Living in Los Gatos: A Practical Family Guide
February 5, 2026
February 5, 2026
Thinking about moving to Los Gatos with your family? You likely want great day-to-day convenience, outdoor time for the kids, and a manageable commute to Silicon Valley hubs. Los Gatos blends a small-town feel with access to major job centers, but it also comes with higher costs and a few hillside trade-offs to consider. This guide gives you a clear look at schools, neighborhoods, parks, commuting, budgeting, and risk checks so you can decide with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Los Gatos is a town of roughly thirty thousand residents with a walkable downtown, leafy residential streets, and quick access to the Santa Cruz Mountains. You get a calm community feel with café patios, boutique shops, and family events, plus easy weekend options on nearby trails and at local parks. Many families choose Los Gatos for its public school structure and a lifestyle that balances suburban comfort with outdoor recreation. Town services, youth programs, and local sports add to the family-friendly rhythm.
Most K–8 homes feed into the Los Gatos Union School District, and most high school students attend the Los Gatos–Saratoga Union High School District. Families view these systems as high performing relative to county and state averages, which is a major reason they target specific neighborhoods. Because school boundaries can be strict, verify the right school assignment for a specific address with the district and review current registration policies.
Los Gatos and nearby communities offer multiple private preschools, centers, and in-home care options. Demand is high, and waitlists can form early, especially for full-day programs. Dual-income and tech-driven schedules often mean families combine daycare, after-school care, and camps to cover the week.
You will find a local library branch, town recreation programs, youth sports, and seasonal camps that keep calendars full. Many families appreciate the variety of music, arts, and team activities offered both through town programs and the schools. If enrichment is a priority, check registration windows early, since popular offerings can fill quickly.
Close-in neighborhoods near Main Street and State Street put you near cafés, bakeries, shops, and parks. Housing here often includes historic Craftsman, Victorian influences, Spanish Revival, and mid-century ranch homes on smaller lots. You trade larger yards for walkability and a short trip to schools, green spaces, and community events.
Los Gatos hills and mountain-adjacent pockets feature larger lots, more privacy, and homes ranging from classic ranch to newer custom builds with views. These areas come with steeper terrain, longer driveways, and additional maintenance. If you are considering the hills, factor in wildfire awareness, slope stability, and potential insurance implications.
Los Gatos is a predominantly single-family market with a limited supply of townhomes and condos compared with larger cities. The area is expensive by national standards, reflecting location, school reputation, and limited inventory. Under California’s tax system, assessed value is capped by Prop 13 rules, but you should still budget for higher purchase prices, standard closing costs, and ongoing ownership expenses.
Downtown Los Gatos offers markets, cafés, restaurants, and small businesses for everyday errands. Weekends often include a stroll for coffee, a playground visit, and a family meal on a patio. Larger hospitals and specialized medical care are a short drive into San Jose and nearby cities.
Two popular family destinations are Vasona Lake County Park and Oak Meadow Park, which together offer playgrounds, open lawns, lake views, and seasonal activities. The Los Gatos Creek Trail is a go-to for walking, running, and biking, with connections to regional trail networks.
Summer concerts, farmers’ markets, and holiday traditions add to the community feel. Check the town’s events calendar for current dates as schedules can change seasonally.
Los Gatos sits along State Route 17 with quick connections to Highway 85 and I‑280. Under typical conditions, many commutes to central San Jose take roughly 15 to 30 minutes. Driving to major tech hubs like Cupertino, Sunnyvale, Mountain View, or Palo Alto often ranges from about 20 to 40 minutes or more depending on traffic and your exact start and end points.
Local VTA bus routes connect Los Gatos to San Jose and regional transit hubs. There is no Caltrain station in town, so most riders use nearby stations such as San Jose Diridon via bus or park-and-ride options. Many employers offer private shuttles, and some commuters carpool or split the week between office and remote work.
Mineta San José International is usually the fastest option, with San Francisco and Oakland airports reachable depending on traffic and time of day.
Expect higher housing, childcare, and everyday costs compared to national norms. Build a budget that includes property taxes under Prop 13, homeowner insurance, utilities, and commuting expenses. If you plan to renovate, factor in both short-term construction costs and long-term maintenance.
Los Gatos generally reports lower violent crime rates than national averages, though property crime can occur as in any suburban area. Hillside homes may face elevated wildfire or landslide risk and will benefit from a thoughtful defensible-space plan and drainage review. Regional wildfire smoke can periodically affect air quality.
Many Los Gatos homes were built in earlier decades and may need updates, seismic retrofits, or energy improvements. Hillside projects can face additional geotechnical requirements. Before you start, review local rules with the town’s Building Division and confirm permit pathways for your scope.
Broadband coverage is generally strong across Silicon Valley, but hillside service can vary by address. If remote work is essential, verify providers and speeds during your inspection period.
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If you want a local, data-informed partner who can guide schools, commute, financing, and neighborhood trade-offs, reach out to Vincent Choi. You will get senior-level representation, clear mortgage guidance, and multilingual support so you can buy with confidence.
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