South San Jose & the 95136 ZIP Code – A Community Overview

Foothill Backdrops, Spacious Neighborhoods & Everyday Convenience

The 95136 ZIP code lies in South San Jose, bordering Blossom Valley, Santa Teresa, and the eastern edge of the Santa Teresa Hills. This area is known for its open skies, gently rising foothills, and relaxed residential feel, offering a quieter alternative to the denser core of San Jose while remaining highly accessible to major employment centers.

Neighborhoods in 95136 are defined by wide streets, mature landscaping, and well-spaced homes, many of which were developed during Silicon Valley’s rapid growth in the 1970s and 1980s. The result is a community that feels established and comfortable, with homes designed for everyday living rather than maximum density. Subtle hillside views, especially toward the west and south, add to the area’s appeal and sense of openness.

Residents appreciate the balance here: suburban calm paired with easy access to freeways, transit, shopping, and outdoor recreation.

A Welcoming, Family-Oriented Neighborhood Culture

95136 has a strong reputation as a stable, family-friendly community where residents tend to stay for the long term. Many households include multigenerational families, first-time buyers who grow into move-up homeowners, and professionals seeking space without sacrificing commute efficiency.

Community characteristics include:

  • Neighborhood parks and greenbelts woven throughout residential areas

  • Active youth sports and recreation programs serving local families

  • Low-traffic residential streets, ideal for walking, biking, and outdoor play

  • A friendly, unpretentious atmosphere where neighbors regularly interact

This sense of continuity and community pride is a defining feature of 95136 and contributes to its consistent desirability.

Education & Local Schools

Education options in 95136 are a key draw for families. The area is served by a mix of school districts depending on location within the ZIP, providing a variety of public and private educational pathways.

Schools commonly associated with the area include:

Elementary & Middle Schools

  • Oak Grove School District – Known for solid academics and community involvement

  • Franklin-McKinley School District – Serving portions of the area with diverse programs and local engagement

High Schools

  • Oak Grove High School – A well-established campus offering college-prep coursework, career pathways, and athletics

  • Santa Teresa High School – Known for strong extracurricular programs and a supportive learning environment

Families also benefit from proximity to private schools and specialized programs throughout South San Jose and nearby Almaden Valley.

Architecture & Housing Character in 95136

Classic Ranch Homes & Suburban Originals

Homes in 95136 reflect the era in which the neighborhood developed, with a strong presence of single-story ranch homes, split-level designs, and practical suburban floor plans. While not a formal mid-century modern enclave, many properties incorporate design cues from the period, including:

  • Long, horizontal façades

  • Low-sloped or gabled roofs

  • Large front yards and usable backyards

  • Sliding glass doors and patio access

  • Efficient, functional layouts designed for everyday living

Lot sizes tend to be generous by modern standards, giving homeowners flexibility for landscaping, outdoor entertaining, or future expansion.

Renovation & Modernization Appeal

A major advantage of 95136 is its renovation potential. Many buyers are drawn to the opportunity to update kitchens, open living spaces, add primary suites, or create home offices while maintaining a comfortable suburban footprint.

ADUs and backyard improvements are increasingly popular, allowing homeowners to adapt properties to evolving needs without sacrificing neighborhood character.

95136 Real Estate Market Overview

Current Market Conditions

The real estate market in 95136 remains active and competitive, particularly among buyers seeking single-family homes at a more accessible price point than nearby premium neighborhoods. As of 2025:

  • Median home prices typically fall in the mid-$1M range, depending on size, condition, and location

  • Price per square foot is generally more approachable than West San Jose or Almaden Valley

  • Days on market remain relatively short for well-presented homes

  • Strong demand from first-time and move-up buyers

The area’s value proposition—space, schools, and convenience—continues to attract a broad range of buyers.

Long-Term Value & Investment Outlook

95136 offers solid long-term fundamentals, including:

  • Consistent owner-occupancy

  • Limited new development, preserving neighborhood stability

  • Proximity to employment hubs in South San Jose, North San Jose, and Silicon Valley

  • Access to public transit and major roadways

  • Ongoing demand from families and professionals

Homes that are updated or expanded tend to outperform the broader market, particularly those with modernized interiors and outdoor living upgrades.

Why Buy a Home in 95136?

Lifestyle Advantages

  • A calmer, less congested residential environment

  • Spacious lots and practical home layouts

  • Nearby parks, trails, and foothill open space

  • Strong sense of neighborhood continuity

  • An approachable entry point into Silicon Valley homeownership

Central South San Jose Location

Residents of 95136 enjoy convenient access to:

  • Highway 85, 87, and 101 for efficient commuting

  • VTA light rail and Caltrain connections nearby

  • Employment centers in South San Jose, Downtown San Jose, and the broader Silicon Valley corridor

  • Almaden Valley, Blossom Valley, and Santa Teresa amenities

This central positioning makes daily life easier while maintaining a suburban atmosphere.

Amenities & Recreation

Living in 95136 means access to a wide range of everyday amenities:

  • Local shopping centers with grocery stores, cafes, and essential services

  • Santa Teresa County Park and nearby open-space preserves

  • Community parks and playgrounds for families and recreation

  • Close proximity to Almaden Lake Park, hiking trails, and scenic foothill routes

  • Easy access to dining and retail throughout Blossom Valley and South San Jose

The area supports an active lifestyle without the premium price tag of more exclusive nearby neighborhoods.

The Boyenga Team – Your Neighborhood & Value-Focused Home Experts for 95136

Eric and Janelle Boyenga of the Boyenga Team at Compass specialize in identifying neighborhoods with strong fundamentals, architectural potential, and long-term value—making them a trusted resource for buyers and sellers in 95136.

Their approach includes:

  • Deep local market insight and micro-neighborhood analysis

  • Expertise in renovation and value-add opportunities

  • Strategic pricing and modern marketing

  • Access to Compass Private Exclusives and off-market homes

  • Personalized guidance from first showing to closing

Call to Action

Considering a move to South San Jose’s 95136 ZIP code?

Connect with Eric & Janelle Boyenga for:

  • Early access to new and off-market listings

  • Guidance on renovation potential and resale strategy

  • Market insights tailored to your goals

  • Personalized neighborhood tours

Stay informed:
Sign up for 95136 Home Alerts to receive updates on:

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  • Market trends

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