Life in Lovely Los Gatos
Los Gatos, California started off as a community of summer homes for the wealthy who wanted to live close to Santa Cruz and San Jose. Even today, Los Gatos just feels like a wealthy town. Homes range from redwood log cabins hidden in the woods off Mountain Charley Road, to million-dollar bungalows in the heart of downtown to huge mansions up Kennedy, Shannon and College roads, interspersed with traditional ranch and two-story homes. For those willing to adjust to mountain living, (including septic systems and private water), with a slightly longer commute, the benefits can be very worthwhile, even in terms of price.
For mountain homes, keep in mind that before purchasing here, many homes will require obtaining specialized reports: soil, septic, heat pump, foundation, sometimes even well. However for those who enjoy the smell of fresh air, the sight of green trees, impromptu encounters with wildlife and the feeling of being away from the city, Los Gatos Hills is a unique option.
Prices range from ~$700,000 for raw land to $2M for nicely updated homes on good-sized parcels to upwards of $10 Million for estate-style properties and even more for those with valley or ocean views or especially prestigious locations.
One big plus are the Los Gatos Schools. For elementary and middle schools in Los Gatos, there is the Union School District, as well as the Los Gatos Union School District. There is only one high school, Los Gatos High, which is part of the Los Gatos-Saratoga High School District.
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Downtown Los Gatos is a destination shopping experience for many in Silicon Valley. In addition to the darling bungalow and Victorian homes, Los Gatos is filled with charming shops, exquisite dining, unique spas and services as well as antiques and more traditional stores.
Unique entertainment venues nearby in Saratoga include Villa Montalvo, which hosts a variety of musical artists as well as regular museum and gallery art showings; and the Mountain Winery, which also provides a beautiful location for musical groups.
First-run movie locations include the intimate and historic, locally-owned Camera Theatre. Nearby venues are CineArts and AMC Theater franchises, including Century 21, 22, 23, 24 & 25 Theatres, Santana Arts Theatre and Saratoga AMC 14. Additionally, two nearby theatres specialize in showing first-run Bollywood/Indian films - Century 25 (aka The Retro Dome) and The Alameda Theatres.
From the bargain outlet mini-mall at Westgate Shopping Center to upscale Westfield Shoppingtown Valley Fair to unique boutiques at Santana Row, along with a wide variety of ethnic grocery and restaurant choices, Los Gatos features luxury that is both a world away and close to home.
Click Here to View 2009 Santa Clara County API Scores.
© 2009 Michelle C. Carr-Crowe, All Universal Rights Reserved. No portion may be copied, forwarded, re-blogged, edited or otherwise reproduced unless it includes the following FULL paragraph acknowledging source and credit. Violators will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law, including fines, penalties and cease and desist orders.
Michelle C. Carr-Crowe is a Silicon Valley-based Multi-Million Dollar real estate consultant and an internationally-published freelance writer with over 1,000 articles in print and online. Visit her online at www.michellejudycarr.com or www.lynbrookhighhomes.com. For RE$ult$ ... Just Call ... (408) 252-8900.
