Downtown San Jose Condos (San Diego, Oakland: apartments, crime rates, houses)

[proreus]

Does anyone here live in Downtown San Jose? I was thinking of buying a condo later on this year (when I think things will be more affordable). Something like the newer places 1 East Julian, etc. I would like to hear what's like around there. Some people say the train and airplanes are loud and others say the crime rates are high and considering I've only driven by I can't really confirm or deny that. Any comments on the newer condo complexes would be helpful as well.

I've lived in the area for two years now (Santa Clara & Mountain View) and I work in Sunnyvale. I'm a single/27/m.

Thanks

[krudmonk]

I appraised one of the smaller units at 1 East Julian last November. The project is very nice and the intersection of Julian and First is unrecognizable now. I like what they've done with the place. Crime is minimal anywhere in San Jose, let alone a place like that. Noise is more from light rail than planes, which is still not much.

[vdy1985]

Personally, I think it would be a great place to live. But I would think the planes could get noisy, since they would be flying right over you, but I don't know how loud it would be from inside your condo. I just remember
being at San Pedro Square, a few years ago, sitting outside eating lunch and hearing the airplanes 5-10 minutes. I don't remember it being super loud that my friends and I coudln't hear each other, it was just definitely noticeable.

[mrzod]

agreed. The airplane noises are noticeable for pedestrians so for someone living in an apartment, you can imagine what it would sound like hundreds of feet closer to the planes.

also, those apartments are pricey.. we're talking starting in the $400Ks right? why not check out a house or a smaller unit, say, 3 stories high?

[sonarrat]

Airplane noise never bothered me. I lived in the SFO flightpath which is much noisier, and the worst thing that ever happened was I had to wait a few seconds to continue a phone call if my windows were open. What would bother me more about living downtown, especially at the intersection of two busy streets like 1 E Julian, is the motorcycle gangs that blast up and down the streets all around there at night.

[krudmonk]

Originally Posted by mrzod

also, those apartments are pricey.. we're talking starting in the $400Ks right? why not check out a house or a smaller unit, say, 3 stories high?

1 East Julian is a smaller development, as are the few around it.
One East Julian - Downtown San Jose Condos

[vdy1985]

BTW, in case you didn't already know, SJ airport has a curfew. I don't think they have any flights after 11pm or something.

[MichaelinWA]

Things may have changed in the five years since I left, but Southern Pacific freight trains (and the clanging traffic signal) could be a late-night problem at times where I lived, on 2nd around Julian.

[proreus]

Originally Posted by mrzod

agreed. The airplane noises are noticeable for pedestrians so for someone living in an apartment, you can imagine what it would sound like hundreds of feet closer to the planes.

also, those apartments are pricey.. we're talking starting in the $400Ks right? why not check out a house or a smaller unit, say, 3 stories high?

The one I want is in the 400s right now but I'm hoping it comes down by the end of the year. The houses in the downtown area are old and rundown compared to these new condos. I wanted something nice.

Originally Posted by vdy1985

BTW, in case you didn't already know, SJ airport has a curfew. I don't think they have any flights after 11pm or something.

And before 6. I've been stuck waiting on the tarmac before.

Originally Posted by MichaelinWA

Things may have changed in the five years since I left, but Southern Pacific freight trains (and the clanging traffic signal) could be a late-night problem at times where I lived, on 2nd around Julian.

That would suck. I've lived next to a train crossing before and it was horrible. They would blare the whistle every hour of every day. Does anyone know if this still happens? It looks like the tracks cross a bunch of intersections there.

Does anyone know anyone that lives in one of these condo complexes?

Thanks

[socketz]

I really like downtown San Jose and still think it is one of the best kept secrets in the Bay Area.

It is getting hammered now by the downturn, but I only see that area getting nicer over time.

Also note that per capita San Jose has almost been one of the safest large cities in America.

I also hear that they are seriousl looking into moving the Oakland A's to downtown.....so if that happens, the downtown area would really become nice (i.e. San Diego, Denver, etc)