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Spartan-Keyes

Spartan-Keyes

$788,750 Average Value
$700 Average Price per Sq Ft
11 Homes For Sale

What daily life looks like in the Spartan-Keyes neighborhood

Set about 1 mile south of Downtown San Jose, Spartan-Keyes blends historic residential streets with converted warehouse lofts, artist studios and commuter corridors. It mainly attracts renters and college students, given its proximity to San José State University, but the neighborhood also draws first-time buyers looking for a central location at a relatively lower price point. Getting around is convenient, with quick freeway access, VTA bus lines and nearby light rail stations connecting commuters to Silicon Valley job centers. Kelley Park anchors the eastern edge of the neighborhood with attractions like Happy Hollow Park & Zoo and the Japanese Friendship Garden, while nearby dining corridors and the downtown SoFA arts district add more options to everyday life.

Historic homes, newer condos and rental demand shape the area

Most residential streets are laid out in a grid pattern, lined with mature trees, sidewalks and the occasional speed bump to keep traffic slow. Early 20th-century bungalows with Spanish Revival and Craftsman-style designs are a common sight, but you'll also find two-story Victorians, Queen Annes and multifamily homes around. On the neighborhood's west side, there's been an uptick in development since the 1990s. Former industrial warehouses have become lofts, and many contemporary condo complexes and apartments have been built.

The community is popular among renters, particularly students attending San José State University. "Many investors are interested in the rental potential here, and some parents will even buy homes that their kids and friends can rent out instead of paying for the dorms," says Michelle Rico, Realtor with Epique Realty. While owner-occupancy is low, the area still caters to first-time buyers. "If somebody is looking for condos and a central location, it's a viable option," says Alfred Wikkeling, broker and owner at Tola Properties. "It's more affordable than other areas of San Jose." Single-family and multifamily home prices usually start in the low $800,000s and reach $1.2 million, while condos range from the mid-$300,000s to $900,000, plus monthly HOA fees.

Spartan-Keyes is home to many colorful bungalows from the 20th-century.
Spartan-Keyes is home to many colorful bungalows from the 20th-century.
Spanish Revivals are easy to spot with their red-tile roofs.
Spanish Revivals are easy to spot with their red-tile roofs.
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Freeway access and VTA transit support daily commutes

Spartan-Keyes is a great location for commuters. Drivers have quick access to Interstate 280, state Route 87 and Highway 101, which connect to major Silicon Valley job centers. Major downtown employers are also a short drive away. Several VTA bus lines run through the neighborhood, and the Virginia and Convention Center light rail stations are nearby. SJSU students and employees can use the SmartPass program to gain unlimited VTA bus and light rail rides.

Major roads and highways can bring excess noise and traffic to the neighborhood during peak hours. However, Realtor Nancy Reynolds of Loveseat Homes says most residents feel that the convenience of having the highways and downtown San Jose nearby outweighs the inconvenience of potential disturbances.

Spartan-Keyes has easy access to major routes, like Interstate 280.
Spartan-Keyes has easy access to major routes, like Interstate 280.
VTA buses stop along Keyes Street.
VTA buses stop along Keyes Street.
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Washington Elementary School is just one neighborhood over from the community.
Washington Elementary School is just one neighborhood over from the community.

Students are close to SJSU and public school options

University students are a short drive, bike or bus ride from San José State University less than 1 mile north. Grade school students are zoned for the San Jose Unified School District and are within biking distance of Washington Elementary School. A few charter schools are also nearby, such as Mateo Sheedy Elementary and DCP El Camino Middle School.

Kelley Park and local attractions shape outdoor life

The neighborhood borders Kelley Park, a very popular and expansive park offering a disc golf course, community center and amphitheater. It's also home to several attractions, like:

  • Happy Hollow Park & Zoo, which has a petting zoo, animal exhibits and kid-friendly carnival rides
  • The Japanese Friendship Garden, which is known for its serene koi ponds and iconic red bridge
  • History Park, which has a collection of historic landmarks and museums
Other local rec spaces include Bestor Art Park, a central nook with a playground, basketball half-court and community garden. At the SJSU south campus, people cheer on the Spartan football team at CEFCU Stadium. Reynolds says many locals also like to bike to the SJSU main campus. "A lot of people who live around here will go there to do yoga or picnic on the lawn, and some people are members of the university gym, even though they don't attend or work for the university," Reynolds says.

Bestor Art Park has a big playground for kids to explore.
Bestor Art Park has a big playground for kids to explore.
Kelley Park blends outdoor spaces with city attractions.
Kelley Park blends outdoor spaces with city attractions.
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Dining options range from local corridors to downtown San Jose

Many restaurant corridors surround the community. Chain restaurants and locally owned eateries line First Street, and more options are on Willow Street in neighboring Washington-Guadalupe. The Little Saigon district in Kennedy is also nearby, offering two large shopping centers and restaurants serving authentic Vietnamese fare. You're also 1 to 2 miles from downtown San Jose, where you can find:

  • Laid-back dining around San José State University
  • Popular restaurants and bars in San Pedro Square
  • Nightlife and performing arts venues in the SoFA district

The neighborhood is next door to the Little Saigon district, which has Grand Century Shopping Mall.
The neighborhood is next door to the Little Saigon district, which has Grand Century Shopping Mall.
Thien Thanh Supermarket offers fresh fresh and meats.
Thien Thanh Supermarket offers fresh fresh and meats.
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Creative spaces link the neighborhood to San Jose's arts scene

The neighborhood has a small creative hub around South Fifth Street. The area is home to Citadel Art Studios, South Bay's largest artist community. One block away, Art Ark Gallery opens once every month during the South First Fridays ArtWalk to showcase new exhibitions. People can walk or bike from Art Ark to the SoFA district downtown to explore more art galleries and museums.

Isabel Butler
Written By
Isabel Butler
Elie Karam
Photography Contributed By
Elie Karam
Jahlil Harris
Video By
Jahlil Harris

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
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Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Norman Y Mineta San Jose International

11 min drive

Bus

Keyes & 5th

Bus

11th & Martha

Bus

Keyes & 7th

Bus

1st & Martha

Bus

1st & Virginia

Bus

Keyes & 10th

Bus

10th & Martha

Reviews

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Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Spartan-Keyes US
Homicide 4 4
Sexual Assault 7 4
Assault with Weapon 5 4
Robbery 5 4
Burglary 4 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 5 4
Larceny 7 4
Crime Score 5 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes
852
Number of Homes for Sale
11
Median Year Built
1962
Months of Supply
5.10
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,249
Significantly below the national average
1,933
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,154
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
749
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
6,098

Open Houses

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Condo Buildings

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Rental Home Trends

Number of Homes for Rent
4
Median Rent
$3,499
Median Townhouse Rent
$2,785
Median 2 Bedroom Townhouse Rent
$2,785
Median Condo Rent
$3,500
Median 2 Bedroom Condo Rent
$3,500

Demographics

Total Population
6,524
Median Age
35
Population Density
17 ppl/acre
Population under 18
22%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
10.8%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$77,763
On par with the national average
$79,597
Average Household Income
$103,698

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
77.4%
Below the national average
89%
College Graduates
30.4%
Advanced Degrees
7.7%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
70.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
17''
Average Winter Low Temperature
43°F
Average Summer High Temperature
82°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Moderately bikeable

Bikeability®

60 / 100

Moderately walkable

Walkability®

60 / 100

Some public transit

Transit®

50 / 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
Spartan-Keyes