Home to Netflix headquarters, Los Gatos is a quaint yet vibrant suburban city near the Sierra Azules.
Los Gatos is a small and quaint suburban Silicon Valley city almost indistinguishable from the neighboring town of San Jose. What helps set Los Gatos apart are the numerous high-tech companies sprinkled throughout the area, notably the streaming giant Netflix is headquartered here and has developed a significant presence. Settled at the base of the Sierra Azules, Los Gatos is located approximately 60 miles from San Francisco. Like most towns in the valley, Los Gatos is characterized by its stunning topography that features a mixture of rolling hillsides and wooded areas intersected by riparian habitat, open green spaces, and streams, creating a picturesque backdrop.
What to Love
Netflix headquarters
Tight-knit, family-oriented community
Vibrant downtown district
Gorgeous parks
Excellent schools
Charming, small-town vibe
People & Lifestyle
Los Gatos offers a great mix of housing options from apartments to single-family homes and everything in between. Residents are primarily couples without kids, families, professionals, students, and tech employees. The vibrant downtown area is full of great restaurants and shopping, and with San Jose so close, locals have their pick of stores and hotspots when seeking entertainment or amenities.
Families looking to settle down appreciate the small-town charms of Los Gatos and the suburban vibe of the city. It might not be as appealing to single folks who want a little bit more in the way of nightlife, but Los Gatos is appealing for its quiet, peaceful lifestyle and abundance of employment and housing options. It also helps that the city is beautiful and features multiple acclaimed parks and nature preserves.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Sidecar Modern Tavern is an eclectic, hip, modern tavern and neighborhood fixture known for its incredible hand-crafted cocktails. Make sure you bring a friend or two when you visit Flights by Alex Hult. This restaurant is known for its hearty portions designed to be shared.
The Lexington House is a stylish spot driven by a changing, seasonal menu. If you want savory, wood-fired pizza, then the menu at the sophisticated Italian bistro Oak & Rye is guaranteed to make your mouth water.
Another great spot for pizza (and Mediterranean food) is upscale yet relaxed Steamers Grillhouse. Dio Deka is an upscale spot for classic Greek fare. Family-owned and operated, The Pastaria & Market is a charming Italian trattoria in town.
Order the best Kobe beef and other prime cuts at the upmarket steakhouse Forbes Mill. As the name suggests, Campo Di Bocce provides a unique guest experience, serving Italian food alongside indoor and outdoor bocce courts.
For fantastic Mexican cuisine, look no further than Zona Rosa. Manresa Bread comes from the acclaimed Manresa team. This little cafe makes gourmet and seasonal bread and pastries in a refined space.
Things to Do
Los Gatos has several beautiful parks and outdoor spaces. The Vasona Park has the advantage of surrounding the Vasona Reservoir, providing breathtaking scenic views. Castle Rock State Park is a 5,242-acre state park with incredible vistas, lush forests, and the Castle Rock Falls, known for its unique rock formations.
Those who enjoy long walks, hikes, and biking will appreciate the Limekiln Trail, a 9.8 mile starting near the Lexington Reservoir. In the center of Los Gatos is Oak Meadow Park, a spacious 12-acre park with a large grassy field, a carousel, bocce courts, and picnic areas.
The town is home to several award-winning wineries and vineyards like Testarossa, Regale Winery, and Byington Vineyard. The Mountain Winery even doubles as one of the country's coolest music venues.
Schools
Los Gatos has many top-notch public and private schools.