Some of the most popular neighborhoods in Los Gatos

Los Gatos real estate offerings and neighborhoods are pretty diverse! The most popular neighborhoods in Los Gatos vary, too, depending on the home buyer’s priorities. For some it will be close proximity to downtown, for others it will be the best commute locations, a particular school, or a specialty type of property, such as with a view or with room and zoning for horses.

Today we’ll break the most popular neighborhoods in Los Gatos down by type / area:

Historic homes or neighborhoods
Close to school areas
Shorter commute locations
Homes and communities near parks and trails

Contents hide

1.1 Additional Los Gatos historic areas:

3 3. Shorter Commute Locations

4 4. Homes and Communities near parks and trails

5 Los Gatos real estate and homes for sale – newest first

6 Author

1. Most popular neighborhoods in Los Gatos with older or historic homes

Most of our buyers who specifically want an historic home or neighborhood reach out about either the Almond Grove or Glen Ridge areas, so they are listed first. However, there are many other areas in town that deserve the spotlight, too.

Almond Grove: The Almond Grove historic district is known for its tree-lined streets and historic architecture. It is within just a couple of blocks of North Santa Cruz Avenue, one of the major roads in downtown Los Gatos. The Almond Grove neighborhood is brimming over with a charm, and it has great community spirit. This is one of the most decorated areas during Halloween and during the holiday season. It’s worth a drive through!

Glen Ridge: This neighborhood is characterized by its larger, upscale homes and beautiful views of the surrounding hills. Many of these are historic properties, though it is not an officially designated historic district. It offers a more secluded and private atmosphere but is still “close to town”.

The town has more info on the historic districts. You can read about them HERE.

Additional Los Gatos historic areas:

University or Edelen: Another historic district, the University or Edelen neighborhood enjoys gorgeous Victorian homes in a super convenient location close to Old Town in downtown Los Gatos.
Fairview Plaza: So quaint with its center island park and a staircase to Broadway for easy downtown access!
Broadway: The first subdivision in Los Gatos, this area is a quick jaunt to Town Plaza Park and the Sunday Farmer’s Market.
Creffield Heights and San Benito area: not an official historic district, but this area is super convenient and oozing with beautiful, older homes. It’s just north of the Almond Grove area.

2. Most popular neighborhoods in Los Gatos close to schools

There are so many neighborhoods in town which are located near to high quality schools, so it’s hard to highlight just a few. Here are the ones we are asked about the most:

Blossom Manor (originally named Blossom Hill Manor): features a mix of mid-century and newer homes. It’s a convenient area with good schools, shops, eateries, and parks nearby. For living in Los Gatos California, this area has one of the best mixes of accessible parks, shops, dining, and fairly easy commute access.

Vista del Monte: This neighborhood is situated close to a hillside, or in a few cases, homes are on a hill, offering stunning views of the hills. It’s known for its luxury homes and proximity to hiking trails, but it’s also within a mile or two of all the public schools serving this area. It’s also a very quick trip “to town” for shopping or dining out.

Alta Vista: We are often asked about this area, which is part Los Gatos and part Cambrian district of San Jose and enjoys the Union School District. This is a little more affordable, and from inside this area one can get to either Alta Vista Elementary or to Union Middle School without crossing any major roads. The same is true for getting to a large Safeway and other shops at the Downing Center. This is a tidy, convenient neighborhood and it is definitely one of the most popular neighborhoods in Los Gatos.

Rinconada Hills, Cameo Park West (in Cambell but with a LG mailing address), Los Gatos Estates (townhomes in Campbell with a LG mailing address): these areas are all super close to Marshall Lane Elementary and Rolling Hills Middle School, with a good sized Safeway and other shops nearby on Pollard. This region is generally closer for commuters to points further west, though they aren’t super close to freeway onramps for Highway 85.

Rinconada Hills is gated community offers townhomes and condominiums in a scenic setting with ponds, walking trails, and a clubhouse. It’s known for its peaceful environment and security. We have very few gated communities in Silicon Valley, and this one is wonderful!

3. Shorter Commute Locations

Some commuters utilize Highway 17 /880 and others Highway 85. Areas close to both of them are certainly the easiest for getting in and out (and in the evening, off the freeways sooner).

For those whose commute takes them north on 85, many want to stop their home search where 17 and 85 intersect. Properties that check off the basic criteria will definitely make those buyers’ list of the most popular neighborhoods in Los Gatos.

Los Gatos duet homes (off Lark Avenue): these are more affordable, enjoy Los Gatos Schools, and are a cinch for getting off and on Highway 17. Being close to freeways has its own set of issues, of course, but it’s a tradeoff many are willing to make. We often get inquiries about this area.

Arroyo Grande Garden Hill neighborhood: These are entry level, attractively priced “Los Gatos Schools” homes that are also in shorter commute locations. The tradeoffs are similar to the duet homes with the freeway, and also this area is right below the Vasona dam, but many appreciate having the Los Gatos Creek Trail as a way to downtown.

4. Homes and Communities near parks and trails

The following areas are included since our clients tell us that they WANT to be near parks, but they aren’t always sure where the parks are. Disclaimer: these neighborhoods fit that niche, even when they aren’t popular because of the parks per se. In other words, they would be, if consumers were more familiar with the parks in town.

Belwood of Los Gatos: A well-established neighborhood with a mix of architectural styles, Belwood offers a strong sense of community and often hosts events and gatherings. Adjacent to it are the Surmont and Belgatos subdivisions. All of them are nestled up against the hills and expansive Belgatos Park.

Heritage Grove: next to Surmont, this newer community boasts the wonderful Heintz Open Space Preserve with scads of trails and easy access to Belgatos Park, too.

Shannon Valley Ranch: Shannon is an affluent neighborhood with spacious homes and ample green spaces. It’s a quieter area that provides a sense of serenity.

Bachman Park (next to Glenridge): This neighborhood is close to downtown and features a gorgeous park with a spacious lawn and creek running alongside it. The homes nearby are stunning – and pricey. Worth a visit even if it’s not in your price range!

Fairview Plaza: mentioned above, this is an historic district with a cool little park at the center.

Vista del Monte: close in area, mentioned above for being close to schools, that also provides a town park, Worcester Park.

Saratoga Highlands, Rio Rinconada, Granada Way and La Rinconada Park Neighborhood: Nice neighborhood park, trail, and tennis courts!

A final word on the most popular neighborhoods in Los Gatos:

There are many other highly sought after parts of Los Gatos – the list above does not make other areas less valuable or interesting. Perhaps it’s just that these are better known? If you’re interested in Los Gatos living, please connect. We know the town well and love its many facets and features, and we’d love to help you fall in love with it, too!

Los Gatos real estate and homes for sale – newest first

Next please find the newest listings of active inventory of homes for sale in Los Gatos. These will include single family homes (houses, duet homes) as well as condominiums or townhouses. The condos and townhouses are usually few in number and may not show up at all – this set is ordered by time on the market, with the newest on top.