los gatos - an okay commute to San Jose and Santa Clara?

[Brodie Burkett]

Please look at the site
<www.city-data.com/city/Los-Gatos-California.html>
for a real detailed view of Los Gatos or other cities in USA.

Good Luck

Originally Posted by gmkarr

My husband and I are considering a move to Los Gatos this year (we are considering a few different places). One of us would work in San Jose on Airport Blvd., and the other would work in Santa Clara. We have a 3 yr. old son, and are looking for a place with great schools, is family-oriented, and has some character. What would this commute be like? If the commute is over 30 minutes, are there any other areas that anyone would recommend which fit the type of town I am looking for.

Also, we would probably rent at least the first year (our money is tied up in the Cambridge, MA area), so how much would it cost to rent? I have family in the Bay Area and have lived in Santa Cruz for ten years, so I understand the expensiveness, but am trying to get more specific. Would it be feasibly to rent a three family house for $2000-2500? Also, can a lower cost house be had for $750-800,000?

Finally, how is the environment in Los Gatos - is this a good place to bring up a child? I like the area, but is the culture elitest and snooty overall, or does it also have some down-to-earth qualities (sorry, don't mean to offend anyone, but just want to get a good sense).

Many thanks for your responses!

-gmkarr (dying to move back to California!)

[investtt]

Voter registration in Los Gatos.. 39% Democrat and 40% Republican.. Although I'm a staunch Rpublican it is very nice to see a balanced community, especially in the bay area.

[Muck]

In your price range, you should look just outside of los gatos, near "los gatos almaden" road, and union area. The schools are great, but aren't quite as snooty as the los gatos school district. You can find decent housing in your price range.

[mysticaltyger]

Originally Posted by gmkarr

Thanks, that information is helpful. What do yout hink the lower end price for a 3-bedroom in Los Gatos woud be (both for rent and for sale)? Also what is Cambrian like as far as being a family-friendly area, and having good schools? Do you know anything about Willow Glen? Thanks!
-gmkarr

I live in Willow Glen....Believe me...it will be VERY difficult if not impossible to get a 3BR house for 750K. I am shocked at how little $1 million buys here.

Cambrian is probably a better overall value (than Willow Glen) if you are raising children. It tends to be popular for those raising children. The houses probably cost the same or a little less, but you get bigger houses on bigger lots.

Los Gatos is probably nicest of all if you can afford it. I wouldn't say it's horribly snooty, but I have never actually lived there...just go there to get my hair done at an expensive but good salon.

I'm not sure what houses around here rent for.

[sc101]

You won't find any rentals below $3500 a month in Los Gatos, and any livable homes below $1.1 million. I have been in Bay Area for a long time.

[gmkarr]

Originally Posted by Muck

In your price range, you should look just outside of los gatos, near "los gatos almaden" road, and union area. The schools are great, but aren't quite as snooty as the los gatos school district. You can find decent housing in your price range.

Hi Muck,
Is the area you are referring to called the "Almaden Valley"? Still trying to get oriented about this region, since I am learning about it long distance. If so, how would you describe this area? Many thanks, and also thank you to everyone who has contributed their knowledge/advice to this post.

-Grace