Locally known as the “Jewel of Silicon Valley”, Los Altos, California, blends a rich agricultural past with a thriving modern tech presence. Once known for apricot orchards and summer cottages, the city has grown into a highly desirable residential community while still preserving its small-town feel. Los Altos is woven into Silicon Valley history and has received global recognition. Steve Jobs famously launched Apple from his Los Altos garage, and years later Mark Zuckerberg rented a local home known as Casa Facebook during a period of rapid company growth. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Los Altos ranked as the richest city in the country with a population over twenty-five thousand in 2023.
Homes in Los Altos range from single-story ranch homes and classic mid-century Eichlers to recently built contemporary residences and modern farmhouses. On almost every block in the city, you will find a wide range of property styles that add to the charm and character of the community. There are also several condo and townhome complexes in the city, most of them located near Downtown Los Altos. These properties offer a convenient, low-maintenance lifestyle while allowing residents to enjoy the walkability, shops, and amenities of the Los Altos Village. Many properties in Los Altos feature thoughtfully updated interiors, open floor plans, and easy indoor-outdoor living that suits the California lifestyle. There are some interesting things to know about real estate in Los Altos, many that you might not easily find with a Google or ChatGPT search. Read my “6 Things You May Not Know About Los Altos Real Estate” blog to get an insider scoop on Los Altos real estate.
Los Altos is known for its community events that create a strong sense of belonging. The annual Los Altos Festival of Lights Parade signals the start of the holiday season and draws visitors from across the region. Spring brings the long-loved Pet Parade, while summer features a weekly farmers market filled with local produce and handmade goods. Early July hosts the Los Altos Arts and Wine Festival, a lively weekend of art, music, wine, and entertainment that attracts crowds from throughout the Bay Area. Next month in August, the Los Altos Rotary hosts the annual “Fine Art in the Park” open-air art show that regularly brings 150+ artists to Lincoln Park in Los Altos.
Downtown Los Altos offers boutique shopping, locally owned businesses, and a warm community atmosphere. There are so many amazing places to eat in Los Altos, I even wrote a full blog about it! Check out my blog about dining in Los Altos here.
Los Altos is conveniently located in Silicon Valley and is bordered by Los Altos Hills, Palo Alto, Mountain View, Sunnyvale, and Cupertino. The city is served by some of the best public schools not only in California but throughout the entire United States. In 2025, Niche.com ranked the MVLA (Mountain View Los Altos) High School District as the number one school district in the Bay Area and the second highest in the entire state. Top-rated Los Altos schools include Covington, Oak Avenue, Santa Rita, Almond, Loyola, and Springer Elementary Schools, as well as Egan and Blach Middle Schools and Los Altos High School. Award-winning schools are a pillar of the Los Altos community and a major drawing point to the area.
Los Altos offers abundant green space that adds to the city’s peaceful residential character. Shoup Park is one of the community’s most cherished outdoor areas, known for its shaded pathways, playgrounds, and access to the scenic Redwood Grove Nature Preserve. Redwood Grove features a boardwalk trail through a quiet redwood and oak habitat, creating a natural retreat only minutes from Downtown. Lincoln Park provides open lawns and a tranquil setting for picnics, community gatherings, and seasonal celebrations. For those who enjoy hiking and gentle nature walks, the nearby Byrne Preserve and the Los Altos Hills Pathways system offer beautiful views and miles of trails that highlight the region’s rolling foothills and native landscapes. Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve offers over 4,000 acres of outdoor space right next to the city. Take a look at my full blog about parks to visit in Los Altos!
Recent additions to Los Altos have brought new energy to the city while maintaining its welcoming small-town spirit. State Street Market, a modern food hall located in Downtown Los Altos, has become a popular gathering place for residents. With chef-driven eateries and a relaxed atmosphere, it gives the community a fresh dining destination that appeals to all ages.
The Los Altos Community Center is another highlight, offering a contemporary space designed for classes, wellness programs, cultural events, and recreation. The center features bright, flexible rooms, a spacious courtyard, and programming that supports residents of every generation. Together, these new developments enhance the city’s sense of connection and provide meaningful places for neighbors to come together.
Los Altos offers an appealing blend of tranquility, convenience, and innovation. Residents enjoy a strong community spirit, beautiful residential neighborhoods, and easy access to the broader Silicon Valley job market. Whether you value excellent schools, walkable streets, or a welcoming small-town atmosphere, Los Altos provides a lifestyle that feels both refined and inviting.
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