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 The Almond Grove District is one of the oldest residential neighborhoods in Los Gatos and close to (if not in) downtown Los Gatos. It is also one of the most scenic & convenient places in town.
The subdivision was created in 1887 by town fathers John Bean, Alphonse Wilder, Augustine Nicholson, Fen Massol and Captain Magnus Tait. The borders were from Bean Avenue to Saratoga-Los Gatos Road and North Santa Cruz and Glen Ridge Avenue. (Streets in this district include Beat Ave., Wilder Ave., Nicholson Ave., Massol Ave. and Tait Ave.)
 What is really amazing about this neighborhood is the way it was originally sold, the incredibly enthusiastic response it had right from the very beginning. In September of that year, 1887, an orchardist named Harvey Wilcox had a land auction of the subdivision. He sold 121 out of 170 lots for sale - all in one day!!
(That same orchardist also sold the Jesuits 40 acres that would become the Novitiate up on the hill.)
The Town of Los Gatos has a wonderful bunch of history which details the place names as well as other Almond Grove neighborhood historical info in the five page document with the uninspiring name of Ordinance 2165 (who were Bean, Tait, Wilder, Nicholson?)
The popularity of the Almond Grove District continues to this day, more than a century later.
 Today the area is known for being very, very highly decorated at Halloween and Christmas. In fact, on October 31st, many children are brought in from other areas to "Trick or Treat" in this historical area with tons of (spooky) ambiance on Halloween.
Almendra is a street whose name in Spanish means "almond" and this road was the home of many mayors and important personages in Los Gatos history. It also boasts a six-sided house (which was recently home to a law office and is currently a pending sale, listed just a bit under 1.5 mil) that was built in 1895.
What folks love about the Almond Grove neighborhood is that it's "walk to town" (or "close to town"), it's full of old-style charm (in a valley full to the brim with tract housing), there are wide, tree-lined streets, and of course great Los Gatos schools. But even more, it seems that the Almond Grove district exudes an immense pride in keeping the flavor of the area alive. And there seems to be a lot of community spirit too. There's no other neighborhood like this one for holiday decorating.
 Are there challenges living in the Almond Grove area? Sure. Parking can be a problem - many of these homes were built before garages were a consideration! Older construction can impact remodeling (historical preservation rules) too.
Being able to stroll to world-class restaurants, enjoy fantastic shopping or stop in at a spa for the royal treatment just blocks away is a huge plus. Living in a neighborhood full of character and history, and getting neighbors who all care about taking care of their homes is a big plus too.
I'd live there in a heartbeat.
Where is the Almond Grove District of Los Gatos?
Located close to Los Gatos-Saratoga Road and North Santa Cruz Avenue, the Almond Grove neighborhood is so "close to town" that it really does qualify as being "in downtown" itself. Below please find a map of the area - boundaried are a bit general on the south and west sides.
View Almond Grove District - Los Gatos in a larger map
Almond Grove Neighborhood Homes for Sale
Want to find a fabulous home to buy in or near the Almond Grove area? Below please browse listings of houses, townhouses, condominiums and more in the historic downtown area of Los Gatos. Search by map - no registration! (Some nearby areas show too, so not all homes shown on the map are in the Almond Grove per se. Please reference neighborhood map above too.)
Get Help Buying and Selling Homes in Los Gatos
You don't have to go it alone! For help in buying or selling Los Gatos real estate, please contact me:
Mary Pope-Handy
Realtor, CRS, ABR, SRES, e-Pro
408 204-7673 or email mary (at) popehandy.com
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