Gilroy

Welcome to Gilroy

South Bay / South County

Living in Gilroy

Gilroy pairs established neighborhoods and golf communities with vineyards and the foothills. Residents enjoy Gilroy Gardens, the Gilroy Premium Outlets, Caltrain service and quick access to US-101 and the Monterey Bay.

Gilroy is also known for the annual Gilroy Garlic Festival, a volunteer-run summer tradition held each July at the Hecker Pass Outdoor Events Center, with proceeds benefiting local schools and nonprofits.

Wine lovers head to Gilroy's family wineries along Hecker Pass and the surrounding hills: Solis Winery, Annette's favorite, plus Fortino Winery, Sarah's Vineyard, Hecker Pass Winery, Besson Family Vineyards, Kirigin Cellars, Satori Cellars, Cinnabar Winery, Calerrain Wines, L & M Vineyard, Stefania Winery and Tuscan House Vineyards. A scenic drive south, Smith & Hook in Soledad's Santa Lucia Highlands is another of Annette's favorites.

History and Wine Country

Incorporated in 1868 and named for John Gilroy, a Scotsman who settled here in the early 1800s, the city is known for its garlic crop. Vineyards along the base of the Santa Cruz Mountains to the west are part of the Santa Clara Valley wine region. Gilroy had 59,520 residents at the 2020 census.

At a Glance

Population: 59,520 (2020 census)

Area: 16.55 sq mi

Elevation: 200 ft

County: Santa Clara

ZIP codes: 95020, 95021

Schools

Public schools are served by the Gilroy Unified School District. Look up schools for any address at GreatSchools.

Private: Pacific Point Christian Schools, TK through 12th grade, with its elementary campus on Mantelli Drive.

Nearby: Monte Vista Christian School in Watsonville, grades 4 through 12 with day and boarding programs, a short drive over Hecker Pass.

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Map of Gilroy​