SAN JOSE METRO

San Jose is a center of innovation nicknamed the Capital of Silicon Valley, the tech hub of the world. Many will be surprised to hear that San Jose is the largest metro area in the Bay area - more so than San Francisco - and is now home to over 2 million people.

San Jose city is one of the wealthiest cities in the world with the area hosting the most millionaires and the most billionaires in the United States per capita. Career seekers in the technology industry flock to the area in the hope of recognition and success. San Jose has many large company headquarters within its borders such as HP, eBay and PayPal but it is the draw of Google at Mountain View and Apple at Cupertino that high flyers really have their sights on. Career opportunities are competitive with graduates from the Bay Area's universities applying for graduate programs in the hundreds hoping to work their way to the top.

San Jose is not short on opportunities for fun days out, with a larger-than-lifesize monopoly board and city-based maze for example. With roughly 300 sunny days each year, outdoorsy types really can adventure in the valleys throughout most of the year. Camping and hiking in Yosemite National Park is a popular choice and water sports lovers can find Lake Tahoe within a few hours drive. If you crave a more relaxed day then the Santa Cruz beaches aren't too far away either.

Downtown produce markets create a localized atmosphere for shoppers while other parts of town specialize in boutique stores. It really is a neighborhood of sorts. Slightly north of San Jose is Milpitas, a great central location for all Bay Area activities and home to some of the best shopping spots. Tech companies in Milpitas are looming nearby further offering career opportunities to residents.

San Jose is the place to be if you want to truly be at the forefront of the technological future. With so many forward-thinking products, projects and ideas coming out of the Silicon Valley area, it is a tech entrepreneur's dream.