The first concern that comes to mind is whether 'San Jose, the heart of Silicon Valley, has already grown enough.' From my perspective as someone who has observed this market for a long time, the answer is not as simple as it seems.

The population of Santa Clara County, including San Jose, has experienced a gradual decline or stagnation in recent years, which can be interpreted as a result of high housing prices and the spread of remote work. However, recently the rate of decline has slowed, and there are signs of renewed influx of tech talent alongside the AI industry boom.

The industrial base remains centered around semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and software. Major tech companies like NVIDIA, Apple, and Google have their headquarters and research facilities concentrated here, and there have been recent announcements of new investments related to AI semiconductors and data centers. Google's large-scale campus development project in downtown San Jose is also expected to positively impact local employment and commercial district revitalization in the long term.

The unemployment rate is relatively low, hovering around the high 3% to low 4% range, and income levels rank among the highest in major metropolitan areas in the U.S. However, this figure is concentrated in tech jobs, and for those in the service industry or low-wage jobs, the high cost of living remains a significant concern.

Infrastructure investments include the ongoing extension of the BART line to downtown San Jose, which is expected to greatly improve accessibility across the Bay Area once completed. Large-scale mixed-use developments, including Google's downtown campus, are also underway, suggesting that the urban landscape could change significantly in the coming years.

In innovation city rankings by the Milken Institute and Brookings Institution, San Jose consistently ranks high, with many evaluations suggesting it has a strong potential to maintain its long-term competitiveness as a center for the AI industry. However, the extreme burden of housing prices is still pointed out as an unresolved structural risk.

The initial concern is whether 'it is wise to enter such an expensive market now,' but for Korean households, it is worth noting that the demand for rentals in areas with good school districts and the stability of resale values remain solid. However, due to the high initial entry costs, it is advisable to plan finances thoroughly and approach with a long-term holding strategy.

Compared to nearby areas with good school districts like Cupertino or Los Gatos, the entry price in downtown San Jose is relatively lower, making it a consistently considered option for Korean families who want access to Silicon Valley but have budget constraints. However, in such areas, it is crucial to carefully check school assignment zones.

Areas like Evergreen or Almaden Valley, where many Korean families reside, tend to have community infrastructure and school district information shared closely, making it relatively easier for families moving in for the first time to settle down. Given the scarcity of listings, it seems practical not to delay decisions too long when a desirable condition arises.