Is the area directly north of San Jose State (near downtown) safe, is it a decent place to live? (Santa Clara: apartments)

[rickca]

I'm thinking about moving to the area directly north of San Jose state near downtown. I've driven around the area a few times and I'm not sure if yet if I want to move there. Is it a safe area? Would like to get opinions from anyone who has lived around that area. Thanks

[mysticaltyger]

Originally Posted by rickca

I'm thinking about moving to the area directly north of San Jose state near downtown. I've driven around the area a few times and I'm not sure if yet if I want to move there. Is it a safe area? Would like to get opinions from anyone who has lived around that area. Thanks

Be careful of that area. You really have to take it block by block. Just north of Santa Clara Street between 4th and 6th streets are some really sketchy areas. However a few blocks to the east or west or north of that area might be fine.

I've lived a block to the south of that area for over a year and I've never had any problems. So you really just have to check the area out and see.

But I know that area is sketchy because when I was looking for places I saw a place over there that was really dumpy (not to mention the neighborhood). It's weird how you can be 2 blocks away from somewhere really dumpy and it's totally fine.

[rickca]

Yeah I know what you mean, I got the same feeling because some areas seem nice then you go around the corner and it looks sketchy. What would the closest areas be to San Jose State that you'd recommend looking at, I mean the area south of the school is kind of the same way too right?

Thanks for any advice.

[sonarrat]

The area to the east of SJSU is wonderful, it's Naglee Park. It depends on what you're looking for though, you're not going to find apartments there because they simply don't exist.

[mysticaltyger]

Originally Posted by rickca

Yeah I know what you mean, I got the same feeling because some areas seem nice then you go around the corner and it looks sketchy. What would the closest areas be to San Jose State that you'd recommend looking at, I mean the area south of the school is kind of the same way too right?

Thanks for any advice.

Sonarrat is 1/2 right and 1/2 wrong in his post. East of SJSU is really nice but there are some apartments there. Some old victorians and even a few cheesy apt. buildings. But in general, it is single family homes.

South of campus is more pretty safe, but the housing stock is pretty bland, although there are exceptions.

I live right on 5th street.

There are lots of places for rent by my landlord, Westwood Properties. Their office is 55 South 6th street. They are a local landlord and they keep older buildings in nice shape (normally no amenities), with reasonable rent for the area. I really like them Any of their buildings should be nice (no frills, but nice). Some are right along San Fernando, or between San Fernando and Santa Clara. They generally fight pretty hard to keep riff raff away from their buildings.

Google them and you can get their phone number.