Why Live in Penitencia
Penitencia, a suburban neighborhood in San Jose, is situated 7 miles from downtown and is known for its highly rated schools and proximity to Alum Rock Park, California’s oldest municipal park. The area is safer than the national average, with a CAP Index Crime Score of 3 out of 10. Penitencia offers a variety of home styles, including Mediterranean-style houses, split-levels, one-story bungalows, townhouses, and condos. The neighborhood features curving streets, cul-de-sacs, and homes with two-car garages and sizable yards. Local schools are highly rated, including Summerdale Elementary, Piedmont Middle, Independence High, St. John Vianney Catholic School, and Merryhill School. Penitencia is rich in attractions, with Penitencia Creek Park, Cimarrón Park, and the Berryessa Branch Library offering recreational and educational opportunities. Dining options include Pho San Jose and Jade China, while shopping needs are met by nearby Target, Marshalls, Safeway, and Grocery Outlet. The San Jose Flea Market provides weekend entertainment with vendors, food stalls, live music, and a kids' area. The neighborhood is well-connected, with Interstate 680, VTA light rail stops, and the Berryessa/North San Jose BART station nearby. San José Mineta International Airport is a 7-mile trip. Community events like National Night Out and the Berryessa Art Festival foster a strong sense of community. While Penitencia is at low risk for wildfires, nearby mountain ranges pose a higher risk, and residents near Penitencia Creek may experience flooding during heavy rains.