Tucked into the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains, Los Gatos feels like a small town at the heart of Silicon Valley. Santa Cruz Avenue serves as the town’s social spine, lined with bars, restaurants, and independent boutiques. Outdoor escapes abound with Vasona Lake County Park, Lexington Reservoir, and Heintz Open Space offering trails minutes from home. The Montalvo Arts Center brings world-class performances to the hills above town, while the Kotani-En Japanese Garden offers quieter retreats.

Renters find thoughtful options from garden-style apartments nestled in the foothills to sleek townhomes near downtown. Studios and two-bedroom layouts appeal to those wanting walkable access to shops and dining while maintaining neighborhood calm. Netflix has been headquartered here since 2000, and the town’s name comes from a 19th-century Spanish land grant called La Rinconada de Los Gatos, named for the mountain lions and bobcats that once roamed these hills.