Gilroy

Living in Gilroy

Gilroy sits at the southern tip of Santa Clara County, offering a lifestyle that balances agricultural tradition with modern suburban living. Famous worldwide for its garlic harvest and the beloved annual Garlic Festival, the city has a relaxed, open-air character that feels distinctly Californian. Rolling mountain views frame the city on both sides, and a rich wine trail winds through family-owned vineyards scattered across the region.

Gilroy's real estate market is notably more accessible than many nearby South Bay communities, offering everything from spacious suburban homes in quiet neighborhoods to impressive estate properties rising into the western foothills — making it an attractive option for buyers seeking value without sacrificing quality of life.

What to Love

• Friendly, family-oriented community with a relaxed pace
• Diverse housing options at competitive price points
• Beautiful mountain and agricultural land views
• World-famous Gilroy Garlic Festival each summer

People & Lifestyle

Gilroy strikes a compelling balance — residents enjoy the proximity to Silicon Valley's career opportunities while living at a remove from its pace. Parks, open space, and mountain trails create natural playgrounds, and the city's strong agricultural identity gives it a character unlike anywhere else in the Bay Area.

Dining, Entertainment & Shopping

The Westside Grill is a local institution — a stylish family-run spot for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch, with quality Angus steaks and a reliable wine selection. Garlic City Café celebrates Gilroy's most famous crop with garlic-forward dishes alongside hearty Italian pastas and a wide breakfast menu. Victoria's Mexican Restaurant brings bold flavors and great margaritas to the local scene, and The Milias Restaurant offers a more refined setting for contemporary American cuisine. For retail therapy, Gilroy Premium Outlets — the largest outlet shopping center in California — brings more than 145 brands under one roof, including Nike, Coach, Kate Spade, and Hugo Boss.

Things to Do

The Gilroy Garlic Festival is an unmissable South Bay summer tradition, drawing crowds every July with culinary competitions, celebrity chef appearances, carnival rides, and live entertainment across three stages. Year-round family fun can be found at Gilroy Gardens, a theme park with more than 40 rides, a water play area, and the extraordinary Circus Trees — a collection of 25 original living sculptures grown through careful grafting beginning in the 1920s. History buffs will enjoy the Gilroy Museum in the city's historic 1910 Carnegie Library. For golfers, three public courses offer great options amid scenic countryside. Wine lovers can explore more than 34 family-owned wineries and tasting rooms along the Gilroy Wine Trail.

Schools