Affordable family-oriented area with Japanese culture? (San Jose, Fremont: income, jobs, homes)

[movingforward11]

Hi, this might be asking a lot , but we were looking in the bay area for a nice affordable area for a family that also has Japanese community, bilingual or supplemental schools, supermarkets, and the like. We are not rich but really want a bilingual Japanese language education for our children and a good diverse community. Any info would be greatly appreciated!

[mysticaltyger]

San Jose does have a small Japanese community. I'm not sure about being able to do it bilingual, etc. In general, I would not consider San Jose or Silicon Valley "family friendly" as the cost of living here is very high. If your family income is in the 150K range, then you might be ok....but a lot of people at that income level here have very high stress, all-consuming jobs.

[movingforward11]

Thanks for your reply. Are any of the nearby suburbs better? Like Fremont or elsewhere? Our problem is we could always go to somewhere cheaper and more out of the way, but there would be zero chance of finding a Japanese school. For some reason, they seem to be in many of the bigger California towns like SJ, SF, LA. Obviously SF is ridiculously pricey and LA looks less safe. SJ is also pricey. So we're in a bit of a dilemma. Perhaps a strategically located suburb to commute from is the solution? Or a more affordable pocket of Silicon Valley?

[Luke9686]

The problem with affordable suburbs is they probably won't have the desired diversity you are looking for. Places in the east bay, like Livermore, Dublin and Pleasanton are relatively affordable. They are less diverse though.

[krudmonk]

Homes in the Japantown neighborhood actually run less than in areas further west.

[socketz]

Originally Posted by Luke9686

The problem with affordable suburbs is they probably won't have the desired diversity you are looking for. Places in the east bay, like Livermore, Dublin and Pleasanton are relatively affordable. They are less diverse though.

There is a large Asian population in the East Bay. It's not 75% or greater like most of San Jose (areas where the schools are acceptable), but it's definitely diverse.

I believe however that Chinese and Vietnamese are much more prevelant in the Bay.

[movingforward11]

Thanks for all the helpful responses. This site is a great resource to really get the vibe of a place.

Looking around the web for info, it seems like both San Jose and Cupertino have some Japanese festivals and stores. Is the northern part of San Jose around Japantown a nice place to live? I know Cupertino is expensive and good schools, but is it a comfortable place? How about the areas bordering it like Sunnyvale?

[socketz]

Originally Posted by movingforward11

Thanks for all the helpful responses. This site is a great resource to really get the vibe of a place.

Looking around the web for info, it seems like both San Jose and Cupertino have some Japanese festivals and stores. Is the northern part of San Jose around Japantown a nice place to live? I know Cupertino is expensive and good schools, but is it a comfortable place? How about the areas bordering it like Sunnyvale?

Many in my industry refer to this area as the United Nations, and after living here for a few months, I'd have to agree. I'm certain that you will be able to find what you are looking for here.

[bealtaine]

Cupertino is a great area for families. The schools are excellent as you mentioned. Cupertino also has lots of parks with play areas, a fantastic library, a great YMCA, and a good choice of stores. I find it pretty pedestrian friendly, the neighborhoods all feel very safe and are pleasant for walking and jogging. It also has De Anza college which is a great community college. I lived there and would recommend it strongly.
Cupertino is a better address than Sunnyvale. I have lived in both areas and much preferred Cupertino. I think it would be the perfect match for you, I hope you find something in your price range there.

[socketz]

Cupertino is very nice, but because the schools are so good, the home prices are somewhat out of reach for most families. I've heard of homes going over 300k above the asking price in Cupertino because of the schools.

In addition, I also understand that there are lotteries now just to get into the schools.

Make sure you factor these aspects in before putting money down on a home.

San Jose Mission District is another mecca for great schools, as is Pleasanton.

South Almaden Valley also has excellent schools, but they are in the San Jose school district, so if you can't get in, your kids will be bussed to a mediocre school in the district. Good schools are extremely difficult to get into around this area because everyone basically wants the same thing and the actual percentage of excellent schools is very low compared to the population. Very competetive. Many live 2-3 families to a home just to be in the good school district. Harsh, yes, but reality around these parts.

You may also want to look at the Campbell Union and Cambrian districts. Each district has its pockets of good schools as well.