West San Jose Lifestyle And History

West San Jose Communities

Broadway – Palmhaven, Cambrian, West San Jose, and Willow Glen

West San Jose Lifestyle

West San Jose has the charms of both urban and suburban life merging into a unique medley. It’s easy to have a memorable day out in a district where many small and large businesses can be found so close to each other. Like any urban region, West San Jose is made vibrant by its rich cultural diversity and distinct, historic neighborhoods. West San Jose is also frequently noted as a good place for families since living in the area provides access to quality education, options for recreation, and comfort akin to a small-town feel. These suburban qualities are especially prevalent in communities such as Willow Glen and Cambrian.

West San Jose is also home to the world-famous mansion of the wealthy heiress Sarah Pardee Winchester. The estate, now known as the Winchester Mystery House, was constructed over thirty-eight years and only stopped with Mrs. Winchester’s death in 1922. More recently, another wonder has sprung up in West San Jose: Santana Row, a 42-acre mixed retail and residential neighborhood. The project was considered highly ambitious when it opened in 2002.

West San Jose’s History

West San Jose rests upon historic land, most of it consisting of old ranches and horticulture. Cambrian and Willow Glen are two communities that have remained distinct despite San Jose’s rapid sprawling in the mid-twentieth century. Cambrian started as a name given to a school district in 1863. The name grew to encompass the neighborhood as agriculture and later retail stabilized the community. Willow Glen started as Mexican land grants in 1844, with the bounty of the orchards and the coveted, fertile land enabling the town to incorporate in 1927. Nine years later, economic challenges led Willow Glen to become unincorporated and rejoin San Jose.

West San Jose is also home to the world-famous mansion of the wealthy heiress Sarah Pardee Winchester. The estate, now known as the Winchester Mystery House, was constructed over thirty-eight years and only stopped with Mrs. Winchester’s death in 1922. More recently, another wonder has sprung up in West San Jose: Santana Row, a 42-acre mixed retail and residential neighborhood. The project, considered highly ambitious when it opened in 2002.