At the southern end of the Bay Area's urban expanse and comfortably situated at the base of the Sierra Azul range of the Santa Cruz Mountains, Los Gatos enjoys the region's great weather and high tech business environment while retaining its own distinct, historical character.
People looking for apartments for rent in Los Gatos will love the perpetually sunny weather, world class dining and convenient location that has attracted generations of artists and entrepreneurs.
Named for the mountain lions the roam the nearby wilderness, Los Gatos grew as an agricultural and logging community, isolated for many years from the region's cities despite serving as a rail terminus. The town's history has helped Los Gatos maintain a unique small town feel even as it has become a notable fixture of the Silicon Valley economy.
Home to around 30,000 people, Los Gatos stands out from other Bay Area communities due to its scenic downtown, where Victorian architecture provides a setting for excellent dining, shopping and entertainment. Residents of Los Gatos apartments can enjoy local parks or head into the nearby hills to hike and take advantage of the area's great weather and natural beauty. With San Francisco, San Jose and other cities just minutes away, Los Gatos is also incredibly convenient, making it a popular place to call home.
Los Gatos residents who are also students can head to nearby West Valley College, San Jose State University or Santa Clara University, all just minutes away. The Western Seminary Bay Area Extension is also located in Los Gatos, so individuals who are getting their Masters of Divinity or the like can find opportunities in their hometown.
Los Gatos is perhaps best known as the headquarters of Netflix, and the online movie rental giant is one of the town's largest employers. Many other residents work for area tech companies, and the town is home to several high tech startups, including image hosting site ImageShack. Healthcare also makes up a significant portion of the local job base, with Mission Oaks Hospital and El Camino Hospital both in town.
One of the country's most affluent towns, Los Gatos can be a pricey place to live. Nonetheless, many residents do rent, and it's still possible to find a great apartment at an affordable price.
Data from the U.S. Census Bureau showed the median gross rent from 2008 to 2010 was $1,701, while additional research found one bedroom apartments renting for $1,250-$2400 per month.
Los Gatos has access to great natural resources, including the Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve, Vasona Lake County Park, Lexington Reservoir and Los Gatos Creek Park, where residents can head for hiking, boating and other outdoor activities. Additional recreation options include a nationally acclaimed bocce ball facility, the Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad (a one-third scale railroad), the Los Gatos Shakespeare Festival in Oak Meadow Park and the annual Los Gatos Fiesta de Artes. Residents that are interested in learning more about their hometown's roots visit the History Museum of Los Gatos.
Downtown Los Gatos is home to a range of charming shops, exciting bars and fine dining. The town boasts highly acclaimed Michelin-starred restaurants, as well as more casual options. Dining and entertainment enthusiasts will also enjoy the easy access to other Bay Area cities, which have some of the world's best restaurants and most celebrated attractions.
To find your next rental apartment or house in Los Gatos, take a look at our listings on Rent.com®.