11 Areas to Avoid in San Jose, CA [TOURIST SAFETY GUIDE]

As an avid traveler and tourist, I’ve had the chance to visit many exciting destinations around the world. One city that has always intrigued me is San Jose, California. Known as the cultural and technological hub of Silicon Valley, San Jose seems like a vibrant and dynamic place to explore. However, as with any large city, there are certain areas that visitors may want to avoid, especially when traveling alone or at night. As I researched and planned my own upcoming trip to San Jose, I made sure to educate myself on some of the potentially dangerous or sketchy areas of town. In this article, I’ll share my findings on the areas to avoid in San Jose, to help other travelers stay safe and avoid any potentially risky situations.

After consulting travel guides, local blogs, and city data, I’ve compiled a list of the top areas to avoid in San Jose if you want to steer clear of high crime rates and dangerous conditions. These include certain neighborhoods and districts spread throughout the city. As an out-of-towner exploring San Jose for the first time, I would advise avoiding these areas when possible, especially after dark. Read on for more details on each location so you can plan your travels accordingly.

See Also: Areas to avoid in California

 

1. Downtown

Downtown San Jose, especially the areas near City Hall, tends to have more crime and vagrancy issues compared to other parts of the city. Certain streets downtown are rife with drug use, gang activity, and homelessness. As a tourist, I’d avoid walking alone here at night. Stick to busier, well-lit streets if you have to pass through downtown, and travel in groups if possible. Luckily, downtown has been improving in recent years through new development and investment. But certain pockets still feel unsafe after dark. Use caution around the Greyhound bus station, City Hall, and the various homeless encampments downtown.

 

2. East San Jose

The neighborhoods east of Highway 101 in San Jose have higher crime rates than most other districts. East San Jose areas like Little Portugal, Eastgate, and Alum Rock have issues with gang violence and drug dealing. As a visitor, I’d avoid these neighborhoods at night. I’d also be wary of secluded areas and back alleys even during the day. While many residents of East San Jose are law-abiding, the prevalence of gangs does pose safety issues. Stick to busier commercial areas in East San Jose, and avoid displaying expensive cameras or electronics that could make you a target.

 

3. Fairgrounds

The area around the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds can get dodgy, especially at night after events let out. This neighborhood sees higher rates of assault, robbery, and auto theft compared to other parts of San Jose. As a visitor, I’d avoid walking alone here at night, when intoxicated groups may be lingering around after concerts or fair events. Alcohol, large crowds, and dark streets don’t mix well. If attending an event, opt for an Uber/Lyft rather than strolling to your car parked on nearby residential streets. Take extra precautions in this area near the fairgrounds.

 

4. Buena Vista

Buena Vista is a small neighborhood tucked between hipster Willow Glen and upscale Berryessa. Unfortunately, it sees higher rates of crime compared to surrounding areas. Issues like home burglaries, auto theft, and robberies plague Buena Vista. As a tourist, I’d avoid walking alone here, especially at night or while displaying valuables like cameras or phones. It’s best to just drive through Buena Vista rather than linger on foot. If you have to walk in this area, stick to busier streets and avoid alleyways or suspicious groups of loiterers. Better yet, steer clear of Buena Vista altogether after dark.

 

5. North San Jose

The industrial neighborhoods of North San Jose, like the Evans Lane and Berryessa Creek areas, have problems with gangs, drug activity, and related violent crime. As a visitor unfamiliar with this area, I’d avoid it entirely at night. Even during the day, don’t linger on foot here. These predominantly industrial areas lack tourist sites anyway. When traveling in North San Jose, lock car doors and avoid leaving valuables visible. Don’t leave anything in your car if you have to park here, as vehicle break-ins are common. Better yet, avoid driving through North San Jose entirely since it offers little for tourists.

