Outside of the downtown, very few buildings rise over three stories. School rankings bounce all over the map in San Jose, but many are high. Crowding at some schools and cutbacks in programs and teaching, result of budget shortages, create other attendance dilemmas. In recent years, several bonds have been passed to improve schools. Among homes, the tract look dominates.
Many people put their creative energies into landscaping and gardening and interior decorating.
An international airport, located near the downtown, has been expanded. The opera company regularly visits elementary schools and sings for the students. San Jose State University, one of the largest in the state, is located in the downtown. Besides the state university, San Jose City College and Evergreen Valley College enhance the educational offerings of the town. San Jose offers many activities.