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Sun

Sun

$812,799 Average Value
$584 Average Price per Sq Ft
18 Homes For Sale
SUN blends academic vibes with tree-lined streets and older homes.
SUN blends academic vibes with tree-lined streets and older homes.

Daily life in SUN blends campus energy with downtown access

SUN, or South University Neighborhood, is a lively Downtown San Jose community and the home of San José State University. Daily rhythms here ebb and flow around the academic calendar, but the neighborhood’s connection to downtown also keeps the area active. Every day, people walk, bike, ride and drive to the city center’s biggest attractions, from popular restaurants and pedestrian malls to thriving creative hubs. Residents have a quick commute to Silicon Valley job centers and easy access to reliable public transit. Housing varies from older single-family and multiunit homes with classic architecture to more modern apartments and condos.

Living near a major university without losing the neighborhood feel

San José State University is the heart of the neighborhood. The university is home to nearly 40,000 students and is a main workforce producer for Silicon Valley. Everyday living revolves around the campus’ daily routines, yearly calendar and special events.

The neighborhood is home to San José State University.
The neighborhood is home to San José State University.
Explore the new Student Center at San José State University.
Explore the new Student Center at San José State University.
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A renter-heavy area with a wide mix of housing styles

Over 80% of residents are renters. If SJSU students aren’t staying on campus for the school year, they’re more than likely renting the apartments, single-family homes and multiunit properties around the university. The area is also popular among university professors and young professionals working downtown.

Most single-family and multifamily homes were built in the 20th century, sporting Craftsman, bungalow, Victorian and Spanish-style architecture. Condos and apartments have contemporary interiors and exteriors. Buyers can find townhouses, single-family homes and multifamily houses between the low $800,000s and $1.5 million. Condos sell at a wider range, from the mid-$400,000s to $1.2 million.

Colorful Victorian homes remain in the neighborhood.
Colorful Victorian homes remain in the neighborhood.
This Craftsman-style house in the community has a sky blue paint job.
This Craftsman-style house in the community has a sky blue paint job.
Sometimes you'll see Italianate-style houses here.
Sometimes you'll see Italianate-style houses here.
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How people commute without relying on a car every day

One of the biggest draws of the neighborhood is how pedestrian-friendly it is. You’ll see students walking and biking around campus and people strolling to nearby downtown districts. “You can walk to restaurants, theaters, sports events and museums,” says Jeff Hansen, Realtor at eXp Realty of California. Many downtown workers commute by bike, bus or light rail instead of driving since traffic can get hectic during rush hours. For people who do drive, Interstate 280 connects to most of San Jose and the Silicon Valley.

Parking can be tight, especially near campus. Farther from the university, more homes have off-street parking, and permit restrictions keep the roads clear for residents.

People can catch the bus or light rail to downtown.
People can catch the bus or light rail to downtown.
Lyft Bay Wheels offer bike rentals.
Lyft Bay Wheels offer bike rentals.
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Downtown dining, events and culture are just minutes away

The neighborhood is well-connected to downtown San Jose, so running daily errands, going out to eat and enjoying local entertainment is a breeze. “Living here means never having to leave the city,” Hansen says. Within a few minutes, you can explore:

  • Fast food chains and casual restaurants in Paseo de San Antonio
  • Popular eateries and bars in San Pedro Square
  • Open green space and annual events at Plaza de Cesar Chavez
  • Art galleries and performing arts venues in the SoFA creative district
  • Businesses and important landmarks in the Historic District

The Last Round Tavern is where locals grab a pizza and a beer.
The Last Round Tavern is where locals grab a pizza and a beer.
Philz Coffee is the pit stop for university students to grab coffee.
Philz Coffee is the pit stop for university students to grab coffee.
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Games, concerts and festivals draw crowds beyond classes

SJSU hosts many events throughout the year. Some of the campus’s biggest events include:

  • Spartan Kickoff, a massive welcome event celebrating the start of the fall semester
  • Admitted Spartan Day, a spring visitor event for newly admitted students and touring families
  • SJSU Homecoming Week, a weeklong celebration known for its homecoming football game, pep rally and Spirit Walk
Even after major events, the campus stays busy. Crowds pile into the stands at Provident Credit Union Event Center to watch concerts and Spartan basketball games. The SJSU King Library hosts public events, and annual cultural festivals bring performances to the campus quads.

Street activity rises and falls with the SJSU school year

The neighborhood is lively year-round, but street activity fluctuates around the school year. Foot traffic, noise levels and parking constraints peak during the fall and spring semesters, while the winter and summer holidays bring a calmer energy. Special events at the university also impact the community’s atmosphere. For example, Spartan Kickoff attracts thousands of people to SJSU annually, making it one of the neighborhood’s loudest and busiest days of the year. But even on big event days, the university keeps its neighbors in mind. “The university has a very symbiotic relationship with the neighborhoods around it,” says Realtor Alessandra Toscano with Christie’s International Real Estate Sereno. “It brings a lot of life and energy to the area, but students seem to respect that surrounding areas also have a completely different feel.”

Isabel Butler
Written By
Isabel Butler
Christopher Lau
Photography Contributed By
Christopher Lau
Francesco Basti
Video By
Francesco Basti

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

9 min drive

Bus

E San Fernando & S 7th

Bus

E Santa Clara & S 6th

Bus

10th & Reed

Bus

10th & San Salvador

Bus

2nd & Santa Clara

Bus

2nd & Paseo De San Antonio

Bus

10th & San Antonio

Reviews

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Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Sun US
Homicide 4 4
Sexual Assault 6 4
Assault with Weapon 5 4
Robbery 4 4
Burglary 5 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 5 4
Larceny 6 4
Crime Score 4 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes
713
Number of Homes for Sale
18
Median Year Built
1998
Months of Supply
7.70
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,540
Significantly below the national average
1,931
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,446
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
864
Average Studio Size Sq Ft
673
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
5,227

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 Renters

Rental Home Trends

Number of Homes for Rent
12
Median Rent
$2,695
Median Single Family Home Rent
$1,748
Median Condo Rent
$2,473
Median 2 Bedroom Condo Rent
$2,695

Demographics

Total Population
11,987
Median Age
27
Population Density
39 ppl/acre
Population under 18
25.1%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
5.9%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$65,242
Below the national average
$79,597
Average Household Income
$95,200

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
84%
Below the national average
89%
College Graduates
44.6%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
18.1%
% Population in Labor Force
65.3%

Weather

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

Area Factors

Exceptionally friendly

Bike Score®

90 / 100

Moderately friendly

Walk Score®

70 / 100

Moderately friendly

Transit Score®

70 / 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
Sun