 

6. Alum Rock-East Foothills

The neighborhoods around Alum Rock Park and East Foothills see higher crime rates compared to the rest of San Jose. Illicit activities ranging from car theft to assaults occur more frequently here. As a visitor, avoid lingering around Alum Rock Park after dark, when gang activity and other crime spikes. Even during daylight, be vigilant about your surroundings when hiking the park trails. Also avoid walking alone in the East Foothills neighborhoods here, as muggings do occur. Only drive or walk through this area in groups, avoiding unlit side streets or suspicious loiterers.

 

7. Edenvale-Seven Trees

Edenvale and Seven Trees comprise a district south of Downtown San Jose plagued by violent crime and gang activity. As a tourist unfamiliar with this area, avoid it day or night. Don’t walk alone here, even during daylight. Refrain from driving through Edenvale-Seven Trees at night, when vehicle break-ins and carjackings spike. If you have to drive through during the day, be alert at stop signs and lights where smash-and-grab thefts occur. Keep your car doors locked and windows up. As a visitor, you’ll find no reason to linger in Edenvale-Seven Trees. Steer clear of this high-crime area.

 

8. North Valley

San Jose’s North Valley region, encompassing neighborhoods like Hyde Park, Kathleen-Mabury, and Las Palmas faces issues with property crime, assaults, and car theft. As a tourist, avoid lingering in this area, especially after dark. Don’t leave valuables in your car if parking here. When driving through North Valley, keep your doors locked and stay alert at stoplights. If on foot during daylight, don’t flash expensive electronics or wander deserted side streets. While North Valley has some nice suburban pockets, it’s best avoided by unfamiliar visitors due to sporadic crime and reports of areas to avoid in San Jose.

 

9. Rose Garden

Rose Garden is a mostly residential neighborhood offering gardens and parks. However, isolated trails and complexes make parts of Rose Garden risky at night. As a tourist, don’t linger after dark, as muggings do occur. Avoid unlit walking paths where criminals prey on joggers and cyclists at night. When visiting Rose Garden’s charming rose parks, go during busier daylight hours and don’t walk alone. While Rose Garden seems quaint, its isolation does invite opportunistic crime. Stick to busier streets and avoid aimlessly wandering side roads on foot at night.

 

10. Santa Teresa

The suburban Santa Teresa neighborhood in South San Jose has issues with property crime and gang violence. Known for rolling hills and golf courses, Santa Teresa seems idyllic. However, break-ins, car theft, and even shootings occur more often here compared to other parts of San Jose. Visitors should avoid Santa Teresa at night or stick to well-lit main roads. Don’t leave valuables visible in your parked car if visiting. As a tourist, I’d avoid aimlessly wandering Santa Teresa’s winding residential streets. Stick to the commercial strips if walking, or avoid this area entirely after dark.

 

11. Burbank

Burbank is a small residential enclave wedged between Highway 87 and the busy Capitol Expressway. Violent crime occurs here at higher rates than most San Jose neighborhoods. As an unfamiliar visitor, avoid walking Burbank’s side streets alone, especially at night. Don’t linger in dimly lit areas, keep valuables out of sight, and remain alert even during daylight. Unfortunately, muggings and assaults do occur in Burbank. Unless you visit a specific home or shop, you’ll find no tourist attractions here. Better to avoid driving or walking through this pocket of San Jose altogether.

 

Conclusion

While San Jose has plenty of vibrant, safer neighborhoods worth visiting, travelers should educate themselves on the city’s more dangerous pockets in order to stay safe. Areas like Downtown, East San Jose, Fairgrounds, North Valley, and Edenvale-Seven Trees see higher rates of criminal activity and violence. Visitors, especially those unfamiliar with San Jose, are wise to avoid these areas when possible. Don’t linger on foot, avoid aimlessly driving or walking at night, and keep valuables secure. With some vigilance and street smarts, travelers can avoid becoming victims in San Jose’s riskier districts and areas to avoid in San Jose. Stay in well-lit tourist areas or commercial districts, avoid deserted side streets, and travel in groups after dark. Then you can enjoy all the vibrant sights and attractions San Jose has to offer without compromising your safety.