Campbell there are lots of great restaurants and bars with in walking distance. It's got lots of great places to live.

I have been here close to a year now and would honestly avoid staying downtown. There isn't a whole lot to do apart from San Pedro square which is good and buzzing most weekends.  

That being said its not a place to live. Look up Santana Row. I live here and it its very central and has everything you need. There is some nice apartment complexes on the row.  

Other places I really and def would consider are Campbell and Los Gatos but trust me don't live downtown.

P.S let me know when you arrive. I moved here with my wife a year ago so will be happy to help, meet up etc if you want. I know what hat its like to be in your shoes and in actual fact we are looking at moving closer to SF but will still be here until the new year at least.

Hey Meradith, Downtown San Jose is nice!  You'll have trouble finding street parking there, but pretty much every condo there has parking.  My friend lived at a modern building on the same block as Opera San José, so that might be a good place to start.  Its got a big city there with tall buildings and all.  Tons of restaurants and bars within walking distance, and my favorite -- a Yogurtland :)  The San José State University is very close by, so there are a lot of young people there.

One neighborhood close by is Japantown.  Very close, but very different.  It's much more residential, but a close drive to downtown.  There are a bunch of restaurants, a market, and some snack shops on Jackson street.  I have a friend who lives there and when I'm there, I like being able to walk to get a taco at Taqueria Corona, sushi, or boba tea, or to an internet cafe -- Roy's Station Coffee & Tea.

Let me know if you have any other questions!

Some where in 7th , 6th street in downtown around San José State University.  Lot of restaurants and lively place,  but many home less people.