Best highrise condo to live in downtown San Jose comparison (2025)

   Downtown San Jose is home to a growing skyline of condo towers, each with unique features, price points, and amenities. If you’re wondering which condo building is best for your lifestyle in 2025, this guide will help you compare all the fors sale highrise buildings in downtown San Jose AXIS, The 88, City Heights, and 188 West Saint James using a simple pros and cons format which I get to select 

The Axis Highrise Condos - 38 N. Almaden Blvd 

 

         Pros:

• Luxury amenities including heated pool, two hot tubs, gym, onsite management and 24 hour security/concierge.
• Prime location next to San Pedro Square and two blocks from Little Italy.
• Modern finishes and floor-to-ceiling windows
• Strong sense of security and community in this building.

         Cons:

• Over 300 condos make for a lot of neighbors which make for a busy pool. 
• Limited guest parking and no street parking during events and Sharks game days.  
• The 3 Elevators wait times can be long during busy hours.
• No top floor observation decks. 
• Community room on first floor, gym on second floor and pool area on 3rd floor. 

 

The 88 Highrise Condos - 88 E. San Fernando St. 

 

         Pros:

• Was once the tallest residential tower in San Jose with stunning city views from almost all sides of the building.
• 5th floor BBQ lounge, gym, and community areas. Billiards room on the second floor.
• Excellent downtown location near dining, nightlife, and public transit and SoFa district. 
• 24 hour secure lobby and onsite professional management.
• Only 100 units in the building makes it extremly luxury when waiting for an elevator. 

         Cons:

• Higher than other HOA Dues in San Jose but not other large cities. $900-$1100 a month.
• Some floor plans feel more compact and entering into the kitchen floorplan is not a great design.
• Noise from downtown streets on lower levels can be loud.
• Very few units with their own outside patio space. 

 

City Heights - 175 W Saint James St. 

 

         Pros:

• Lower price point, ideal for first-time buyers wanting a high-rise.
• Some loft-style layouts on ground and penthouse levels.
• Central location near San Pedro Square, City Hall, and public transit.

         Cons:

• High HOA fees with fewer amenities – no pool and very small gym.
• Some units face noisy intersections and downtown firestation.
• Several parking spaces are on top floor elements of parking garage.  

 

188 West Saint James - Same Address 

 

         Pros:

• Newer highrise with modern design.
• Full amenities: gym, pool, lounge, bike kitchen, dog wash, concierge service.
• Close to San Pedro Square, freeway access and Little Italy

         Cons:

• Reports of maintenance issues and property was foreclosed by banks in June 2025
• Less community feel due to large building size of over 600 units and all the empty units.
• When sold out sharing ammenities is going to be an issue.
• The pool is between the two towers which means very little direct sunlight during the day.
• The name of the building.  

 

Which Downtown San Jose Condo Is Best?

It depends on what you value most. Here's a quick guide:

• For amenities and luxury: The Axis
• For best views and location: The 88
• For affordability: City Heights
• For new construction: 188 West Saint James

Explore listings and schedule a tour today if you are looking to buy a condo in one of these towers. 

Click here to browse current listings or contact me for a personalized tour of any of these towers.