Welcome to Los Altos
Affluent small-town vibrancy with access to Silicon Valley.
Tucked in Silicon Valley, the charming tree-lined streets of Los Altos, California bustle with residential activity. Bounded by sprawling, redwood-blanketed mountains in the southwest, affluent cities such as San Jose and Sunnyvale to the southeast, and the stunning San Francisco Bay to the northeast, Los Altos is ideally set for those who crave a peaceful suburban lifestyle with access to some of the biggest industries in the state.
Officially incorporated in 1952, Los Altos has strict limitations to commercial zoning that allows the city to maintain its quiet, small-town vibe while still providing locations and centers—like the thoughtfully-planned downtown area—for every potential need. The city radiates with intellect and innovation and is known not only as the location where Apple co-founders Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak produced the first 50 Apple computers but also as the place where Facebook creator Mark Zuckerburg found success expanding his social media empire.
What to Love
- Rural, community vibes with access to Silicon Valley
- Quaint downtown with exclusive shops and boutiques
- Excellent school system and family-oriented neighborhoods
People & Lifestyle
Los Altos is made up of highly-educated individuals—the majority of residents are families with white-collar jobs in fields such as information technology, healthcare, and finance. Due to its affluence and dedication to cultivating an elegant but quaint environment, Los Altos is the perfect place to go for a serene quality of living adjacent to bountiful opportunities for families and young professionals alike.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
The vibrant heart of Los Altos is its scenic downtown district, where warm light pours out of storefronts and Valley Oaks—among over a dozen other tree species—canopy over the streets. Take a stroll along the rural-feeling area and stop in at local boutiques like
Cranberry Scoop, where you’ll find an ever-changing inventory of unique gifts, brands, accessories, and bath and body care products. Find beautiful home decor or unique artisan jewelry at
Cover Story. The store is constantly changing out products to match the season, so you’ll always stay on-trend!
Once you’ve had your fill of shopping, indulge in exquisite food at any one of the local eateries.
House on First—which boasts a beautiful cottage venue and patio seating—specializes in impeccable desserts paired with dinners, coffee, tea, and appetizing pastries, all farm-to-table. Upscale American fare influenced by Spanish and Italian flavors can be found at
ASA. You won’t want to miss out on a chance to savor their impressive menu, which includes options like the Argentine steak, seared to perfection. With roots in the state dating back to the 1800s,
State of Mind Public House is a pizzeria run by a passionate group of locals. Their variety of pizzas, wings, loaded fries, and beer selection is not to be missed!
Things to Do
In Los Altos, there’s no shortage of entertainment options. Outdoor enthusiasts can rejoice in the city’s close vicinity to unparalleled beauty at the many nearby state parks, such as
Castle Rock State Park. However, the town itself is home to several gorgeous local parks and trails. Just a short walk from downtown, anyone can enjoy the magnificence of the state’s iconic redwoods at the
Redwood Grove Nature Preserve. Searching for the scenic trails? Head just a few miles south to
Rancho San Antonio Preserve, which harbors 24-miles of gorgeous trails for exploration.
The town is also home to several annual events throughout the year, all of which draw in visitors and community alike to revel in the fun.
The Los Altos Wine and Art Festival features local art displays and sales, games, exotic foods, and wine-tasting. Check out the
Los Altos Festival of Lights in the winter months, a popular event where Christmas magic is made real with a stunning parade and light show.
Schools
Los Altos is home to several excellent schools. Top educational opportunities include:
- Bullis Charter School, K-8, one of the top-rated public elementary schools in the state
- Los Altos High School, 9-12, one of the top-rated public schools in the state
- School for Independent Learners, 9-12, highly-rated private high school
As a highly knowledgeable real estate professional, Gretchen Swall offers unparalleled expertise in the Los Altos, CA area, providing personalized service and a keen eye for detail to help clients find the perfect real estate for sale in this coveted Silicon Valley location.
