Why Live in Downtown Lafayette
Downtown Lafayette is a vibrant neighborhood east of the Oakland Hills, known for its mix of upscale summer homes, cottages, and a resort-like atmosphere. The area is popular among young professionals seeking a laid-back lifestyle with easy access to the Bay Area. The downtown corridor is bustling with diverse dining options, including Reve Bistro, Postino, and The Hideout, as well as grocery stores like Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, Safeway, and the local favorite, Diablo Foods. Shopping is a blend of retail chains and local shops such as First Mile Cycle Works. For families, the highly rated Lafayette Elementary School, M.H. Stanley Middle School, and Acalanes High School are significant draws, offering excellent education and high post-secondary education rates. Housing options range from apartments near retail areas to single-family homes in Craftsman, ranch, and split-level styles from the 1950s and 60s, many of which have been modernized. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy Brook Street Park, Lafayette Reservoir, and Briones Regional Park for activities like hiking, canoeing, and fishing. The neighborhood also hosts the annual Art and Wine Festival, a major event featuring art vendors, live music, and local provisions. Downtown Lafayette’s walkability and biking infrastructure, along with frequent city buses and the nearby BART station, make commuting convenient. The area is safer than the national average, adding to its appeal as a desirable place to live.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Downtown Lafayette a good place to live?
Downtown Lafayette is a good place to live. Downtown Lafayette is considered very walkable and bikeable. Downtown Lafayette is a suburban neighborhood. Downtown Lafayette has 6 parks for recreational activities. It is fairly dense in population with 11.4 people per acre and a median age of 41. The average household income is $166,344 which is above the national average. College graduates make up 79.8% of residents. A majority of residents in Downtown Lafayette are renters, with 71.1% of residents renting and 28.9% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Downtown Lafayette can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Downtown Lafayette neighborhood guide.
Is Downtown Lafayette, CA a safe neighborhood?
Downtown Lafayette, CA is less safe than the average neighborhood in the United States. It received a crime score of 5 out of 10.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Downtown Lafayette?
The median home price in Downtown Lafayette is $550,000. If you put a 20% down payment of $110,000 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.74%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $2,850 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $122K a year to afford the median home price in Downtown Lafayette. The average household income in Downtown Lafayette is $166K.
What are the best public schools in Downtown Lafayette?
The best public schools that serve Downtown Lafayette are:
What are the best private schools in Downtown Lafayette?
The best private schools that serve Downtown Lafayette are:
What are the most popular zip codes in Downtown Lafayette, Lafayette, CA?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near Downtown Lafayette, Lafayette, CA?
Are home prices dropping in Downtown Lafayette?
Yes, home prices in Downtown Lafayette are down 59% in the last 12 months.
Home Trends in Downtown Lafayette, CA
On average, homes in Downtown Lafayette, Lafayette sell after 17 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Downtown Lafayette, Lafayette over the last 12 months is $535,000, down 59% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$535,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$535,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$189
Number of Homes for Sale
0
Last 12 months Home Sales
4
Median List Price
$550,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
3%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-59%