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Penitencia

Penitencia

$1,275,020 Average Value
$763 Average Price per Sq Ft
23 Homes For Sale

Penitencia has parks, shopping and commuter connections

Penitencia is a largely residential neighborhood in east San Jose that blends suburban living with solid access to major commuter routes. The area has a wide range of homes from the late 1900s to the 2020s, at various prices. Drivers are minutes from major highways, light rail stations and a BART station, all of which connect to the greater Silicon Valley. Everyday conveniences are close by, as shopping centers and a variety of restaurants line Berryessa and McKee roads. Outdoor options like Penitencia Creek Park keep people active, and community events help bring neighbors together.

Single-family homes and condos span a wide price range

Most residential streets offer single-family homes from the 1970s and 1980s. Common styles include Spanish Revival, New Traditional and ranch-style houses with two-car garages, paved driveways and small- to medium-sized yards. Buyers can also find split-level houses and one-story bungalows. "The homes integrate very well with each other throughout the neighborhood, and they're all well-constructed," says Michael Kraus, who's lived here since 1985 and is the president of the Penitencia Neighborhood Association. Contemporary-style townhouses and condo complexes are more common in the subdivisions closest to Interstate 680. Most are managed by a homeowners association, which collects monthly fees to cover exterior maintenance and landscaping.

"This area is a little more suburban, but it has similar prices to Commodore next door," says Realtor Harry He with Keller Williams Thrive Cupertino. Condos tend to range from the low $400,000s to about $1 million, while single-family homes start in the mid-$800,000s and reach $2.2 million. Townhouses vary in price based on age. Units from the early 2000s usually cost between the low $500,000s and $1 million, while units built in the past 10 years sell between $1 million and $1.5 million.

Spanish Revival homes are common in the area.
Spanish Revival homes are common in the area.
Single-family homes are usually older, dating back to the 1970s and 80s.
Single-family homes are usually older, dating back to the 1970s and 80s.
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Highways, the light rail and bike trails support commuters

Despite its more suburban nature, Penitencia is a good location for commuters. The neighborhood borders Interstate 680, and people are less than 4 miles from Highway 101 and the Berryessa / North San Jose BART station. Each connects to major San Jose destinations and Silicon Valley job centers. The Orange Line of the VTA light rail system also passes through the neighborhood. "Having the light rail there is really nice," He says. "It takes you up to North San Jose, where there are a lot of jobs."

The community isn't particularly walkable, unless you're just strolling around the area for some fresh air or exercise. However, many major roads have bike lanes, and the Penitencia Creek Trail passes through the community. With these, cyclists can easily reach nearby shopping centers, parks and attractions, like The San Jose Flea Market, within 10 to 15 minutes.

Interstate 680 borders the neighborhood.
Interstate 680 borders the neighborhood.
You can catch the Orange Line of the VTA light rail system.
You can catch the Orange Line of the VTA light rail system.
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Homes are zoned for multiple school districts

Based on address, students are either zoned for Berryessa Union Elementary School District or Alum Rock Union Elementary School District. High schoolers then move on to the East Side Union High School District. The state's open enrollment programs offer limited intradistrict and interdistrict transfer options, depending on the district and program availability.

Students may attend Summerdale Elementary School.
Students may attend Summerdale Elementary School.
Independence High School is part of the East Side Union High School District.
Independence High School is part of the East Side Union High School District.
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Outdoor recreation ranges from local parks to canyon trails

Penitencia Creek Park is the neighborhood's largest and most popular park. It's best known for the Penitencia Creek Trail, which stretches from The San Jose Flea Market in neighboring Commodore to the 720-acre Alum Rock Park. Other amenities include two playgrounds, a dog park and the Berryessa Community Center. More parks are in and around the neighborhood, like:

  • Cimarron Park, a traditional space with a playground, basketball courts and picnic areas
  • Commodore Park, a recreation hub with cherry-themed playgrounds, exercise equipment and a community garden
  • Alum Rock Park, a municipal park known for its versatile canyon trails, mineral springs and nature center

Enjoy a brisk morning walk at Penitencia Creek Park.
Enjoy a brisk morning walk at Penitencia Creek Park.
Alum Rock Park is a popular spot for group hikes.
Alum Rock Park is a popular spot for group hikes.
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Shopping centers along major roads cover everyday needs

The neighborhood may be primarily residential, but two large shopping hubs line Berryessa and McKee roads. Each offers many commercial options, including:

  • Local restaurants like Pho Tick Tock Restaurant, Mehak Of India and Red Chili Thai & Vietnamese Cuisine
  • Fast casual chains like Starbucks, Five Guys and Bonchon
  • Major retailers like Target, CVS and Burlington
  • Supermarkets like Cardenas Markets, Grocery Outlet and Safeway

Penitencia is a short drive from The San Jose Flea Market.
Penitencia is a short drive from The San Jose Flea Market.
Many local restaurants are in the neighborhood's shopping centers.
Many local restaurants are in the neighborhood's shopping centers.
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Local events celebrate art and community-police partnerships

The community hosts a few events each year. May brings the Berryessa Art Festival, where thousands of people gather in Penitencia Creek Park to admire local art, sample food trucks and dance to live music. Every August, residents meet local police officers and celebrate the community's partnerships with law enforcement during National Night Out. "It's a big picnic," Kraus says. "We barbecue hot dogs in the street, and the neighbors can get to know each other."

The Berryessa Art Festival is the longest running art festival in Penitencia.
The Berryessa Art Festival is the longest running art festival in Penitencia.
Check out colorful items, like these windmill spinners, at the Berryessa Art Festival.
Check out colorful items, like these windmill spinners, at the Berryessa Art Festival.
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Traffic and noise are mostly limited to major corridors

Busy roads like Interstate 680, North Capitol Avenue and Berryessa Road can bring noise and congestion to the area, especially during rush hours. Outside of these roads, through traffic is limited, so many residential streets stay quiet.

Isabel Butler
Written By
Isabel Butler
Christopher Lau
Photography Contributed By
Christopher Lau
Jackson Nacey
Video By
Jackson Nacey

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
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

Parks in this Area

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

Reviews

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Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Penitencia US
Homicide 3 4
Sexual Assault 4 4
Assault with Weapon 3 4
Robbery 3 4
Burglary 4 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 4 4
Larceny 4 4
Crime Score 3 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes
4,050
Number of Homes for Sale
23
Median Year Built
1976
Months of Supply
2.80
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,812
Below the national average
1,933
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,553
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
970
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
686
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
5,662

Open Houses

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Rental Home Trends

Number of Homes for Rent
3
Median Rent
$2,547
Median Single Family Home Rent
$2,600
Median Condo Rent
$3,245
Median 2 Bedroom Condo Rent
$2,495

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
$79,597
Average Household Income
$151,854

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
82.8%
Below the national average
89%
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

Fairly bikeable

Bikeability®

50 / 100

Fairly walkable

Walkability®

40 / 100

Some public transit

Transit®

40 / 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic

Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

Nearby Neighborhoods

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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Penitencia