I've never had punctures in that area. It must be from the wheel rim. It can't be from road hazard damage. Make sure the hole through the rim for the tube valve is smooth.

I'd be dubious about being able to patch it. Even the smallest patches have room for about 3/8 of an inch of rubber all around the puncture. The valve stem might not leave you that much room, and the hole would be close to the edge of the patch. It wouldn't have a good chance to hang on.