San Jose, the largest city in Northern California by both population and area, stands as a beacon of innovation, cultural diversity, and affluence. Nestled in the heart of Silicon Valley, it’s home to nearly a million residents and some of the world’s leading tech companies, including Cisco Systems, eBay, Adobe Inc., PayPal, Broadcom, and Zoom. This economic powerhouse boasts the third-highest GDP per capita globally, trailing only Zurich and Oslo, yet also grapples with one of the most expensive housing markets.

Rich in history, San Jose’s roots trace back to the Tamien nation of the Ohlone peoples, long before Spanish settlers founded it in 1777 as the Pueblo de San José de Guadalupe. Transitioning from a Mexican territory to the U.S. following the Mexican–American War, it briefly served as California’s first state capital. Post-World War II, San Jose underwent rapid growth and transformation, evolving from an agricultural center to a metropolitan hub of technology and innovation.

The city’s enviable Mediterranean climate, with an average of 298 sunny days and an annual mean temperature of 60.5 °F, complements its economic opportunities, making it a highly desirable place to live and work. San Jose exemplifies a unique blend of historical richness and modern-day prosperity, offering a vibrant lifestyle amidst the backdrop of technological advancement.