San Jose Independent Living

The median cost of independent living in San Jose for a single-occupancy apartment is $3,499/month (SeniorHomes.com - 2015). This monthly cost typically includes rent, utilities, dining, housekeeping and transportation.

San Jose, California, is the major city serving Silicon Valley. Showing signs of wear and tear in the 1970s, the area has had a complete facelift as part of an ambitious redevelopment program and is now a showpiece of modern, Spanish-style architecture and the best in planning and city management. A more senior-friendly climate than San Jose has yet to be described. The average temperature throughout the year is a balmy 73 F. Nestled on three sides by mountain ranges, there is very little rainfall, mostly during the months from November to February. Motorists are occasionally inconvenienced by having to dig out credit cards to remove a thin layer of frost from the windshield. According to the 2010 United States Census, San Jose has a population of just under one million. It has a population density of around 5,200 per square mile, roughly two-thirds more than San Diego, although it doesn’t feel like it. Apart from rush hour traffic, it rarely feels crowded.

San Jose Attractions

San Jose shopping facilities are second to none. Wherever you live, you are never more than a few minutes’ drive from a major shopping center. Eateries are plentiful and moderately priced. Modern architects have preserved the Old Spanish feel to the town; although the area is extremely built up, the buildings are not obtrusive and blend nicely into the scenery. San Francisco, with all its charms, is about an hour’s drive north on either Highway 101 or Interstate 280, while the beaches of Santa Cruz are just over the mountain via Highway 17.

San Jose Senior Activities

Numerous senior centers provide a range of services for the over-50s promoting health, wellness and San Jose independent living. Some of the services offered include fitness classes, computer training hearing and blood pressure screening, health insurance counseling, cards and games, minor home repairs and maintenance, income tax and legal assistance, transportation, volunteering opportunities, recreation, tours and travel.

San Jose Medical Facilities

Access to medical facilities is an important consideration for anyone entertaining the notion of San Jose independent living. The Regional Medical Center of San Jose has been an essential part of Santa Clara County’s health care network. Following a $160 million expansion in 2005, the facility now includes six centers of excellence in Women and Children’s Health, Neurosciences, Cardiovascular, Cancer Care, Medical/Surgical Services as well as Emergency and Trauma. A Level II trauma center, it has the only Bay Area hospital with a heliport large enough to support the largest evacuation aircraft.

San Jose Medical Center (formerly Kaiser Permanente) serves nearly 194,000 members, offering on-site bilingual caregivers and numerous specialized services. Its mission is to give its members the highest quality care and the resources they need to live life to the fullest.

San Jose Transportation

A good transportation is another important aspect of San Jose independent living. The City of San Jose Department of Transportation is committed to providing a seamless and comprehensive network of transportation services for the community. The DOT has liaison with the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (SCVTA), Downtown Area Shuttle (DASH), Caltrain, Altamont Commuter Express (ACE) and Amtrak. The SCVTA integrates rail, light rail and bus services and is well-equipped to serve the senior population.

Summing Up

San Jose independent living has something for every senior.  San Jose is a great place to live; the climate is pleasant, the local architecture is modern, every possible amenity accessible by car or public transportation, and even the gas stations artfully preserve the area’s Spanish heritage.