo Range over 46 days.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Penitencia, San Jose sell after 22 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Penitencia, San Jose over the last 12 months is $1,152,500, up 7% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
COMMUTER'S DREAM HOME. LOCATION + HOUSE!!! Bright and airy living space with modern floor plan. HIGH CEILING and EXPANSIVE FAMILY ROOM, with a bonus reading area, also perfect as an office on ground level. The open-concept layout features a spacious living and dining area filled with natural light, while the tastefully updated kitchen sparkles with ELEGANT QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS AND BACKSPLASH,
Welcome to this stunning remodeled 4-bed, 3-bath, 2,400 sq. ft home with over $400k in upgrades in the desirable Berryessa/Penitencia neighborhood! A convenient 1 bedroom and 1 full bath on the main level offer flexibility for guests or multigenerational living. The bright, open floor plan features soaring ceilings and custom upgrades throughout. The chefs kitchen showcases quartz countertops,
Stunning 6 years 4b4b END-UNIT townhome w/ nearly $60k upgrades! Gorgeous open layout, lots of windows and abundant natural light. The spacious living and dining areas seamlessly flow into the gourmet kitchen with a large kitchen island with sink. Step outside to the spacious private balcony, perfect for outdoor entertaining. Three ensuite plus an additional 1b1b on three floors gives a lot of
COMMUTER'S DREAM HOME. LOCATION + HOUSE!!! Bright and airy living space with modern floor plan. HIGH CEILING and EXPANSIVE FAMILY ROOM, with a bonus reading area, also perfect as an office on ground level. The open-concept layout features a spacious living and dining area filled with natural light, while the tastefully updated kitchen sparkles with ELEGANT QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS AND BACKSPLASH,
Welcome to this spacious 2,287 sq ft home in the vibrant city of San Jose. Nestled in the desirable Penitencia neighborhood, this beautifully maintained 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom single-family home offers 2,287 sq ft of living space, on a generous 6,000 sq ft lot with fruit trees. Built in 1984, the home features a thoughtful two-story layout with nine total rooms, 3 car garage, perfect for both
Beautifully updated single story home in desirable neighborhood of San Jose close to award winning schools, parks, restaurants, easy freeway access. Offering 2,084 square feet of stylish, modern living space. A Chef's Kitchen including quartz countertops, New White Cabinets, Stainless Steel Appliances, with a large peninsula open to the family room for a great room concept perfect for
Welcome to this stylish tri-level townhouse condo, built in 2008 and boasting a modern design that's ready to move-in now. The open floor plan features a balcony, kitchen, living room, and dining area on the main level, along with a bedroom and bath for added convenience. Upstairs, you'll find two bedrooms, each with its own attached bath. Ample storage space, including walk-in closets in each
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
