Tucked beneath the mountainous setting of the Santa Cruz Mountains, Los Gatos has emerged as one of the most desirable destinations in Northern California. Blending a mix of tradition and rejuvenation, Los Gatos is characterized by 'yesterday's charm and today's modern lifestyles'. With a population over 30,000, it's amazing to find such a friendly and relaxed atmosphere in a town so close to the heart of Silicon Valley. It's name translates into 'The Cats', but cat lovers are not the only people who find Los Gatos charming. It's natural beauty, close proximity to the Bay Area and its attractions, wholesome lifestyle, exceptional schools, striking homes, upscale shopping, exquisite dining, historic architecture and proud heritage truly do make Los Gatos the 'Gem of the Foothills'.
Housing
A few words to describe the homes in Los Gatos would include: pretty, prestigious, and lovely, which is exactly what you will find. Built on flatlands rising to wooded and open hills, the neighborhoods maintain a rustic charm with numerous trees, attractive residences, and a comfortable atmosphere. The first city in the county to adopt an ordinance preserving historic buildings, Los Gatos has a reputation for being sensitive about development and the quality of life, which it strives to maintain at a high level. Many of the new homes are more expensive, but a good deal of the housing runs to well-done suburban with a high level of maintenance. Although the town is essentially built out, owners are now remodeling, re-building and restoring their homes to sell, or just spruce up the home and install modern kitchens, bathrooms and wiring. In 2000 housing units numbered 12,507 with almost all units being single homes, single-family attached, or multiples. Downtown you will find older homes, and in certain areas in the hills offer mountain and city views.
Schools and Education
One of the factors validating the high home prices of Los Gatos is the achievement of its school system, from kindergarten through high school. Schools rank among the top in the state and one study showed 85 percent of high school seniors going on to college. Los Gatos High and Fisher School have received national honors for their programs. School facilities are impressive and advanced, with computer labs, music and art programs at the elementary level, and foreign languages at junior high. In 1990 the Los Gatos Union School District voters approved a $180-a-year parcel tax which has kept class sizes down, repaired buildings and bought books and supplies. Parents also fund elementary school programs through a foundation formed in 1982. Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple, is a Los Gatos resident who helped set up a computer lab-arcade at Fisher School, trained many of the teachers, and donated money for a math lab at the high school. In 1998 the high school district passed a $79 million bond which will fund construction on a science wing for the high school, in 2002 another wing of classrooms, rewiring of the high school for high-tech, as well as other general improvements. The city is also funding additional improvements to the high school campus since it is used by residents and community groups.
Community and Recreation
As a community, Los Gatos has done a magnificent job of restoring its downtown into an inviting place to shop, stroll, dine and peruse. Perfectly-shaped benches invite visitors to sit a spell and watch the activities of a farmer's market, children's parade, or the everyday goings on of a remarkable little town. You will find quaint merchant buildings which house lively restaurants, coffeehouses, galleries, and boutiques, as well as resplendent Victorians which surround downtown's historic center. At Christmas, residents gather in old town for the annual Christmas Tree Lighting, caroling, a children's parade and carriage rides. This is not the only time the community gathers for celebrations and festivities, however. The community calendar is filled raise money for parks, service groups and endeavors such as the high school band, while the town is unique in its dedication to support its local newspaper: Los Gatos Weekly Times.
In addition to the culture and heritage of the downtown, Los Gatos has an established art community and tradition. Whether it is art on display, literary, performing, or visual arts, or art through special events, art of every form can be found. Local museums include Forbes Mill Museum of Regional History and the Los Gatos Museum of Art & Natural History which are supported by organizations including: Art Docents of Los Gatos, Arts in the Council Chambers, Los Gatos Art Association, Los Gatos Friends of the Arts, Town of Los Gatos Arts Commission.
Due to its exceptional location, Los Gatos has many places for residents and visitors alike to experience the great outdoors and partake in various outdoor sports and activities. Oak Meadows-Vasona Park, one of the nicest in the county (has a reservoir, miniature trains, and playgrounds), is full on weekends with families. Over 400 acres of open space, miles of trails for hiking and biking, a creek trail, a golf course on the northwest side, and a total of fifteen parks with eight playgrounds are all available. Tennis, softball, soccer, baseball, and other youth activities and classes are also popular. Other resources and activities include a rowing club, a movie theater, YMCA, Jewish Community Center with pool, high-school pool (used to teach children and adults to swim), racquet and swim club, fitness clubs, farmers market, bocce courts, and a local library (which is open seven days a week).
