Zip code 95119 encompasses the heart of Santa Teresa, one of San Jose's most historically significant and rapidly developing neighborhoods. This South San Jose community perfectly balances Silicon Valley innovation with family-friendly suburban living, featuring major tech company headquarters, excellent schools, and abundant recreational opportunities. With its rich Californio heritage dating back to 1834 and modern amenities including light rail access, Santa Teresa offers residents the best of both worlds: professional proximity and suburban tranquility.
School Information
Important Note: For accurate and up-to-date school ratings and reviews, we recommend using Niche.com as your primary source. Unlike Zillow or Redfin, which pull ratings from GreatSchools.com, Niche provides more comprehensive data including parent reviews, student outcomes, and detailed academic performance metrics.
Elementary Schools
The 95119 area is primarily served by the Oak Grove Elementary School District, which operates several well-regarded schools in the Santa Teresa area. Santa Teresa Elementary School serves as the flagship elementary school, offering TK-6th grade education with a Gifted & Talented program. Julia Baldwin Elementary provides another excellent option with strong community engagement and academic programs tailored to diverse learners.
Middle & High Schools
Bernal Intermediate School serves students in grades 7-8 within the Oak Grove district, providing a strong foundation for high school preparation. For high school education, students transition to the East Side Union High School District, with Santa Teresa High School being the primary option. The southernmost portions of Santa Teresa are served by Morgan Hill Unified School District, offering additional choices for families.
• Oak Grove Elementary School District (TK-8)
• East Side Union High School District (9-12)
• Morgan Hill Unified School District (select areas)
• Several private school options available
• Above-average test scores for district
• Strong parent community involvement
• Gifted & Talented programs available
• Bilingual immersion options nearby
• Focus on STEM education initiatives
Neighborhoods & Character
Santa Teresa Historic District
Santa Teresa's rich history dates back to 1834 when it was established as Rancho Santa Teresa by the Bernal family. Today, this heritage is preserved in the Rancho Santa Teresa Historic District, while the surrounding community has evolved into a modern residential area with excellent infrastructure and amenities. The neighborhood maintains its connection to California's Californio past while embracing Silicon Valley's innovative future.
The area features predominantly single-family homes built primarily in the 1970s, with newer developments adding variety to the housing stock. Properties typically offer larger lots and mature landscaping, creating a suburban feel with excellent access to urban amenities. The neighborhood's design emphasizes family living with numerous parks, walking trails, and community spaces integrated throughout the area.
• Population: ~10,400 residents
• Median household income: $164,129
• Median home value: $1,183,090
• 58.3% college-educated, 61.5% STEM degrees
• 82.1% single-family detached homes
• Strong family-oriented community (3.27 people per household)
Major Employers & Tech Hub
Corporate Headquarters
Santa Teresa has emerged as a significant tech hub, hosting major corporate headquarters and campuses. Western Digital moved their global headquarters to the Great Oaks campus in 2017, bringing thousands of high-paying jobs to the immediate area. The campus, originally built by IBM in 1956 for the pioneering IBM 305 RAMAC computer, continues its legacy of technological innovation.
Technology Companies
Equinix operates their Great Oaks campus with five data centers (SV1, SV5, SV10, SV11, and SV12), with two additional facilities under construction. IBM maintains multiple facilities throughout Santa Teresa, continuing their presence since the 1950s. These major employers provide exceptional career opportunities for residents and contribute to the area's high median income levels.
• Western Digital (Global HQ)
• Equinix (Data Centers)
• IBM (Multiple Campuses)
• Various tech startups and suppliers
• Professional services companies
• Walking/biking distance to work
• High-paying tech industry jobs
• Career advancement opportunities
• Reduced commute times and costs
• Access to cutting-edge technology
Recreation & Amenities
Santa Teresa County Park
One of the area's crown jewels is Santa Teresa County Park, offering residents access to over 1,600 acres of protected open space in the Santa Teresa Hills. The park provides hiking trails, picnic areas, and stunning views of the South Bay, making it a perfect retreat from urban life. The park's proximity allows for easy access to outdoor recreation while maintaining the suburban character of the neighborhood.
Shopping & Services
Santa Teresa Boulevard serves as the main commercial corridor, offering shopping centers, restaurants, and essential services. The area provides convenient access to grocery stores, medical facilities, and professional services, while the nearby Cottle Transit Village offers additional dining and retail options as part of the planned urban development.
• Santa Teresa County Park (1,600+ acres)
• Numerous neighborhood parks
• Walking and hiking trails
• Youth sports facilities
• Community centers and programs
• Close to Santa Cruz Mountains
• Santa Teresa Boulevard shopping
• Cottle Transit Village
• Medical and dental services
• Diverse dining options
• Essential retail and services
• Community libraries
Transportation & Commute Access
Santa Teresa offers exceptional transportation connectivity with direct access to Highways 101 and 85, providing efficient routes throughout Silicon Valley and the Bay Area. The community is particularly well-served by public transportation, featuring three VTA light rail stations: Cottle, Santa Teresa, and Snell stations, offering convenient car-free commuting options to downtown San Jose and connecting transit systems.
Caltrain service is available at the Santa Teresa station, providing direct connections to San Francisco and the Peninsula. VTA bus service complements the rail options, creating a comprehensive public transportation network that reduces dependence on personal vehicles while maintaining excellent accessibility throughout the region.
Distance Chart
Destination | Distance (Miles) | Typical Drive Time |
---|---|---|
San Jose International Airport (SJC) | 12.3 miles | 20-28 minutes |
Downtown San Jose | 8.7 miles | 15-22 minutes |
Morgan Hill | 6.1 miles | 10-15 minutes |
Gilroy | 14.2 miles | 18-25 minutes |
Santa Clara | 11.8 miles | 20-28 minutes |
Almaden Valley | 5.4 miles | 10-15 minutes |
Cupertino | 13.5 miles | 22-30 minutes |
Quality of Life
The 95119 zip code offers an exceptional quality of life that combines Silicon Valley career opportunities with suburban family living. The presence of major tech employers within walking distance, coupled with excellent schools and abundant recreational opportunities, creates an ideal environment for professionals and families. The area's rich history and planned community development ensure long-term stability and continued desirability.
• Population: ~10,400 residents
• Median age: 41 years
• 52.9% married households
• High education levels (58.3% college+)
• Diverse, multicultural community
• Strong professional employment base
• Walk/bike to major tech employers
• Excellent public transportation
• Access to extensive open space
• Rich cultural and historical heritage
• Family-friendly neighborhoods
• Strong property appreciation potential
The community benefits from its unique position as both a historic California landmark and a modern Silicon Valley tech hub. Residents enjoy short commutes to major employers, access to quality education, and abundant outdoor recreation opportunities. The area's planned development and infrastructure investments ensure continued growth and enhancement of quality of life amenities.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Zip code 95119 represents the perfect intersection of Silicon Valley innovation and California suburban living. With major tech headquarters literally within walking distance, excellent public transportation, and access to outstanding recreational opportunities, Santa Teresa offers unparalleled convenience for tech professionals and their families. The area's rich historical heritage and planned community development create a unique sense of place that's rare in Silicon Valley.
For professionals seeking to minimize commute times while maximizing quality of life, 95119 delivers exceptional value. The combination of high-paying local employment, quality schools, extensive open space access, and strong community infrastructure makes Santa Teresa an ideal choice for those prioritizing both career advancement and family life in the heart of Silicon Valley's innovation corridor.