San Jose Neighborhood
Is Buena Vista a Safe Place to Live? Housing, Crime & Buyer Guide
Explore safety, home prices, commute patterns, and neighborhood insights in San Jose, California - so you can decide with confidence before buying or renting.
Most buyers only see the home. Smart buyers check the neighborhood first.
Crime Summary:
Crime Overview (last 12 months)
Severe669
Medium448
Low775
Other5387
338 Registered Offenders Nearby
Rape82
Child involved258
Assault63
Other17
Crime Details:
Recent reported incidents in the past 12 months (newest first). Up to 10 records.
| Crime date | Crime description | Address | Crime category |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, dispatchers report a possible 911 hang-up call from a downtown transit center, and a unit is advised of the issue. | El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA 95050 | Suspicious Activity |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, a lift assist was reported near the airport parking area close to Terminal B and Airport Parkway. Rescue Medic 20 was stood down and the incident was handled by an engine company. | Terminal A, 1701 Airport Blvd, San Jose, CA 95110 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, fire crews responded to a reported electric bike battery explosion at a house near Bikini Avenue, Kiltown Way, and Paper Lane in San Jose. The caller said the e-bike exploded inside the home, was moved outside, and was apparently on fire. | Bikini Ave, San Jose, CA 95122 | Fire |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, a medical dispatch for Medic 23 to San Jose Airport Terminal B was canceled. | SJC Terminal B, San Jose, CA 95110 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, emergency medical personnel are responding code 3 to a reported vehicle accident near South Third Street and East William Street in San Jose. | E William St & S Third St, San Jose, CA 95112 | Traffic |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, medic Engine One responded to a medical emergency at Steinbeck Library near Lincoln Avenue with cross streets West Olive Street and West San Luis Street. | Lincoln Ave, San Jose, CA 95126 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, radio traffic describes a crash involving two cars near Stevens Creek and Kiely, with northbound lanes on Kiely apparently blocked while police wait for a tow truck. Transit staff expect the scene to be cleared before a later northbound trip passes the area. | Kiely Blvd & Stevens Creek Blvd, San Jose, CA 95051 | Traffic |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, emergency medical services responded to a reported fall near East Latimer Avenue in the Campbell area. The scene was reported as secure. | E Latimer Ave, Campbell, CA 95008 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, a medical emergency is reported near Nottingham Way in the Campbell area. The subject appears to be still, and the scene is secure with Engine 81 on location. | Nottingham Way, Campbell, CA 95008 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, medic 75 responded code 2 to East Longmere off North Third Street; police on scene and the scene is reported secure. | N 3rd St, San Jose, CA | Medical Emergency |
For all crime details - View Safety Report
Median Home Price
$1,281,501
Average Rent
$3,972
Vacancy Rate
4.5%
Overview
Buena Vista is a densely urban neighborhood in San Jose with a median home price of $1,281,501 and average rent of $3,972. The vacancy rate is 4.5%, below most U.S. neighborhoods.
Housing is mostly small apartments and single-family homes, many built between 1940 and 1999. The community includes diverse ancestries with notable Romanian and Lebanese presence.
UrbanDiverse AncestryEstablished HousingModerate Vacancy
Quick Facts
| Romanian Ancestry | 5.5% |
|---|
Housing market and real estate character
Buena Vista's housing market is dominated by small apartments and single-family homes, with mostly renter occupancy.
| Small Units (1-2 bedrooms or less) | 85.4% |
|---|---|
| Renter Occupancy | Majority |
| Housing Built 1940-1969 | Many homes |
| Housing Built 1970-1999 | Significant portion |
What buyers will notice right away
Most housing units are studios or small apartments, suitable for singles or small households.
The neighborhood has a high renter occupancy rate.
Vacancy is below average, indicating stronger demand.
Families & Lifestyle
Buena Vista offers a diverse cultural mix with a significant share of executive and sales occupations.
Culturally Diverse — Includes notable Romanian and Lebanese ancestries and multiple languages spoken at home.
Mixed Workforce — Balanced mix of professional and sales/service occupations.
| Executive/Professional Occupations | 37.7% |
|---|---|
| Sales and Service Occupations | 36.5% |
Demographics
| Executive/Professional Share | 37.7% |
|---|---|
| Income Rank | Above average |
| Child Poverty Rate | 15.3% |
| Romanian Ancestry | 5.5% |
| Lebanese Ancestry | 1.5% |
| Foreign Born | 48.5% |
| Portuguese Language Speakers | 1.9% |
| Top Languages | ["Spanish (51.2%)","English","Chinese","Tagalog"] |
Commute
Most residents have short to moderate commutes, with a majority driving alone or carpooling.
Buena Vista offers manageable commute times with common car use and carpooling.
Short Commutes — Most residents spend less than 30 minutes commuting.
Car-Dependent with Carpooling — Majority drive alone, with a significant carpool share.
| Main Commute Time | 15-30 minutes |
|---|---|
| Drive Alone Rate | 58.4% |
| Carpool Rate | 21.9% |
Homes for sale near 95126
For-sale listings in this zip code. Open a property in HoodScore to run a safety report.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median home price in Buena Vista?
The median home price is $1,281,501.
What is the average rent?
Average rent is $3,972, higher than 70.3% of California neighborhoods.
What type of housing is most common?
Small apartments and single-family homes dominate, with 85.4% being one or two bedroom units.