Willow Glen
Vibrant, idyllic neighborhood with tons of charm
Welcome to Willow Glen
Named for the plentiful willow trees that dot the landscape, Willow Glen is an endlessly delightful town nestled in the heart of San Jose. And even though it is surrounded by a major metropolitan center on all sides, the town has maintained a unique, tranquil ambiance that makes it a true treasure of the South Bay area.
Willow Glen has its roots in agriculture. Growers took advantage of the vast, rolling fields for farmland and orchards that flourished throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. The thriving downtown district began to develop in the 1920s, growing to accommodate the high number of people flocking to the Santa Clara Valley.
Willow Glen gives off the best small-town vibes combined with unparalleled charm. Its vibrant downtown area is full of shops and cafes, making it the perfect spot to spend a sunny California day relaxing and shopping.
What to Love
- Gorgeous tree-lined streets and lanes
- The bustling, walkable downtown corridor
- Plentiful shopping and dining spots
- Charming, unique historic homes
Local Lifestyle
Willow Glen’s downtown district is lined with sidewalk cafes, coffee shops, bookshops, and boutiques. Lincoln Avenue is the center of the downtown district, hosting weekly farmers’ markets, wine walks, and community holiday events. Outdoor adventurers will find plenty to do in the parks, nature preserves, and hiking trails that run throughout Willow Glen.
The homes in Willow Glen are simply gorgeous, nestled on large, shaded lots providing beauty and privacy. Different architectural styles and micro markets around the region mean there is an ideal home for everyone in this idyllic little town.
Dining, Entertainment, & Shopping
Willow Glen foodies will love
Black Sheep Brasserie, an upscale eatery in nearby San Jose that perfectly fuses classic French and contemporary California cuisines. Innovative favorites at this award-winning restaurant range from steamed mussels to grilled trumpet mushrooms to braised short ribs.
The upscale steakhouse,
Dry Creek Grill, is the perfect blend of upscale and welcoming with its dark interior and redwood bar. The menu focuses on prime steaks, fresh fish, and handcrafted cocktails. Signature dishes at the Dry Creek Grill include hamachi tartare, filet mignon, and roasted pumpkin ravioli.
Downtown Willow Glen is a charming, walkable corridor lined with upscale cafes and boutiques.
Bella James Women’s Boutique is a sleek, elegant shop specializing in women’s clothing and accessories. The boutique specializes in contemporary looks that are both fashion-forward and perfect for everyday wear.
Willow Glen Home & Garden provides complete concierge services for interior and exterior home design. This includes everything from landscape and garden design to complete interior reimagining. The shop, located in downtown Willow Glen, helps residents create their ideal living space, assisting with everything from idea origination through delivery and installation.
Things to Do
The
Willow Glen Farmers’ Market operates year-round, offering fresh local produce, artisan goods, flowers, and food every Saturday. The market is close to Willow Glen’s downtown district and Willow Glen Elementary School.
Willow Glen’s Spring and Fall Wine Walks brings together over 20 local vineyards and wineries for this celebrated community event. The wineries set up tasting stations inside various businesses and boutiques along the downtown district for a day of shopping and sampling fine wines.
The
Willow Glen Downtown District hosts monthly Ladies’ Night Out events for shopping, pampering, and socializing. Local salons, floral shops, and boutiques open their doors for special services and gifts. The event also features live music as well as food and drink booths.
Willow Street Frank Bramhall Park is an expansive local park with softball fields, tennis courts, and basketball courts. This shady park also has two children’s playgrounds and picnic areas.
Schools
