Gilroy 71 Excellent
Gilroy Livability #203 ranked city in California#6,417 ranked city in the USARanks better than 78% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Gilroy

PROS
  • Amenities Amenities

    The area boasts an ample array of local amenities, such as restaurants, entertainment options, grocery stores and parks, all conveniently located within walking distance.

  • Commute Commute

    A high commute score suggests convenient, easy access to public transportation, with shorter-than-average work commute times to work.

  • Employment Employment

    This area excels in the employment category with a score well above average, primarily due to the higher median home income, per capita income and low unemployment rates.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    Achieving a high health and safety score relies on factors including great air quality and convenient access to vital health facilities such as hospitals, doctors, clinics and police stations.

CONS
  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    The cost of living in this area is notably high, making it a more expensive place to live. You'll find higher expenses for everyday goods and services, housing and groceries.

  • Crime Crime

    This area exhibits elevated crime rates per 100,000 residents, which may suggest it's a potentially unsafe place to reside. These rates encompass both property and violent crimes.

  • Ratings Ratings

    Surveys and polls conducted by AreaVibes with residents of the area revealed unfavorable results concerning the walkability of amenities, the availability of parks and public transit access.

What's it like Living in Gilroy?

Located in the state of California, Gilroy is a moderately-sized city with a population of 56,371 inhabitants. Gilroy has a population density of 3,492 people per square mile. This would be considered well above the national population density level. More than a quarter of the residents of Gilroy identify themselves as Hispanic or Latino, and 36% of the population speak Spanish as their primary or secondary language. An important consideration when living in Gilroy is the longer-than-average commute times. If you seek a short work commute, this area may not be the best choice for you. The one-way commute time here typically takes 37 minutes, far surpassing the national average of 26 minutes.

Are you trying to ascertain if living in Gilroy is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a great experience before relocating to any new city in California, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like amenities, crime, cost of living, health & safety, employment, you can easily compare the best places to live in Gilroy and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Gilroy to California and the national average.

The livability score in Gilroy is 72/100 and the city is ranked in the 80th percentile of all cities across America. If we consider each of the categories on their own, we see that Gilroy ranks well for amenities (A+) and housing (B-). Gilroy does not rank well for the following: crime (D-) and cost of living (F). It might be a smart idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.

If you're living in Gilroy, you can expect to enjoy a multitude of local amenities, mostly thanks to the strategic placement of essential services such as grocery stores, restaurants, coffee shops, parks and various shops. If you're contemplating a move to this locale with the intent of establishing it as your permanent residence, you'll be pleased to find an extensive array of amenities and recreational opportunities within easy reach, either on foot or via a brief commute. This wealth of accessible amenities not only enhances the livability of the area but also ensures that you can enjoy a rich and fulfilling lifestyle, making Gilroy an attractive destination for those seeking a vibrant and well-served community to call home. Some of the more notable entertainment options include: Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park, Outlets at Gilroy, and Eagle Ridge Golf Club.

For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Gilroy apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.

There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Gilroy is actually affordable. The median home price for Gilroy homes is $1,274,688, which is 74.2% higher than the California average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Gilroy, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 7.8, which is 1.3% higher than the California average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Gilroy

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How Do You Rate The Livability In Gilroy?

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      Gilroy transportation information

      Statistic Gilroy California National
      Average one way commute37min28min26min
      Workers who drive to work73.7%73.5%76.4%
      Workers who carpool14.9%10.6%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit2.0%5.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.5%1.1%0.6%
      Workers who walk1.1%2.7%2.8%
      Working from home7.1%5.4%4.6%
      Source: The Gilroy, CA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.