Welcome to Los Gatos
Small-town vibes with a backdrop of the Santa Cruz Mountains
Los Gatos is a municipality in Santa Clara County in the foothills of the Santa Cruz mountains. The city of Campbell bounds the town to the north, the county of Santa Cruz and Santa Clara to the south, Monte Sereno to the west, and San Jose to the east.
The Los Gatos population is about 30,000. The predominant architectural styles here are Craftsman, ranch-style, contemporary, and even Victorian in the Almond Grove and downtown areas.
The city is considered part of Silicon Valley because several tech companies are headquartered in the area — most notably, the streaming service provider Netflix. Los Gatos is known for its small, pedestrian-friendly downtown with many upscale restaurants, a thriving art community, and multiple boutique shops.
What to Love
- Tight-knit community
- Proximity to the Pacific Ocean
- The 152-acre Vasona Park
Local Lifestyle
Los Gatos shares the cultural traits of most Valley cities, including many professionals working in tech and relaxed suburban neighborhoods. Its location makes Los Gatos perfect for people who want to be in the San Francisco Bay Area but are surrounded by natural beauty and excellent schools.
Los Gatos has a small-town feel, with many friendly residents. There’s also a strong sense of local pride, which has led to the establishment of local businesses and organizations.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
With unique menus that cater to all kinds of tastes, the restaurants in this town have something for everyone. When looking for unmatched breakfast fare, head to Los Gatos Cafe and taste their delicious cinnamon rolls and other early-morning meals.
For an upscale farm-to-table dining experience with great food options, visit Manresa Restaurant. The restaurant also offers gluten-free and vegan food options. And if you are in the mood for a sweet treat, the gelato at Dolce Spazio is delicious any time of day. The shop also offers coffee and smoothies, and local high school kids often work behind the counter.
Los Gatos plays host many events, festivals, and venues where you can drink with friends, catch up with family, or witness local history and culture. They all have different atmospheres and themes. Examples include Jazz on the Plazz, Los Gatos Art & Wine Festival, and the Los Gatos Christmas Parade. The city also contains Oak Meadow Park and Vasona Park. Oak Meadow and Vasona host events like the city’s Fourth of July celebration and Easter egg hunts.
Being a peaceful, walkable town, shopping in Los Gatos is relatively easy. There are a variety of stores, including gift, toy, shoe, fashion, gallery, and furniture stores. Downtown offers a blend of locally-owned boutiques and stores of established brands such as Restoration Hardware, Apple, and Lululemon.
Things to Do
Due to its rocky terrain, Los Gatos is great for mountain biking and hiking. There are several trails in the area, and the staff at the city’s bike shops can help get you started. Furthermore, the Santa Cruz Mountains are only a short drive away and offer even more opportunities for outdoor activities.
You can also visit the New Museum of Los Gatos and learn about the history and culture of Los Gatos. The Vasona Lake County Park lets you rent a boat and fish for black bass, bluegill, rainbow trout, crappie, and more. The lake is also a great playground because of its expansive lawns. If you want to learn about wine, visit Testarossa and check out their world-class wines, historic cave, and cellar.
Schools
Los Gatos has some of the best schools in Santa Clara, including:
For more real estate options, check out this neighborhood:
