Los Gatos 84 Exceptional
Los Gatos Livability #12 ranked city in California#658 ranked city in the USARanks better than 97% of areas
Is This the Right Place for You? Local Insights Report
  • Uncover the key details before you move
  • Use local data to guide a smarter investment
  • Compare neighborhoods side by side
Local Insights Report

Pros and Cons of Living in Los Gatos

PROS
  • Amenities Amenities

    Within the vicinity, you'll find a wealth of amenities, from restaurants and coffee shops to grocery stores and local shops, all easily accessible on foot.

  • Commute Commute

    High scores in the commute category could indicate that this area offers short commute times to work and readily available public transportation options.

  • Crime Crime

    This area is characterized by a crime rate, per 100,000 individuals, that falls well below the national average, indicating its potential as a very safe place to live.

  • Employment Employment

    This area scores extremely well in the employment category. This is primarily due to the combination of low unemployment rates, higher median home income and income per capita.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    Earning a high health and safety score depends on factors such as good air quality and the availability of essential health facilities like hospitals, clinics, doctors, and fire stations.

CONS
  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    Residents of this area contend with a high cost of living, resulting in increased expenditures for everyday goods and services, housing, utilities and health care.

What's it like Living in Los Gatos?

Los Gatos is a medium-sized city located in the state of California. The city has a population of 32,857 inhabitants. At 77%, the majority of the Los Gatos population is White; this is followed by 16% Asian and 1% Black. An important consideration when living in Los Gatos 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 30 minutes, far surpassing the national average of 26 minutes.

Without the right tools, relocating to any new area can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Los Gatos, California could be a great experience for anyone who puts in the time to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. To help you find the best places to live in and around Los Gatos, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like amenities, health & safety, housing and more.

Los Gatos, CA receives 84/100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #14 in California and #543 in the USA. This is a great score, as Los Gatos ranks well in multiple categories! Los Gatos is also ranked in the top 10 percentile of all cities across the USA. If we consider each of the categories individually, we see that Los Gatos ranks well for amenities (A+), crime (B+) and education (A+). On a more negative note, Los Gatos does not have favorable ranks for the following: cost of living (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.

If you're considering living in Los Gatos, it comes with numerous advantages, particularly in the form of an extensive selection of local amenities. These amenities play a pivotal role in elevating the quality of life within this vibrant community. From easily accessible grocery stores, to conveniently located fitness facilities, a diverse range of dining establishments and a multitude of shopping options, Los Gatos provides a comprehensive array of resources for its residents. This ensures the effortless fulfillment of your daily needs and creates ample opportunities for relaxation and recreation. The convenience of these local offerings greatly contributes to the overall appeal of the area, making it an enticing destination for those in search of convenience, diversity, and a gratifying lifestyle. If you're contemplating a move, the abundance of local amenities could very well be a defining characteristic of this area. A few of the enjoyable things to experience and sights to see are: Vasona Lake County Park, Divine Massage Therapy, and Spa Elia.

Ensuring a sense of security is paramount for the majority of residents in any area. Low crime rates exert a positive influence on various aspects, including home prices, rates of home appreciation and the cultivation of positive community dynamics and social cohesion. In the case of Los Gatos, it boasts a notably low violent crime rate of 148 crimes per 100,000 residents, which significantly outperforms the national average.

Parents and families often rely on school test scores when making decisions about local public schools. Test score data serves as a crucial metric for comparing and assessing various educational institutions. In Los Gatos, the average school test scores reached an impressive 76%, significantly higher than the national average. This remarkable performance underscores the commitment of the educational system to equip students with the knowledge and resources necessary for success. It allows your children to receive the support and skills that are essential for thriving academically, making Los Gatos an excellent choice for families seeking a high-quality education.

Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Los Gatos is real estate affordability. Median real estate prices in Los Gatos come in at $3,149,764, which is 330.5% higher than the California average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Los Gatos, the home price to income ratio is 13.7, which is 77.9% higher than the California average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Los Gatos

See all the best places to live around Los Gatos

How Do You Rate The Livability In Los Gatos?

1. Select a livability score between 1-100
0
Awful
25
Poor
50
Average
75
Good
100
Great
2. Select any tags that apply to this area
View results

Compare Los Gatos, CA Livability

City Image
    City Default Image
      vs

      Los Gatos transportation information

      Statistic Los Gatos California National
      Average one way commute30min28min26min
      Workers who drive to work75.9%73.5%76.4%
      Workers who carpool5.6%10.6%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.9%5.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle1.5%1.1%0.6%
      Workers who walk1.5%2.7%2.8%
      Working from home12.9%5.4%4.6%
      Source: The Los Gatos, 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.