Torn between Morgan Hill and Gilroy for your South Bay home base? You are not alone. Both offer suburban comfort, outdoor access, and a workable commute to Silicon Valley, but the day-to-day experience and price points differ. In this guide, you will see clear, side-by-side takeaways on housing costs, commute realities, schools, safety, and lifestyle so you can choose with confidence. Let’s dive in.

Quick market snapshot

Morgan Hill typically sits at a higher price point. Recent snapshots place its median sale price around $1.2 million in January 2026, with typical values slightly higher, and price per square foot tracking above Gilroy. Gilroy shows a wider range month to month and often comes in lower on median sale price and price per square foot, though certain neighborhoods approach Morgan Hill pricing. The exact number you will pay depends on neighborhood and timing.

Different data sources measure different things. Indexes of “typical value,” list-price medians, and median sale prices can diverge. The big picture is consistent: Morgan Hill usually commands a premium while Gilroy often offers more house for the dollar. If you are close to making an offer, ask for an MLS-based comparison by neighborhood and month.

Commute and transit

Morgan Hill is about 20 to 25 miles from downtown San Jose and Gilroy is about 30 to 35 miles. Your actual trip time depends on traffic and your schedule. Citywide averages show South County residents commonly face longer commutes, with mean travel times near the mid-30-minute range in both cities, according to Census QuickFacts.

Rail service south of Tamien is limited. Caltrain provides only a few weekday trips between Gilroy, San Martin, Morgan Hill, and the core system, and schedules can change, so check Caltrain’s service updates for Gilroy if you plan to rely on rail. Many commuters use VTA bus service instead. The Rapid 568 limited-stop route and the frequent 68 local line connect South County to San Jose; see current times on VTA Rapid 568 schedules.

Key takeaway: Morgan Hill can shave a few minutes off a typical South Bay commute, but both cities are primarily car-first. If you need reliable off-peak or reverse-commute transit, confirm timetables before you choose a home.

Lifestyle and amenities

Morgan Hill vibe

Morgan Hill feels smaller and more residential with a relaxed wine-country edge. You will find local vineyards, tasting rooms, bike routes, and quick access to open space, including Henry W. Coe State Park and Anderson Lake. The pedestrian-friendly downtown supports a growing food and arts scene. Explore highlights on the official visitor site at Visit Morgan Hill.

Gilroy vibe

Gilroy is larger and blends suburban living with agricultural roots. It is home to regional shopping at the Gilroy Premium Outlets and family fun at Gilroy Gardens. You will notice more large-format retail and services, plus a mix of older neighborhoods and newer subdivisions.

Lifestyle tradeoff: Choose Morgan Hill if you want a quieter, wine-country feel with easy outdoor access. Choose Gilroy if you want broader retail options, family attractions, and a wider range of price points.

Schools and education

Families often compare specific attendance zones when deciding between the two. In Morgan Hill, Ann Sobrato High is consistently well regarded by parent review sites. You can review current campus-level details on the Ann Sobrato High School profile.

Gilroy Unified includes multiple high schools, and results vary by campus. If Gilroy is on your list, compare programs and recent outcomes school by school, starting with the Gilroy High School profile. For either city, confirm attendance boundaries and review the latest state dashboard before you decide.

Practical tip: School performance and boundary lines can shift. Before writing an offer, verify the exact assignment for the property and your student’s grade level.

Safety snapshot

Aggregated summaries that compile FBI and local reports indicate Gilroy has higher reported property crime and, by some measures, higher violent crime than Morgan Hill. See a high-level overview on NeighborhoodScout’s Gilroy crime page. Keep in mind crime patterns vary by neighborhood and can change.

For any specific address, the best approach is to review recent incident maps and reports from local police and to visit at different times of day. Your agent can help you pull block-level data and context.

Housing stock and community feel

Both cities are majority owner-occupied, with Morgan Hill higher on owner-occupancy and household income according to Census QuickFacts. You will see single-family homes dominate in both markets. Morgan Hill includes many higher-value homes and hillside neighborhoods, plus nearby wineries. Gilroy offers a mix of older streets, newer subdivisions, and commercial corridors that can translate to more options at different price points.

Which city fits you?

Choose Morgan Hill if you want

• A shorter typical drive to many South Bay job centers.
• A smaller-town setting with wineries, trails, and outdoor access.
• Neighborhoods that often feed into well-regarded schools.
• Higher median household income and a generally higher price point.

Choose Gilroy if you want

• More house for the dollar in many months and neighborhoods.
• Larger city services and convenient regional shopping and attractions.
• A mix of older charm and newer planned communities.
• Comparable commute times on average if your schedule is flexible.

How a local agent helps your decision

Your choice comes down to daily life and numbers. A local expert can save you time and risk by:

• Running neighborhood-level comps, price-per-square-foot checks, and days-on-market trends so you know a fair value before you bid.
• Testing real commute times for your exact start and end hours, plus checking current Caltrain and VTA Rapid 568 timetables.
• Verifying school boundaries and recent enrollment patterns using district maps and state dashboards, plus sharing campus-level resources like GreatSchools.
• Reviewing disclosures, HOA rules, and planned developments that could impact value or quality of life.

Ready to compare a short list of homes and neighborhoods side by side? Reach out to Naomi Townsend for bilingual, high-touch guidance and data-backed advice tailored to your move.

FAQs

What are average home prices in Morgan Hill vs. Gilroy?

• Morgan Hill typically runs higher, with recent snapshots around $1.2 million for median sale price, while Gilroy often comes in lower, though certain neighborhoods can be similar.

How long is the commute to San Jose from each city?

• Off-peak, Morgan Hill can be about 25 to 35 minutes and Gilroy about 30 to 40 minutes, but peak traffic can add time, so test your specific route and schedule.

Is there practical rail service from Gilroy or Morgan Hill?

• Caltrain service south of Tamien is limited to a few weekday trips, so many commuters use VTA Rapid and local buses; always check current schedules before relying on rail.

How do schools compare between the two cities?

• Morgan Hill’s schools, including Ann Sobrato High, are often well regarded, while Gilroy’s results vary by campus; compare specific school profiles and confirm boundaries.

Is one city safer than the other?

• Aggregated reports show higher reported crime rates in Gilroy than in Morgan Hill, but safety varies by neighborhood; review recent local incident maps for any property.

Which city offers better value for first-time buyers?

• Gilroy often provides more square footage for the price, while Morgan Hill carries a premium; neighborhood-level comps and timing will determine the best fit for your budget.