Zip code 95123 encompasses some of San Jose's most family-friendly and affordable neighborhoods, primarily covering Blossom Valley and portions of Santa Teresa. Located in South San Jose at the strategic intersection of Highways 85 and 87, this diverse community offers suburban tranquility with excellent freeway access, making it an ideal choice for families and commuters seeking quality schools, recreational amenities, and reasonable housing costs within Silicon Valley.
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 95123 area is served primarily by the Oak Grove Elementary School District, which operates several highly-rated elementary schools within the zip code. Top-performing schools include Sakamoto Elementary School, known for its strong PTA and supportive learning environment, and Glider Elementary. Other quality options include Miner Elementary, Oak Ridge Elementary, Taylor Elementary, and Anderson Elementary.
Middle Schools
Herman (Leonard) Intermediate School serves as the primary middle school for the area and consistently ranks among the top public schools in the zip code. The school offers a comprehensive curriculum with strong academic programs and extracurricular activities that prepare students for high school success.
• Oak Grove Elementary School District (K-8)
• San Jose Unified School District (K-12)
• East Side Union High School District (9-12)
• Some areas served by Morgan Hill Unified
• Math proficiency: 45% (vs. CA average 33%)
• Reading proficiency: 59% (vs. CA average 47%)
• Average school ranking: 8/10
• Minority enrollment: 83%
High Schools
Santa Teresa High School stands out as the flagship high school serving much of the 95123 area. The school has rapidly risen in California public school rankings and provides students with excellent educational opportunities, advanced placement courses, and diverse extracurricular programs. Oak Grove High School also serves portions of the zip code, offering strong academic programs and a close-knit school community.
Neighborhoods & Character
Blossom Valley
The majority of 95123 falls within Blossom Valley, a charming South San Jose neighborhood that earned its name from the fruit orchards that once flourished here in the 1940s. Developed primarily in the 1960s and 1970s, Blossom Valley features predominantly single-story ranch-style homes ranging from 1,000 to 1,800 square feet, with some larger homes in newer developments reaching around 2,000 square feet.
The neighborhood is characterized by tree-lined streets, well-maintained homes, and a strong sense of community. Many areas offer beautiful views of the Santa Teresa foothills, Communications Hill, or distant coastal mountains. The southwestern corner of Blossom Valley extends to scenic Almaden Lake, providing residents with waterfront recreational opportunities.
Santa Teresa
Portions of 95123 include the Santa Teresa area, which borders the picturesque Santa Teresa foothills and county park. This section offers more varied topography and some hillside properties with stunning valley views. The area provides easy access to extensive hiking and biking trails, making it particularly appealing to outdoor enthusiasts.
• Built primarily in 1960s-1970s
• Mix of ranch-style and Spanish-influenced architecture
• Tree-lined streets with mature landscaping
• Active neighborhood associations
• Close to parks and open space
Nearby Amenities
Shopping & Dining
Westfield Oakridge Mall serves as the primary shopping destination for 95123 residents, conveniently located at the intersection of Highways 85 and 87. This major regional mall features approximately 200 retailers including anchor stores Target, Macy's, and Nordstrom Rack, plus popular brands like Apple, H&M, Sephora, and Michael Kors.
The mall's dining options are particularly impressive, featuring The Cheesecake Factory, BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse, P.F. Chang's, California Pizza Kitchen, and Sanraku Sushi. The property also includes Century Theaters, one of the most productive cinema locations in the nation, and the unique addition of Living Spaces furniture store.
Recreation & Parks
Outdoor recreation opportunities abound in and around 95123. Santa Teresa County Park offers miles of hiking and biking trails with panoramic Silicon Valley views, while Almaden Quicksilver County Park provides extensive trail networks for hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife observation. Almaden Lake Park offers boating, fishing, and picnicking facilities in a scenic lakeside setting.
• Santa Teresa County Park (hiking/biking)
• Almaden Lake (boating/fishing)
• Almaden Quicksilver County Park
• Martial Cottle Park
• Multiple neighborhood parks
• Westfield Oakridge Mall (200+ stores)
• Century Theaters (20-screen cinema)
• Target, Macy's, Nordstrom Rack
• Major restaurants and food court
• Medical and professional services
Transportation & Commute Access
One of 95123's greatest strengths is its exceptional freeway access. The zip code sits at the strategic intersection of Highways 85 and 87, providing residents with multiple route options for commuting throughout Silicon Valley. Highway 101 is also easily accessible, creating a transportation triangle that serves virtually any destination in the Bay Area.
This excellent freeway access makes the area particularly attractive to tech workers commuting to major companies throughout Silicon Valley. Whether traveling to Apple in Cupertino, Google in Mountain View, or Netflix in Los Gatos, residents enjoy relatively convenient commute times compared to other areas of San Jose.
Distance Chart
| Destination | Distance (Miles) | Typical Drive Time |
|---|---|---|
| San Jose International Airport (SJC) | 8.5 miles | 15-20 minutes |
| Downtown San Jose | 6.2 miles | 12-18 minutes |
| Campbell | 4.8 miles | 10-15 minutes |
| Santa Clara | 7.1 miles | 15-20 minutes |
| Sunnyvale | 9.3 miles | 18-25 minutes |
| Mountain View | 11.7 miles | 20-30 minutes |
| Los Gatos | 5.4 miles | 12-18 minutes |
Quality of Life
The 95123 zip code offers an excellent quality of life for families and professionals seeking a balanced lifestyle. The area successfully combines suburban tranquility with urban convenience, providing residents with quiet neighborhoods while maintaining easy access to employment centers, shopping, and recreation.
The community is notably diverse, with 83% minority enrollment in schools reflecting the multicultural character of the neighborhoods. This diversity contributes to rich cultural experiences, varied dining options, and a welcoming atmosphere for families from different backgrounds.
• Population: ~67,500 residents
• Median age: 35-40 years
• Family-oriented community
• High homeownership rate
• Culturally diverse population
• Suburban feel with urban amenities
• Strong school systems
• Abundant parks and recreation
• Excellent freeway access
• Active community organizations
Safety and community engagement are priorities in 95123, with active neighborhood associations hosting events throughout the year. The Blossom Valley Neighborhood Association, in particular, fosters strong community connections and organizes activities that bring residents together.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Zip code 95123 represents one of South San Jose's most well-rounded communities, offering families an ideal combination of quality schools, diverse neighborhoods, excellent amenities, and strategic location. With top-rated schools accessible through Niche.com research, abundant recreational opportunities, and unmatched freeway access to Silicon Valley employment centers, 95123 provides exceptional value for homebuyers seeking suburban comfort without sacrificing urban convenience.
The area's position at the intersection of major highways, proximity to Westfield Oakridge Mall, and access to beautiful natural spaces like Santa Teresa County Park make it particularly attractive to families and professionals. While maintaining more affordable housing options compared to other Silicon Valley communities, 95123 delivers the quality of life and amenities that define successful Bay Area living.