Los Gatos, according to Bloomberg Businessweek, ranks 33rd in the most wealthiest cities of the United States. Los Gatos, spanish for ‘the Cats’, was named after the mountain lions and bobcats that are indigenous to the foothills surrounding the community.
Founded in the mid- 1850’s and known for a flour operation, the Forbes Mill two story building still stands today as a town museum. The early 20th century brought a great agricultural business in apricots, grapes and prunes. the town of Los Gatos also became known as an arts community attracting painters, musicians, writers, actors and other such bohemian residents. John Stienbeck wrote ‘The Grapes of Wrath” in a small cottage, now located in Monte Sereno a pocket of the Los Gatos area.
The town became a suburban area for San Jose in the 1950’s and was built out by the 1980’s.
Vasona Park, a 150 acre spread, includes a small lake for paddle boats. There is picnic and BBQ areas available. The park offers a summer music series for everyone to come and enjoy.
Los Gatos Creek Trail runs from Los Gatos and will be fully connected to the new Levi Stadium, home of the San Francisco 49r’s. This trail is for walking, running, biking and rollerblading.
El Sereno Open Space Preserve and Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve top the surrounding mountains, providing hiking and biking trails.
Netflix, the streaming video giant, is just one of the major companies located in Los Gatos providing jobs for approximately 900 people.
Bay Club Courtside is a ten acre lifestyle resort featuring swimming, tennis, pilates, yoga, group cycling, basketball, indoor soccer and group classes.
Schools at all levels are available including Westmont and Los Gatos High.
The Los Gatos Farmer’s Market is held on Sundays at the Town Plaza Park from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.
Music in the Park, a summer concert series on Sundays, brings in some of the countries best tribute, jazz and salsa entertainment. Bring a blanket, picnic lunch and your favorite bottle of wine and enjoy the afternoon.
Jazz on the Plazz, a jazz music series on Wednesdays, can have such acts as Rita Coolidge, Ramsey Lewis and Tuck and Patti.
4th of July Celebration, featuring music from the San Jose Wind Symphony, provides all day entertainment with a picnic lunch hosted by Los Gatos Services Club. Entertainment for the kids is sponsored by the Los Gatos Recreational Department.
Art and History Museums along with a city library and several civic buildings round out Los Gatos as a popular place to live.