The immediate area surrounding modern San Jose was home to the Tamyen group of Ohlone people from around 4,000 BC. San Jose itself was the first city founded in the California area and was created by the Spanish on November 29, 1777. It was originally named Pueblo de San José de Guadalupe (the Town of Saint Joseph on the Guadalupe). Following that, it enjoyed somewhat of a see-saw existence, becoming part of Mexico in 1821 following the Mexican War of Independence. During the Mexican–American War in 1848, when America conquered California, it then became part of the United States. After California became a state in 1850, San Jose was its first capital. So, it’s fair to say it is somewhat unique in having a magnificently mixed Ohlone-Spanish-Mexican-American heritage. Confusion sometimes arises for those unfamiliar with how to spell the city’s name – whether to use the accent over the “é” in “José” or not. Following various rulings, the convention now is that when spelled out upper and lower case, it’s San José with the accent, but if totally upper-case or in internet URLs, it’s SAN JOSE with no accent above the “e.” This should help you avoid upsetting any city elders when you buy your house in San Jose, or should we say, San José! We will, however, refer to the city as San Jose for the purpose of this article.

Shopaholics and epicureans alike will love Santana Row, with its eclectic mix of individual non-chain boutiques, shops and food outlets, side by side in harmony with the usual mall “favorites.”

San Jose is noted for some 15,950 acres of parkland. You’ll find several flower gardens, part of the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge and the Japanese Friendship Garden in Kelley Park which offers several other attractions, including the History Park, Happy Hollow Park and Zoo.

Dating back to 1777 and fully established in 1872, Alum Rock Park has over 13 miles of trails for mountain bikers, horse riders and hikers, as well as picnic areas and playgrounds. Coyote Creek flows through the park.

The San Jose Flea Market, the largest of its type in California, is remarkable. Stalls, bazaars, pop-ups and shops selling absolutely everything and anything, old, new and contemporary, with great food in between.