Willow Glen is a scenic, older San Jose district just southwest of downtown San Jose. It’s known for a vibrant and historic downtown of its own along Lincoln Avenue (between about Minnesota and Bird) and for beautifully diverse architectural styles in its older neighborhoods.
Willow Glen enjoys a strong sense of community & involvement. When locals are asked where they live, you’ll hear not San Jose, but “Willow Glen”.
Please see my blog, SanJoseRealEstateLosGatosHomes.com, to find a number of articles on Willow Glen, its neighborhoods, real estate market, events, and more.
What makes this area so unique?
Most of Santa Clara County, offers subdivisions that are primarily ranch style homes built in the 1950s through 1970s when San Jose and other areas had explosive construction growth and a takeover by tract housing. We locals appreciate diversity of all kinds, including in the housing offerings, so visiting this charming area with architecture of every kind is simply refreshing! Here you will find Victorian homes, Craftsman homes, Spanish Revival, Colonial, mid-century modern (classy Eichlers), and many more.
And don’t forget the trees! This area was named, of course, for its gracious willow trees. Additionally, though, you’ll see sycamores, palms, and other types lining most of the streets in this area. (Below please see an image of the Palm Haven neighborhood in Willow Glen.)

Willow Glen
There are activities of all kinds year round in downtown and elsewhere. Want to volunteer your time? Plenty of opportunities about, including at one of the largest food banks in the region – Second Harvest Food Bank.
Where is Willow Glen?
You may get different answers from anyone you ask regarding the exact boundaries, but the district roughly includes all the 95125 zip code, but also includes a little of 95124. Major roads bordering it are Highway 280, Highway 87, Foxworthy Avenue, and Highway 17.
How is the Willow Glen real estate market?
You can read the frequently updated post about the Willow Glen real estate market on my blog: Willow Glen real estate market in San Jose Also, please visit my Willow Glen real estate report, which is updated monthly (usually between the 5th and 10th of each month). Or enjoy these Altos Research reports here right now – they are updated weekly and use list prices rather than sold prices:
Learn more:
Doerr Park neighborhood – on the border with Cambrian Park
Hacienda Gardens – just north of Hillsdale with highly regarded Cambrian schools
The Willows – a younger collection of homes built by KB Homes
Browse Willow Glen homes for sale
Thinking about making this charming corner of San Jose your home? There’s a lot to love!