Willow Glen has a below average violent crime rate and an above average property crime rate compared to other cities in the United States.
Willow Glen is San Jose’s own little section of Norman Rockwell charm. Named for the Willow trees that abound here, this is essentially a self-contained town within the tenth largest city in the United States. Commercial life here revolves around Lincoln Avenue, a tree-lined main street that looks like it's right out of small town America.
Downtown Willow Glen is walkable and is a joy to explore. There are over 250 businesses the area, for the most part independently owned. There’s an abundance of restaurants and delectable treats such as pastries, frozen yogurt, and other delights that keep residents and visitors coming back for more. Bookstores, spas, antique stores, dry cleaners, and other businesses have nearly every need covered.
This definitely isn't a nightlife hub (nowhere in the Valley really is, for that matter) but there are a respectable number of options here, ranging from sports bars to wine and cheese tasting to lounges.
When it comes to housing, Willow Glen has no shortage – there’s a great mix of subsidized housing, apartments, and single family homes. Homes in the area are an average of 50 years old, compared to an average of 20-30 years old in other parts of San Jose. However, they’ve been well maintained, remodeled, and updated for modern times. Classic exteriors of Victorian and Spanish styles from the 1920s can often be found mixed in with more modern styling, with beautifully remodeled modern interiors. Home prices also have a wide range and there are plenty of affordable and attractive homes for middle class residents here.
Complementing the idyllic lifestyle are a number of excellent public schools serving children of all ages.
There’s not one single demographic that makes up a significant proportion of the Willow Glen population. Young singles and couples will love Willow Glen for its happening downtown area while families will appreciate the quiet residential streets.
Willow Glen is bordered on the north by Downtown San Jose, on the east and south by South San Jose, and on the west by West San Jose.
A great place for families with children to come and get their creative juices going: you can paint your own pottery with without the mess of doing it at home. A friendly atmosphere and hours of fulfillment are at your fingertips.
As the name suggests, this is a trail along the Guadalupe River that attracts joggers, cyclists, and people walking their dogs. Although it's not particularly pretty (there’s a lot of trash) it’s still a good place to come and get some exercise.
One of Willow Glen’s favorite spots for dining, The Table offers American fare with a modern twist. It can be difficult to get a table here during brunch hours, as that seems to be the focus of the menu offerings. Despite this, there are plenty of great plates that you’ll enjoy as well if you decide to come here to grab an evening meal.
Starting right on the border of Willow Glen and Campbell, Adventure Run is a fun way to get active and socialize for people of all ages! The idea is a fun run to different businesses in Willow Glen while collecting tickets to be used in a raffle. Post run, there are adult beverages for those of age, as well as food and activites for the kids.
With twenty beers and twenty wines on tap, you’ll find yourself coming back to sample everything. The rotating cheese and charcuterie platter menu means there’s always something new to try. There’s no wonder this is a favorite local watering hole – it’s a unique experience every time.
Yeah, it’s not exactly specific – but it can’t be recommended enough. Walking through downtown you’ll notice all sorts of specialty shops with an old town appeal. From antiques and art to inspired restaurants and apparel, you really have to walk around to get a good feel for this area of San Jose.
Photo Credits: Thanks to @thismomrunsultras, @rhiannon_borunda, @leslied2, @theluigichronicles, @contentmag, @bigruubstacos, @kanezcgshopdog, @suzazzledazzle, @scubaroomom, @lghomes, @cadi4niacruiser, @cienvision, @cjmcqueen for your great photos of this neighborhood!