Los Altos Hills

Welcome to Los Altos Hills, a picturesque residential-only community in Silicon Valley. Incorporated in 1956, the Town of Los Altos Hills, with its serene atmosphere, rich history, and palpable charm, provides a unique lifestyle in Santa Clara County. Located 35 miles south of San Francisco, 5 miles south of Stanford University, and 12 miles north of San Jose, Los Altos Hills combines convenient accessibility with a private and tranquil environment.

The area now known as Los Altos Hills has deep, historical roots. Originally inhabited by the Ohlone Indians, the land has been home to various cultures for centuries. During the Spanish colonial period, Los Altos Hills was part of two large land grants, Rancho La Purissima Conception and Rancho San Antonio. These ranchos were primarily used for cattle grazing and vineyards, though fruit orchards eventually replaced the vineyards. The area's ideal Mediterranean climate earned it the nickname "Valley of the Heart’s Delight."

Los Altos Hills is characterized by its expansive lot sizes, scenic beauty, and a strong sense of community. The town’s commitment to maintaining a rural atmosphere is reflected in its lack of sidewalks and streetlights, which help preserve its rustic charm.

Residents are encouraged to engage in local governance, join town committees, and participate in community events. The town’s extensive pathway system offers excellent opportunities for outdoor activities, allowing residents to explore the area's natural beauty and connect with neighbors.

The town’s approximately 8,000 residents enjoy a luxurious lifestyle, with Los Altos Hills often ranking among the wealthiest places in the nation. Many influential Silicon Valley technology and business leaders call or have called Los Altos Hills home. In 2024, Los Altos Hills was ranked as the “2nd Richest City in California” by Property Club.

While Los Altos Hills does not have commercial amenities due to its strict zoning regulations prohibiting commercial and industrial use, it maintains a close relationship with the neighboring city of Los Altos. Residents can easily access Los Altos’ farmers market, restaurants, and boutiques on Main Street in Downtown Los Altos. The recently added State Street Market in Downtown Los Altos presents Los Altos Hills residents with ample options for food and fun at this two-story food hall that regularly features live music and other community events.

High-quality education is an important commitment of the community. Most students in Los Altos Hills attend schools in nearby Los Altos or Palo Alto school districts, with a small portion attending public schools in Mountain View. While providing a very secluded lifestyle, Los Altos Hills residents do benefit from proximity to these highly regarded educational institutions, ensuring excellent educational opportunities for families. The award-winning Foothill Community College is also located in Los Altos Hills. This allows adult learners an impressive opportunity to get an incredible education nearby without the need for a long commute. Another local award-winning community college, De Anza College, is also close by. 

With its rustic feel, Los Altos Hills offers abundant opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. The town is home to several open space preserves, including Rancho San Antonio and Byrne Preserve. The Rancho San Antonio County Park and Open Space Preserve offers over 4,000 acres of open space to enjoy. The Byrne Preserve is a 55-acre hidden nature spot in Los Altos Hills that is adjacent to the Westwind Community Barn. Owned and operated by the Town of Los Altos Hills, this barn is a world-class horse boarding and training facility that is also the site of many engaging community events. The “Los Altos Hills Hoedown” is held every September at Westwind Community Barn and is always a lot of fun!  Los Altos Hills is also located close to incredible nature preserves of local cities, such as the Foothills Nature Preserve in Palo Alto and the Stevens Creek County Park in Cupertino, amongst many others! These areas provide miles of hiking and walking trails, picturesque views, and a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of Silicon Valley.

Los Altos Hills stands out as a serene, exclusive community with a rich history and a commitment to preserving its unique rural atmosphere. Whether you’re drawn to its stunning natural beauty, excellent educational opportunities, or strong community spirit, Los Altos Hills offers a distinctive and desirable living experience. 

Take a look at currently available Los Altos Hills real estate on my Los Altos Hills home search page!