Thinking about a move to San Jose but not sure where to start? You are not alone. Between commute choices, tight housing timelines, and utility setup, relocating to Silicon Valley can feel overwhelming. This guide gives you a practical 90-day plan with clear steps, local context, and checklists so you can arrive confident and ready. Let’s dive in.
How this 90-day plan helps
San Jose is dynamic, diverse, and spread out. Commute routes, school boundaries, and HOA rules can vary block by block. A simple timeline keeps you focused on the right tasks at the right time.
You will follow three phases: Prepare (days 61–90 before moving), Execute (days 30–60 before moving), and Settle (arrival through day 90). Each section includes specific actions for commute testing, temporary housing, utilities, HOA, and family logistics.
Days 61–90: Prepare
Get finances and documents ready
Start with a mortgage pre-approval if you plan to buy, or gather proof of funds if paying cash. Confirm your loan timeline matches your target move window. Organize your IDs, recent pay stubs, W-2s, and tax returns so you can move quickly when you find the right home.
Shortlist neighborhoods and map commutes
Pick 3–6 areas that match your price range, housing type, and commute. Many buyers consider North San Jose, Willow Glen, Rose Garden, Berryessa, Almaden, Cambrian, Evergreen, Santana Row, and the Diridon area. Verify school assignments by address using district tools and plan to test commute times during peak hours.
Reserve temporary housing
If you are unsure about neighborhood fit or timing, book a furnished place for 2–8 weeks. Options include extended-stay hotels, corporate housing, or short-term furnished rentals. Secure your moving company, storage unit, or truck reservation now since weekends and month-end slots fill fast.
Plan an in-person commute testing trip
Schedule 2–4 days to drive or ride your likely commute during peak hours. Use this trip to walk neighborhoods, visit community amenities, and refine your shortlist. This step helps you avoid surprises after you sign a lease or close on a home.
Start utility research by address
Note your likely providers so you can schedule activations later. Electricity and gas are delivered by PG&E, and many addresses receive generation from Silicon Valley Clean Energy. Water service may come from San Jose Water or another provider, and trash service is often through Recology San Jose. Internet options vary by building, so confirm availability early.
Track DMV, school, and employer timelines
New residents should follow California DMV rules for driver licensing and vehicle registration. Make a note to transfer school and medical records and to gather immunization documents. If your employer offers commuter benefits or shuttles, request details now.
Days 30–60: Execute logistics
Lock in housing and paperwork
If renting, confirm move-in dates, building rules, elevator reservations, and any fees. If buying, align your closing date with your move date, and keep a backup plan for temporary housing in case of delays. Clarify parking and loading access for movers.
Test commutes like a local
Run door-to-door commute tests on several weekdays. Check multiple modes to compare reliability and total time:
- VTA buses and light rail operate across the county. Review routes and frequency on the VTA website.
- Caltrain connects San Jose to the Peninsula and San Francisco. Check schedules and station options on Caltrain.
- BART serves the Berryessa/North San Jose station, with a future extension planned toward downtown. See the latest service info on BART.
- For live incidents, lane closures, and multimodal trip planning, use 511 Bay Area.
Record morning and evening times, parking constraints, and stress points. If you have flexible hours, test a midday run too.
Schedule utilities and internet
Book utility and internet start dates for the day before you receive keys. Confirm any lead times and building access rules:
- Electricity and gas: set up through PG&E. Many addresses are automatically enrolled in Silicon Valley Clean Energy for electricity generation.
- Water: set up service with your address-specific provider, such as San Jose Water.
- Trash and recycling: confirm cart sizes, pickup days, and bulky item rules with Recology San Jose.
If your building has preferred internet vendors or wiring requirements, confirm them before scheduling installation.
Line up family logistics
Transfer medical records and identify primary care and pediatric providers. Start school pre-registration if the district allows it and assemble proof of residency and immunization records. Build a short list of urgent care, pharmacy, and grocery options near your new address.
Plan for moving permits and parking
Some buildings require elevator reservations or proof of insurance from movers. For curb space, review guidance on streets, parking rules, and temporary signage on the City of San Jose website.
Arrival to Day 30: Settle
Move-in day checklist
Confirm electricity, gas, water, internet, and trash service are active. Test keys, fobs, garage openers, and parcel delivery access. Walk the neighborhood to spot parking rules, bike routes, and nearby services.
Register locally
Apply for your California driver license and register your vehicle according to state timelines using the DMV new resident guidance. Update your address with USPS, banks, and insurance. Register to vote if desired.
