Los Gatos

Named for the mountain lions that once frequented these foothills, East Los Gatos straddles the line between small-town convenience and the wilderness of the Santa Cruz Mountains. East Los Gatos (pronounced loss GAT-ohs] is known for its highly rated schools, access to hiking trails and proximity to employers like Netflix. “I’ve lived here my whole life,” says Jeff Atwood, a broker associate with The Agency who’s sold homes here for 33 years. “The best thing about living in East Los Gatos is the people are friendly, warm and fun.” The overall CAP Index Crime Score is 3 out of 10, compared to the national average of 4; violent crime receives a score of 1 out of 10. East Los Gatos is also home to houses of worship in multiple faiths, including the West Valley Muslim Association, Congregation Shir Hadash and Calvary Church Los Gatos. “East Los Gatos varies from family-oriented, close-knit neighborhoods that will have street parties and get-togethers,” Atwood says, “to gated, private estate neighborhoods that often hide large custom homes behind mature trees and vegetation.” Home styles vary widely and include 1920s cottages, midcentury ranch-style homes and 21st-century Craftsman homes set close together along pedestrian-friendly, tree-lined streets. Luxury homes can be found along the narrow, winding roads of the hills, and many are in private communities. In May 2024, the median single-family home price was $3.2 million; prices are up 11% from 2023. A one-bedroom 1920s cottage starts at $1.2 million, while a six-bedroom 21st-century Mediterranean-style home in a gated community can cost $8.1 million, plus homeowners association fees. Condos are also available near Los Gatos Boulevard; a one-bedroom can start at $525,000, while a three-bedroom can cost $2.1 million. Local kids can start at Blossom Hill Elementary, which earns an A from Niche, then attend the A-rated Raymond J. Fisher Middle. At the A-plus-rated Los Gatos High, students can join over 100 clubs, including the Marine Biology Awareness Club, K-Pop Dance Club and Cookout Club. Private options include the unrated Hillbrook School for pre-kindergarten through Grade 12 and the A-plus-rated Stratford School for kindergarten through Grade 5. According to Atwood, some residents can start a nature hike right from their homes. The moderately challenging 2-mile Jones Trail passes through the 270-acre St. Joseph’s Hill Open Space Preserve and ends with views of the 338-acre Lexington Reservoir. The 10-mile Los Gatos Creek Trail passes by downtown, connecting the reservoir to western San Jose. Residents also have access to neighborhood parks like the 11-acre Worcester Park, which has 3 trails through preserved forests. At the 152-acre Vasona Lake County Park, residents can toss a frisbee on the vast greenspace or rent a paddleboat in the summer for an afternoon on the water. Residents can start the day at the locally owned Sara’s Southern Kitchen, serving Southern-style breakfasts like shrimp and grits for 50 years. Along Santa Cruz Avenue, downtown Los Gatos is a walkable strip of local businesses, including Los Gatos Café, which has served massive cinnamon rolls and classic diner breakfasts here since 1987. “The downtown is very vibrant,” Atwood says. “It’s got a reputation for being young and fun. There are lots of people out on Saturday nights, and the people you meet are friendly and talkative.” The Testarossa Winery serves critically acclaimed chardonnay and pinot noir on the grounds of the 19th-century Novitiate Winery, which has a scenic courtyard and regular live music. Residents can shop for fresh produce each Sunday at the Los Gatos Farmers Market downtown; grocery options include Lunardi’s and Whole Foods Market. State Route 17 borders East Los Gatos to the west and the West Valley Freeway is to the north; Los Gatos Boulevard and Shannon Road are the main roads through the neighborhood. The Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) light rail’s Winchester station is 4 miles north, and the VTA bus makes several stops along Los Gatos Boulevard. Main roads have dedicated bike lanes and sidewalks. The Good Samaritan Hospital is in East Los Gatos’ north, and the San José Mineta International Airport is an 11-mile trip. The annual Fantasy of Lights has illuminated Vasona Park each holiday season since 1999. This drive-through spectacle has over 50 themed light displays, including an erupting volcano and a pirate ship. “I’ve done it every year with my family for 20 years,” Atwood says. “Every year, they add more to it and change it up.” During summer, the Jazz on the Plazz free concert series draws crowds to the Los Gatos Town Plaza each Wednesday to listen to jazz musicians like Jessica Johnson and the Michael Paulo Quartet. Most of the neighborhood is in the wildland-urban interface, an area of increased fire risk. Residents here are advised to have an emergency plan in case of a wildfire, and they may experience reduced air quality from nearby fires.