Living in Monte Sereno CA offers incredible amenities that make this small city one of the most desirable places in the Bay Area. Tucked between San Jose and Los Gatos, Monte Sereno is nestled at the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains, providing a peaceful, scenic escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. As a Silicon Valley commuter town, the community has no commercial zoning and is 99% single-family housing.
Though small, Monte Sereno is rich in history. Famous author John Steinbeck once called this area home, drawn by its natural beauty and serene atmosphere. He penned some of his most famous works here, including The Grapes of Wrath and Of Mice and Men. Today, residents appreciate the quiet, upscale neighborhoods, excellent schools, and proximity to Silicon Valley. If you’re moving to Monte Sereno, California, you’re in for a treat! Here’s what you need to know about living in Monte Sereno CA.
Is Monte Sereno a Good Place to Live?
Monte Sereno is a good place to live. Residents living in Monte Sereno CA can enjoy gorgeous properties, a wide range of dining and shopping options nearby, and incredible natural attractions. The city is also close to popular areas like San Jose and Downtown Los Gatos.
Where Is Monte Sereno California?
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What county is Monte Sereno CA in? Monte Sereno is in Santa Clara County. Santa Clara County is the sixth-most populous county in California, with a population of 1.9 million. When living in Monte Sereno CA, you’ll enjoy easy access to cities like Los Altos, Sunnyvale, San Francisco, Los Gatos, and San Jose. The Santa Cruz Mountains border the southwest portion of the city.
Most residents living in Monte Sereno CA use a car to get around, as the closest bus station is a mile away in the city of Los Gatos.
If living in Monte Sereno is in your future, then give our Monte Sereno movers a call! With our Monte Sereno moving company, relocating will be a breeze!
Monte Sereno Population & Demographics
According to the U.S. Census, there are 3,444 people living in Monte Sereno CA, and the community has seen minimal growth over the past 10 years. With such a small area, the population density in Monte Sereno is high at 2,108 people per square mile. There are 1,270 households in Monte Sereno, and the average household size is 2.7 persons.
Many residents living in Monte Sereno CA are very affluent, with a median household income of $250,0001 (higher than the California average of $91,905).
Additional Monte Sereno Demographics:
- Sex ratio: 52% male, 48% female
- Educational attainment: 99.1% high school degree (or higher), 84% bachelor’s degree (or higher)
- Racial & ethnic composition: 77% White (71% non-Hispanic), 19% Asian, 1% Black or African American, 3% two or more races
- Foreign-born population: 25.3%
Is living in Monte Sereno CA safe for you and your family? Monte Sereno is a very safe place to live. The crime rate in the area is 1,179 crimes per 100,000 people, which is 58.5% lower than the state average and 49.3% lower than the national average. Additionally, the violent crime rate is 88.0% lower than the state average and 83.8% lower than the national average, while the property crime rate is 52.2% lower than the state average and 42.7% lower than the national average. This is also much lower than many other nearby cities like San Jose and San Francisco.
After moving to Monte Sereno, you’ll be protected by the Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Department.
Monte Sereno Cost of Living
Before moving to Monte Sereno, you’ll want to make sure that the area is affordable for you and your family. Living in Monte Sereno CA is notoriously quite expensive, as it is a small, sought-after community. The Cost of Living Index in Monte Sereno is 231, meaning the city is 131% more expensive than the national average of 100.
According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four living in Monte Sereno CA would need to earn $165,108 to comfortably live in the city.
Typical Monte Sereno Living Expenses
- Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $20.50
- Gallon of milk: $5.07
- Loaf of bread: $4.39
- Pound of potatoes: $2.19
- Gallon of gas $4.83
- Fitness membership (monthly): $101.43
- Average Monte Sereno utilities per month: $300.49
Source: Numbeo*
*These numbers are for San Jose, but you can expect similar figures when living in Monte Sereno CA.
Will you be searching for homes for sale in Monte Sereno CA? Although Monte Sereno real estate prices are down 13.2% since last year, houses in the area are still quite expensive. According to Redfin, the median home price in Monte Sereno is $3.65 million. Properties in the area are typically quite large, many of which are over 3,000 square feet and have 4 to 5 bedrooms.
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You won’t find any apartments for rent in Monte Sereno. If you’re looking for apartments, the nearby Los Gatos may be a better choice.
Neighborhoods in Monte Sereno | Where to Live in Monte Sereno
When living in Monte Sereno CA, you’re part of a small, quiet, upscale residential community. Because of its small size, there are not many distinct neighborhoods in the area. If you’d like to be closer to town, then you may want to consider the northeast portion of the city. This area is a little busier, and is closer to San Jose.
If you want to be closer to nature when living in Monte Sereno CA, then the southwestern portion of the city is the place to be. This area is closer to the Santa Cruz Mountains as well as green spaces like El Sereno Open Space Preserve and John Nicholas Trailhead in Sanborn County Park.
