The City of Gilroy CA
History, Neighborhood, and Demographics Overview
For your convenience, you will find below a summary of the basic information you should know about the city of Gilroy.
Gilroy is a city located in Santa Clara County, California. The
city was founded in the 1860s. According to the United States Census Bureau,
the city has a total area of 16.17 square miles (41.85 km²), of which, 16.14
square miles (41.78 km²) is land and 0.03 square miles (0.07 km²) is water.
1). City of Gilroy CA: Creation summary
Here is a brief chronology of its creation:
1805: The Spanish explorer Gabriel Moraga named the
area "Valle de Santa Clara" and claimed it for Spain.
1821: Mexico gained independence from Spain, and the
area became part of Mexico.
1846: The United States declared war on Mexico and took
control of California.
1850: California became a state, and the area that is
now Gilroy was part of Santa Clara County.
1852: The town of Gilroy was founded by James H. Giles,
who named it after his hometown of Gilroy, Maine.
1868: The town of Gilroy was incorporated, making it a
city.
1870s: The city experienced growth with the arrival of
the railroad and the establishment of a cannery industry.
1893: The first Garlic Festival was held in Gilroy,
celebrating the city's agricultural heritage and its reputation as the
"Garlic Capital of the World."
1900s-1920s: The city continued to grow, with the
establishment of schools, churches, and businesses.
1950s-1960s: The city experienced a population boom, as
more people moved to the area for its mild climate and agricultural
opportunities.
1970s: The city established a downtown redevelopment
program to revitalize its historic district.
1980s-1990s: The city continued to grow, with the
establishment of new residential and commercial developments.
2000s-2010s: The city faced challenges related to rapid
growth, including traffic congestion and the need for infrastructure
improvements.
Over the last 10 years the city has seen a significant
increase in the number of new built homes and apartments communities.
2). City of Gilroy CA: General information
The
Gilroy neighborhood is known for its annual Garlic Festival, which attracts
visitors from all over the world with its garlic-infused food, live entertainment,
and carnival games.
In
addition to the Garlic Festival Gilroy is also renowned for its outdoor
recreation opportunities. The city is home to several parks, including
Christmas Hill Park, which offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and a disc golf
course. The nearby Henry W. Coe State Park is also a popular destination for
hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing.
Gilroy
is also famous for its shopping opportunities, particularly the Gilroy Premium
Outlets, which features over 145 stores offering discounted prices on designer
and name-brand merchandise.
In Gilroy, the median age is 36.8 years old and the educational
attainment is as follows: 81.6%
of the population aged 25 years and over are high school graduates or higher,
while 27.5% have a bachelor's degree or higher.
Overall,
Gilroy is a diverse community and a vibrant city known for its proximity to
Silicon Valley, its strong agricultural heritage and plenty of opportunities
for outdoor recreation, shopping, and entertainment.
3). City of Gilroy CA: Most popular neighborhoods
Here are some of the most popular neighborhoods and districts in the City of Gilroy, California:
Downtown Gilroy: This is the city's central business district, with a variety of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. It is known for its historic buildings and annual Garlic Festival, a popular food and music event.
Las Animas: This neighborhood is located on the southeastern side of Gilroy and is known for its suburban feel, with many single-family homes and parks. It is also home to Christmas Hill Park, which features hiking trails, a playground, and picnic areas.
Glen Loma Ranch: This neighborhood is located on the northeastern side of Gilroy and is known for its new construction homes and proximity to the Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve, a popular hiking and biking destination.
Country Estates: This neighborhood is located on the western side of Gilroy and is known for its large, single-family homes and vineyards. It is also home to the Eagle Ridge Golf Club, a popular course with scenic views.
Sycamore Creek: This neighborhood is located on the southern side of Gilroy and is known for its large, single-family homes and proximity to the Gilroy Sports Park, which features soccer and softball fields.