About Willow Glen
The community of Willow Glen is a charming, historic and distinct neighborhood within the city limits of San Jose. Known for its walkable, tree-lined streets, unique architecture, cafes and shops, the delightful downtown area of Willow Glen is centered on on Lincoln Avenue between Willow Street and Minnesota. Willow Glen was actually a separate municipality up until 1936, when residents narrowly voted to be annexed into the city of San Jose. Despite this, the community has always retained its own distinct character.
Willow Glen Traditions
Willow Glen is known for several special traditions and events. Each holiday season, residents throughout the village place small Christmas trees decorated with tiny colored lights exactly 10 feet from the sidewalk. This tradition goes back to 1950. The Willow Glen Business Association also sponsors the annual Dancin’ On the Avenue street party event each summer. And Willow Glen residents love the opportunities for outdoor recreation afforded by the two sections of the Los Gatos Creek Trail that are accessible directly from their neighborhood.
Architecture
One of the truly unique features of Willow Glen is its architecture. Within its neighborhoods can be found Colonial Revival, Craftsman, Mission, Neoclassical (Queen Anne Cottage and Neocolonial), Prairie, Spanish Eclectic, and Tudor and Victorian styles.
Willow Glen’s location directly within the city limits of San Jose makes it an extremely desirable place to live. It offers residents the charm of a small town, village atmosphere while also being in the center of Silicon Valley with all the municipal and cultural services of San Jose. Willow Glen is also served by the Fruitdale, Race, Tamien, and Virginia light rail stations, offering easy commutes for residents.
