$1,325,043Average Value$785Average 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Robin Young,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Flickinger Park
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Grills
Penitencia Creek Park and Trail
Bike Trails
Picnic Area
Trails
Noble Park
Picnic Area
Playground
Waterpark
Overfelt Gardens
Picnic Area
Parking Lot
Commodore Park
Picnic Area
Trails
Playground
Plata Arroyo Park
Basketball
Grills
Picnic Area
Delano Manongs Park
Transit
Airport
Norman Y Mineta San Jose International
14 min drive
Subway
Penitencia Creek Station
Bus
White & Fiji
Bus
Piedmont & Noble
Bus
White & Kyle
Bus
White & Nashville
Bus
White & Mabury
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Penitencia
US
Homicide
2
4
Sexual Assault
2
4
Assault with Weapon
2
4
Robbery
3
4
Burglary
3
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
3
4
Crime Score
3
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Penitencia Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Penitencia, San Jose sell after 24 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Penitencia, San Jose over the last 12 months is $1,080,000, down 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to your home sweet home! Feel the warmth, spaciousness, natural light in this cozy single-family home, affordable price. 3 beds, 2 baths, 1,304 SQ FT of living space, 5472 SQ FT corner lot. Includes a renovated kitchen with custom-in cabinets and high-end appliances ready to simmer your appetite. Upgraded baths and Pergo floors. Both comfortable living rooms and backyard are perfect for
This stylish three-story townhome is tucked away on a private street, offering a quiet and tranquil setting in a central location. It features 3 bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms, including a spacious master suite with a large walk-in closet. Each bedroom has its own private bathroom, providing comfort and convenience for all residents.The home is ideally situated within walking distance of the Light
Stunning New Construction Home! Welcome to this breathtaking brand new townhome, perfectly situated close to VTA, BART, and major freeways. The elegant Plan 3 layout combines style and functionality, ideal for contemporary living. Home comes with designer-selected finishes, including laminate flooring, stylish kitchen countertops, cabinetry, and enhanced electrical options! An energy-efficient
Incredible opportunity to make a home your own with this exceptionally valued condo in Berryessa.1 bed 1 bath 2nd floor unit with full kitchen, pantry, inside laundry Washer & Dryer, walk-in closet, ceiling fan, private balcony, additional storage, and dedicated carport/parking space. Wonderful, gated community with swimming pool, clubhouse, greenbelt with picnic areas. Penitencia Creek Trails,
*Quietly nestled facing lush greenery, this stunning townhouse style home enjoys one of the best locations in the communityoffering both privacy and tranquility just steps from vibrant conveniences. *Inside, the open floor plan showcases upgraded flooring, recessed lighting, and a seamless flow from the bright living area to a private patio, perfect for indoor-outdoor living. *The beautifully
Discover an affordable condo in North San Jose that offers monthly payments comparable to renting in the Bay Area. This move-in-ready two-bedroom, one-bathroom home combines comfort and convenience in a prime location. Ideal for both homeowners and investors, this townhome-style condo features a one-car garage, an additional driveway parking space, no rental restrictions, allowing for flexibility
This property is available. Please inquire on this site to schedule a showing. Beautiful 4 Bed 2.5 bath new construction Smart townhome by Pulte Homes.This home features vinyl flooring throughout, carpet on stairs and bedrooms, balcony, in-unit laundry, recessed lighting, attached 2 car garage. Kitchen equipped stainless steel appliances, microwave, refrigerator, electric range,
End unit. Very private. Natural light bright and cheerful. View. Newer woodfloor throughout. All stainless steel appliances. Gas stove and oven. Refrigerator. Washer & dryer. Call Agent for appt. to show.
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Robin Young,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
13,075
Median Age
41
Population Density
16 ppl/acre
Population under 18
21%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
19.7%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$125,030
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$151,854
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
82.8%
Below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
40%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
15.7%
% Population in Labor Force
65.5%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
17''
Average Winter Low Temperature
43°F
Average Summer High Temperature
82°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Very Bikeable
Bike Score®
70/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
19/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
46/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
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.