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Monte Sereno CA Weather & Climate
What kind of weather can you expect when moving to Monte Sereno California? Monte Sereno has a Mediterranean climate, meaning the area experiences warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. Here are a few climate statistics to consider when living in Monte Sereno CA:
- Average Monte Sereno temperature in the summer: 76.5ºF
- Average Monte Sereno temperature in the winter: 46ºF
- Average Monte Sereno annual rainfall: 34 inches
- Best time of year to visit Monte Sereno: Late June to mid-September
Things to Do in Monte Sereno
Because Monte Sereno is nearly a 100% residential community, you’ll have to venture a bit out of town to complete daily activities. However, places like Campbell, Santa Clara, and Los Gatos are only a short drive away, with Downtown Los Gatos being less than 3 miles away. These are a few of the best things to do when living in Monte Sereno CA.
Vasona Lake County Park
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Vasona Lake County Park offers over 45 acres of green space as well as a multi-use trail and picnic areas.
333 Blossom Hill Rd, Los Gatos, CA 95032, (408) 356-2729
Winchester Mystery House
Head over to the Winchester Mystery House for a scare! This 160-room mansion offers haunted tours as well as themed holiday events for those who don’t enjoy being spooked.
525 S Winchester Blvd, San Jose, CA 95128, (408) 247-2000
Belgatos Park
When living in Monte Sereno CA, you can’t skip out on Belgatos Park. This 17-acre park features hiking, biking, and horseback riding trail, as well as a large playground for the kiddos.
330 Belgatos Rd, Los Gatos, CA 95032, (408) 399-5770
Additional Monte Sereno Attractions
Here are a few more things to do when living in Monte Sereno CA.
Monte Sereno Restaurants
When living in Monte Sereno CA, you’re only a short drive away from many wonderful restaurants. These are just a few places you can’t miss after moving to the area.
The Diner of Los Gatos
Head over to The Diner of Los Gatos and step back in time to the 1950s. This classic diner offers breakfast platters, blue plate specials, and bottomless coffee.
235 Saratoga-Los Gatos Rd, Los Gatos, CA 95030, (408) 354-4886
Tasting House
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The Tasting House takes a “wine first” approach, meaning they first curate their wine list and then design a food menu that complements it. The food is sourced with hyperlocal ingredients by partnering with 27 Bay Area farmers.
368 Village Ln, Los Gatos, CA 95030, (408) 348-1807
Hercules Draft House & Cantina
Hercules Draft House & Cantina is a favorite among those living in Monte Sereno CA. This casual joint serves up traditional Mexican food. Make sure you stop by on Taco Tuesday for $3 tacos and $5 margaritas!
165 Saratoga-Los Gatos Rd, Los Gatos, CA 95030, (408) 402-3131
Monte Sereno Jobs
Living in Monte Sereno offers a serene, residential lifestyle, but job opportunities within the city itself are limited due to its residential nature. As a result, most residents commute to nearby employment hubs like San Jose and Los Gatos. San Jose, a major tech center in Silicon Valley, is home to leading employers such as Adobe, Cisco, and eBay. In Los Gatos, you’ll find Netflix’s headquarters and a variety of thriving businesses in retail and healthcare.
According to Payscale, the average salary for residents living in the Monte Sereno/San Jose area is $114,000. If you are searching for jobs after moving to Monte Sereno, you can search for ‘Monte Sereno jobs’ on Indeed.
Schools in Monte Sereno
When living in Monte Sereno CA, there are several different school districts you can be a part of. The primary school districts for students in the area are:
All five of the high schools in the Campbell Union School District have earned a spot on the US News and World Report’s list of the Best High Schools in America.
If you are living in Monte Sereno CA with older children, then you’ll be happy to know there are plenty of higher education options nearby. West Valley College is located in nearby Saratoga, and Foothill College is situated in Los Altos Hills.
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When living in Monte Sereno CA, you will have access to the Los Gatos Library.
Monte Sereno Statistics & Information
Here are a few statistics to keep in mind when living in Monte Sereno CA.
- County: Santa Clara County
- Monte Sereno area: 1.66 square miles
- Monte Sereno zip code: 95030
- Monte Sereno area code: 408, 669
- Monte Sereno elevation: 515 feet
- Monte Sereno time zone: Pacific Time Zone (UTC -7 and -8)
- Closest airport to Monte Sereno: San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC), 13.3 miles away
Monte Sereno CA Map
Check out this map when living in Monte Sereno CA.
Is Living in Monte Sereno Right for You?
If moving to Monte Sereno sounds great to you, then get in touch with our Monte Sereno movers! AMS Relocation will help you get settled in no time, so you can enjoy living in Monte Sereno CA. Give us a call today at (650) 284-2931 for a free quote.
