Why Live in Lafayette
Lafayette, nestled in the East Bay Oakland Hills, is a small city just 20 miles from San Francisco, known for its serene woodlands and vibrant community life. With a population of around 25,000, residents enjoy proximity to the Bay Area’s cultural attractions and a lively downtown district. The neighborhood features a range of home styles, including contemporary homes, modern farmhouses, midcentury ranch-style homes, and Craftsman homes, often set on wooded lots with views of Mount Diablo. The Lafayette School District is highly regarded, with Lafayette Elementary School, M.H. Stanley Middle School, and Acalanes High School all boasting excellent reputations.
Lafayette offers a variety of attractions, including the Lafayette Reservoir Recreation Area, which spans 925 acres and provides fishing, boating, and trails. Orinda Oaks Park and Leigh Creekside Park offer additional outdoor activities, with the latter connecting to the 7-mile Lafayette-Moraga Trail. The downtown area on Mount Diablo Boulevard is a hub for shopping and dining, featuring notable spots like RÊVE Bistro and Postino. Annual events such as the Lafayette Art & Wine Festival and the Lafayette Summer Music Jazz Workshop highlight the community’s cultural engagement.
Transportation is convenient with the Lafayette BART Station and California Route 24 providing easy access to Oakland and beyond. The crime rate in Lafayette is lower than the national average, making it a safer place to live. Community clubs and organizations, from youth sports leagues to garden clubs, foster a strong sense of community among residents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lafayette a good place to live?
Lafayette is a good place to live. Lafayette is considered very car-dependent and somewhat bikeable. Lafayette has 8 parks for recreational activities. It is sparse in population with 1.2 people per acre and a median age of 46. The average household income is $209,562 which is above the national average. College graduates make up 75.6% of residents. A majority of residents in Lafayette are home owners, with 31% of residents renting and 69% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Lafayette can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Lafayette neighborhood guide.
Is Lafayette, CA a safe neighborhood?
Lafayette, CA is safer than the average neighborhood in the United States. It received a crime score of 3 out of 10.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Lafayette?
The median home price in Lafayette is $319,900. If you put a 20% down payment of $64,000 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.72%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $1,650 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $71K a year to afford the median home price in Lafayette. The average household income in Lafayette is $210K.
What are the best public schools in Lafayette?
The best public schools that serve Lafayette are:
- Campolindo High School has an A+ Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 20:1 and an average review score of 4.0.
- Miramonte High School has an A+ Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 19:1 and an average review score of 4.0.
- Acalanes High School has an A+ Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 19:1 and an average review score of 3.8.
What are the best private schools in Lafayette?
The best private schools that serve Lafayette are:
- The Saklan School has an A+ Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 6:1 and an average review score of 5.0.
- The Meher Schools has an A+ Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 7:1 and an average review score of 4.6.
- Bentley School has an A+ Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 6:1 and an average review score of 4.4.
What are the most popular zip codes in Lafayette, Lafayette, CA?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near Lafayette, Lafayette, CA?
Are home prices dropping in Lafayette?
Yes, home prices in Lafayette are down 5% in the last 12 months.
Home Trends in Lafayette, CA
On average, homes in Lafayette, CA sell after 44 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Lafayette, CA over the last 12 months is $319,900, down 24% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$319,900
Median Single Family Sale Price
$319,900
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$765,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$282
Number of Homes for Sale
1
Last 12 months Home Sales
52
Median List Price
$319,900
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-24%