For a big city, why is San Jose so boring? (Corona: rent, shop)

[HockeyMac18]

Originally Posted by Conrad Gray

This is as much a historical question as it is an urban cultural one. How did SJ come to be so big, yet so boring compared to other major cities? Its population dwarfs San Francisco's. Are there any other major cities (population-wise) in the U.S. that are comparably boring with San Jose?

The only reason SJ's population "dwarfs" SF's is because SJ's city limits are enormous (~49 sq miles vs ~180 sq miles). If SF had the same size city limits, it would be much more populated than SJ.

This isn't to take anything away from SJ as it's a nice enough city - I just always roll my eyes when people make these kind of comparisons of population without understanding the differences in that comparison.

This huge difference in land area has much to do with how the county limits were set with SF and its inability to annex land (and SJ's ability to sprawl out more). SF basically handicapped itself by never letting itself grow beyond its city limits (which were the same as the county limits - cities in CA can't grow beyond county limits in CA - although I don't know the exact details on that). SJ did not face this restriction, and grew out over time (in a less dense way).

SF and SJ grew up in two very different eras - cities that are newer, such as SJ, grew up around the car. And this is immediately apparent when you look at its roads and infrastructure (i.e. a bit more sprawled).

While this makes for pleasant neighborhoods, it has the opposite effect on "nightlife" as there aren't many dense areas. Most of the most "fun" cities have dense neighborhoods where street activity is high and you find "hip" activities (concert halls, bars, etc.) within close proximity to one another.

That said, SJ has some fun areas. I always have fun taking the train down and taking in a Sharks game (and hitting up a bar, or two, before the game). People also seem to really like Santana Row (although it's not really my scene as you have to drive to it, which kind of ruins it for me).

It's just a completely different kind of city to SF.


I think SJ can grow into being a more dense city eventually, but it'll probably take decades to get to that point from an infrastructure perspective - and there will be people that will fight density (as we see all over the bay)...but I think those forces will be defeated eventually (at least in certain sections of the city, specifically along transit lines), especially once "cheap gas" is no longer a thing.

[04kL4nD]

I honestly don't see the appeal of Santana Row at all. It reminds me of Bay Street in Emeryville or Mission Valley in San Diego. No thanks.

[18Montclair]

Originally Posted by Conrad Gray

This is as much a historical question as it is an urban cultural one. How did SJ come to be so big, yet so boring compared to other major cities? Its population dwarfs San Francisco's. Are there any other major cities (population-wise) in the U.S. that are comparably boring with San Jose?

I actually find most major cities to be more boring than San Jose quite frankly.

You cant really use SF as the typical big city because SF is more urbane and interesting as an urban environment than just about any big city in the US except NYC.

Otherwise, apart from a select few other cities, I dont see SJ as deficient in any way.

[silverkris]

Originally Posted by 18Montclair

I actually find most major cities to be more boring than San Jose quite frankly.

You cant really use SF as the typical big city because SF is more urbane and interesting as an urban environment than just about any big city in the US except NYC.

Otherwise, apart from a select few other cities, I dont see SJ as deficient in any way.

I think the people of SJ should drop their complex and just appreciate the city for what it is. It's not SF and that's fine.

[Chuck5000]

I was at San Pedro Sq 2 nights ago, Thursday. It was very alive, full of young people. Places were jammed. That is a nucleus of an early stage real downtown entertainment scene, no doubt at all. And there was no game happening nearby.

[Jane M]

Yes, San Pedro's square is always busy. However, all that is there is a bunch of eatieries. Most of them not very good. Pizza, tacos, hamburgers. There are a few good ones though. But, not much to do there but eat or drink.

[Conrad Gray]

They could definitely use more live music and entertainment.

[darkeconomist]

Originally Posted by Jane M

Yes, San Pedro's square is always busy. However, all that is there is a bunch of eatieries. Most of them not very good. Pizza, tacos, hamburgers. There are a few good ones though. But, not much to do there but eat or drink.

Well, more will open up as the downtown population increases. And, with all the proposals in the area, it is set for a significant population increase. But, right now, it and SoFA are the best we've got because SJ bulldozed so much of the old building stock, leaving behind block-long megaprojects. But give DTSJ time and the freedom to develop.

[quadshock]

Absolutely agreed that there needs to be more to do than just eat and drink downtown, but I think setting the foundation of being a destination to eat/drink can help prop up the rest. DTSJ finally has a mid-sized concert venue again in part because the area has gotten a bit healthier in terms of traffic. The experiments with mini concerts and events at nearby parks seem to be getting a little bit of traction.

IMO focusing on live music will make a huge difference. I actually highly doubt traditional retail (e.g. clothing stores) will be a big draw here for a long time.

[Jane M]

Originally Posted by darkeconomist

Well, more will open up as the downtown population increases.

agreed. but the thought about that area getting even more populated is frightening.