An oasis in the middle of the city.
THE NEIGHBORHOOD
The Rose Garden is one of San José's oldest neighborhoods outside the downtown core around the Pueblo de San José de Guadalupe. Several existing Victorian houses in the neighborhood date from the 1860s and 1870s, particularly along Magnolia, Hester, and Hedding Streets. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, The Alameda or “Beautiful Way” attracted wealthy residents who built mansions along its frontage.
In 1927, the neighborhood and its immediate surroundings were primarily pear and prune orchards. That year, the City of San José purchased an 11-acre prune garden and converted part of it into the Municipal Rose Garden, which has been recognized as “America’s Best Rose Garden” and features more than 3,500 plantings! It’s this city landmark that gives this unique and charming neighborhood its name.
SAN JOSé By the Numbers
Population: 1,030,119
Median age: 37
Median household income: $113,036
Median property value: $1.9M
#BestBuds
When we’re not sheltering in place, the Rose Garden plays home to weddings, reunions, and graduation ceremonies for local high schools. And each January, hundreds of volunteers come out to prune the rose bushes and help to maintain this community asset.
#RidingRails
The San José and Santa Clara Railroad along the Alameda was the first interurban railroad in California when it opened with horsecars in 1868, and the second electric streetcar line in the state (after San Diego) and the first interurban electric streetcar in the West when it reopened in 1888 with an underground third rail. It was converted to an overhead trolley in 1889.
Where to go: Other than the Rose GardeN
Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum – This museum houses the largest collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts on display in western North America. The surrounding park is home to an historic planetarium, as well as a labyrinth, alchemy exhibit, peace garden, temple, and research library. It’s an immersive learning experience for the whole family!
Zanotto’s Family Market – A local family opened this market in 1976 and expanded into multiple locations that they still own and operate. Zanotto’s provides unique and quality ingredients from local sources as well as imported specialities from around the world. Whether you’re planning your next family festa or making dinner for two, this is the place to start!
Rose, White & Blue Parade – The first Carnival of Roses was held in 1896 and went on for four days. In honor of President McKinley’s visit in 1901, the City of San José planned a rose-themed parade along The Alameda. The Rose Carnival became Fiesta de Las Rosas in 1926, with the last celebration in 1969. For the past 12 years, the RW&B Parade has built on these historic roots to deliver the fun and excitement of an old fashioned 4th of July parade.
WHERE TO EAT, DRINK & HANG
Park Station Hashery – This new local standard occupies a space that has played home to a number of neighborhood traditions, including the infamous Dog House. The current proprietors serve up food inspired by San José history and culture, with a fresh twist on New American cuisine and a wide selection of local craft beers on tap.
Tee Nee Thai – Voted Best Thai Restaurant and Best Beer & Wine List by the readers of Metro Silicon Valley, Tee Nee Thai sources the best local, sustainable, natural, wild, and organic ingredients to create delicious plates that are a neighborhood favorite. Expect to wait for a table on a Friday or Saturday, or any night really.
Crema Coffee Roasting Company – Crema is a family-owned coffeehouse with an intensely loyal following and a keen devotion to giving back to the community. Whether you’re looking for a comfy place to sip a dark roast and check your email or doing a little local celebrity spotting, this is the place.
Frost Cupcake Factory – After fifteen years in the corporate world, Andrea Buswell was unexpectedly laid off and started making cupcakes as baby shower gifts. One year and several pounds of sugar later, Frost Cupcake Factory was born. Try one—or a dozen—today.
