Section Image

Tamien

Tamien

$833,780 Average Value
$754 Average Price per Sq Ft
14 Homes For Sale

How Tamien's central location supports commuting and daily life

Tamien is a commuter-friendly, central San Jose neighborhood anchored by Tamien Station, a major public transit hub connected to job centers across Silicon Valley. The community is also near Downtown San Jose, so more job hubs and a wide variety of attractions are within a short drive, bike or bus ride away. Housing here ranges from early-1900s bungalows and Victorians to newer condos and townhomes, and the neighborhood is actively adding more options. Day-to-day, residents can enjoy the outdoors at Tamien Park, walk to nearby restaurants along Willow Street and find community through local organizations.

Tamien provides easy access to San Jose’s downtown and transit options.
Tamien provides easy access to San Jose’s downtown and transit options.
An elevated view of the neighborhood shows downtown San Jose in the distance.
An elevated view of the neighborhood shows downtown San Jose in the distance.
1/2

The area offers older homes, newer infill and growing rentals

Most streets are lined with bungalows, Victorians, Spanish Revivals and multifamily houses from the early to the late 20th century. Infill single-family housing from the 2000s through the 2020s is also around. Condo complexes and townhouse communities from the late 1900s to the mid-2000s are around West Alma Avenue. Tamien Station Apartments is new to the area, offering rapid rehousing to low-income individuals and people at risk of homelessness.

Tamien is one of the city's more affordable neighborhoods, offering "a lower barrier to entry than downtown, Willow Glen and Rose Garden," says Realtor AJ DeCristoforo with Marcus & Millichap. Overall, there are more renters than homeowners here, but open listings still attract first-time buyers and investors wanting to maximize the area's central location and public transit access. Single-family homes sell anywhere between the low $700,000s and $1.1 million, while multifamily properties stay in the $1.2 to $2.1 million range. Condos cost between the low $400,000s and the mid-$600,000s, plus monthly HOA fees.

Spanish Revivals homes are abundant in the neighborhood.
Spanish Revivals homes are abundant in the neighborhood.
Bungalows usually have small, fenced-in yards.
Bungalows usually have small, fenced-in yards.
Many homes have colorful exteriors.
Many homes have colorful exteriors.
1/3

Tamien Station is the hub for car-free commuting

The neighborhood is home to Tamien Station, a key multimodal station in south-central San Jose. The station connects commuters to Caltrain, VTA light rail and regional bus services. "There are also several new proposed transportation improvements in the neighborhood, including high-speed rail and a BART expansion," says Michelle Elliott, Realtor with Coldwell Banker.

With all the station's comings and goings, combined with nearby highways, the neighborhood can get noisy. However, DeCristoforo says many people consider the convenience of nearby car-free commuting options a fair trade for the inconvenience of noise.

Downtown San Jose and major job centers are quickly accessible

Most commuters drive, even with all the public transit options. Tamien borders state Route 87, which cuts through the city's heart and connects to other major corridors, like Interstate 280. "It's right in the middle of San Jose, so you're connected to the entire Silicon Valley," says Realtor Michelle Rico of Epique Realty. The neighborhood is also 2 miles from downtown San Jose, and DeCristoforo notes that big tech centers, like Adobe and Google, are right around the corner. The city center is also so close that some people bike to work, arriving at the office in about 15 minutes.

Tamien Station offers easy access to Caltrain for Bay Area travel.
Tamien Station offers easy access to Caltrain for Bay Area travel.
State Route 87 cuts through San Jose's core.
State Route 87 cuts through San Jose's core.
1/2

Students attend San Jose public and charter schools nearby

The San Jose Unified School District serves the neighborhood. Most kids attend their assigned schools, like Washington Elementary School, which is within walking and biking distance of many homes. Charter options, like the highly rated Rocketship Alma Academy, are also available. College students are a short drive or bike ride from San Jose State University.

Local dining and shopping line Willow and First streets

Several dining options are near the community. First Street is lined with chain restaurants and local eateries, and the Calle Willow Business District on Willow Street is a quick walk or bike ride north. The corridor has many locally owned restaurants, like:

  • El Camaron De Sinaloa, a Mexican restaurant specializing in seafood dishes
  • El Rico Pan Bakery, a small counter-serve bakery making fresh pastries and breads daily
  • La Original Paleteria y Neveria, a local ice cream shop selling traditional Mexican sweets and drinks
  • Metro Balderas Taqueria, a laid-back spot for tacos, tortas and micheladas
Willow Street also has shops like Willow Market and Arteaga's Food Center. For more options, you can visit Walmart in neighboring Fairgrounds, swing by Grand Century Shopping Mall in Kennedy or explore downtown San Jose.

El Camaron de Sinaloa is a popular restaurant for Mexican fare.
El Camaron de Sinaloa is a popular restaurant for Mexican fare.
El Rico Pan Bakery makes fresh pastries each day.
El Rico Pan Bakery makes fresh pastries each day.
Arteaga's Food Center is the local spot for groceries.
Arteaga's Food Center is the local spot for groceries.
1/3
Tamien Park’s picnic tables are shaded for breezy lunches outside.
Tamien Park’s picnic tables are shaded for breezy lunches outside.

People enjoy the outdoors at Tamien Park or on local trails

Tamien Park is the neighborhood's main outdoor space. It offers everything from a shaded playground and picnic areas to various athletic fields and hard courts. You'll see people working out on the exercise circuit or playing games at the outdoor ping pong and chess tables. The area also has quick access to the Guadalupe River Trail and the Highway 87 Bikeway, two hubs for hikers and cyclists.

Community groups provide news and assistance

A few community organizations help support the neighborhood. The Alma Neighborhood Association keeps neighbors informed about important city updates and local events. Sacred Heart Community Service offers a variety of assistance programs, including housing and financial assistance, as well as food and clothing donations.

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

Agents Specializing in this Area

See All Agents

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

10 min drive

Train

Tamien

Bus

Graham & Mastic

Bus

Alma & Plum

Bus

Alma & 1st

Bus

Alma & Locust

Bus

Willow & Almaden

Bus

Willow & Palm

Bus

Alma & Vine

Reviews

Are you familiar with the Tamien neighborhood? to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Tamien US
Homicide 4 4
Sexual Assault 7 4
Assault with Weapon 6 4
Robbery 5 4
Burglary 5 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 5 4
Larceny 7 4
Crime Score 5 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes
1,194
Number of Homes for Sale
14
Median Year Built
1984
Months of Supply
4.90
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,194
Significantly below the national average
1,932
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,846
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
926
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
652
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
5,227

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 Renters

Rental Home Trends

Number of Homes for Rent
2
Median Rent
$3,287
Median Single Family Home Rent
$3,251
Median 4 Bedroom Single Family Home Rent
$3,950
Median Condo Rent
$3,050
Median 2 Bedroom Condo Rent
$3,050

Demographics

Total Population
7,437
Median Age
37
Population Density
19 ppl/acre
Population under 18
25.6%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
12.4%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$76,768
On par with the national average
$79,597
Average Household Income
$102,158

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
69.6%
Below the national average
89%
College Graduates
22%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
4.5%
% Population in Labor Force
66.9%

Weather

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

Area Factors

Moderately friendly

Bikeability®

60 / 100

Moderately friendly

Walkability®

60 / 100

Fairly friendly

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
Tamien