Navigate HOA and community rules
Get copies of HOA rules, amenity reservation procedures, trash and recycling schedules, and board contacts. If the HOA requires a move-in deposit or a mover’s insurance certificate, complete those items promptly. Set up autopay for dues to avoid late fees.
First-month admin
- Verify trash and recycling pickup days and bulky item scheduling.
- Set up autopay for utilities and internet.
- Identify the closest urgent care, pharmacy, and grocery stores.
- Learn alternate driving routes and park-and-ride options in case of incidents.
Weeks 4–12: Evaluate and finalize
If you started in a furnished rental, reassess long-term goals after 4–8 weeks. Decide whether to extend a lease, move to a longer-term rental, or purchase. If you already bought, schedule any immediate upgrades like security, network wiring, or minor repairs and meet your neighbors or HOA representatives.
Enroll in local activities, library programs, and community centers to feel settled faster. Continue testing commute options to lock in the best routes for your routine.
Commute testing guide
A consistent test routine makes comparisons easier. Use this simple protocol:
- Run 3–5 tests on different weekdays at your likely departure times.
- Track door-to-door time, including parking or last-mile connections.
- Compare driving with at least one transit option where feasible.
- Use 511 Bay Area to monitor incidents and express lane policies.
- Check live schedules and maps on VTA, Caltrain, and BART.
Note where variability is highest, such as specific ramps or corridors like US-101, I-280, I-880, CA-85, and CA-87. If your employer offers shuttles, add those to your tests.
Utilities, HOAs, and permits
Utility basics in San Jose
- Electricity and gas: Managed by PG&E. Many addresses receive electricity generation from Silicon Valley Clean Energy. Billing still comes through PG&E.
- Water: Provider depends on address. Many homes receive service from San Jose Water. Confirm your provider when you sign a lease or open escrow.
- Trash and recycling: Most residential service is through Recology San Jose. Review pickup schedules, cart sizes, and green waste rules.
HOA best practices
If you are buying a condo or townhome, request CC&Rs, bylaws, recent meeting minutes, budget, reserve study, insurance coverage, and any special assessments. Ask about move windows, elevator reservations, and vendor insurance. Factor HOA dues and assessments into your monthly budget.
Moving and parking permits
For curb space, loading zones, or rules that affect your move, review the City of San Jose transportation and parking pages. Large buildings often require scheduling move slots and providing mover insurance certificates.
What to carry and transfer
Keep essential documents organized in one folder:
- Photo IDs and extra copies
- Birth certificates and immunization records
- School transcripts and registration documents
- Medical records and prescriptions
- Insurance details for health and auto
- Lease or purchase paperwork and HOA documents
- Pet vaccination records
Condensed 90-day checklist
- 90–61 days out: Pre-approval or proof of funds; shortlist neighborhoods; book a 2–8 week furnished rental; plan commute-testing trip; identify schools and doctors.
- 60–30 days out: Book movers and storage; request HOA documents if buying; pre-register kids if allowed; schedule utility start dates for the day before occupancy.
- 30–0 days out: Confirm building move rules and elevator reservations; arrange parking permits; schedule internet installation.
- Move week: Confirm utilities live; collect all keys and access devices; walk the neighborhood; test commute during the first week.
- 0–90 days after arrival: Get California driver license and register your vehicle via the DMV new resident guidance; finalize long-term housing plan; set up providers and community services.
A local partner to make it simple
Relocation is easier when you have local, on-the-ground help. From commute test routes and temporary housing options to HOA document reviews and utility timelines, you deserve a smooth plan and a steady advocate. If you want a hands-on guide with deep neighborhood insight and responsive support, connect with Wajiha Tareen to map a move that fits your goals.
FAQs
What is the best 90-day timeline for relocating to San Jose?
- Follow three phases: Prepare at 61–90 days out, Execute at 30–60 days out, and Settle from arrival through day 90, including commute tests, utilities, HOA, and DMV tasks.
How can I test my San Jose commute before I sign a lease?
- Run weekday door-to-door tests at peak hours, compare driving and transit using VTA, Caltrain, BART, and incident updates from 511 Bay Area.
Which utilities do I set up for a San Jose home?
- Plan for electricity and gas with PG&E, possible electricity generation from Silicon Valley Clean Energy, water through your address-specific provider like San Jose Water, and trash via Recology San Jose.
What DMV steps do new California residents need after moving?
- Apply for a California driver license and register your vehicle within state timelines using the DMV new resident guidance, and update your address with USPS and insurers.
Should I rent or buy first when moving to San Jose?
- If you are unsure about commute or neighborhood fit, start with a 30–90 day furnished rental while you test commutes and finalize priorities; if you are confident, you can proceed to buy with a clear plan and timeline.
