$2,847,717Average Value$519Average Price per Sq Ft5Homes For Sale
Rural, upscale living in the East Bay hills
Notched into the rural landscape of Contra Costa County, Happy Valley offers luxury living in an exclusive yet surprisingly convenient neighborhood. “It’s a highly desirable neighborhood, especially for those who value a sense of community in a picturesque setting with easy access to Highway 24,” says Mandy Kilpatrick, a top-producing Realtor with Compass specializing in luxury homes in the Bay Area. “It’s the perfect balance of rural beauty and proximity to the rest of the East Bay.” The neighborhood is in “Lamorinda,” a portmanteau of the area’s three towns, Lafayette, Moraga and Orinda, about 13 miles east of Oakland.
Take a stroll through Downtown Lafayette
Although residents are surrounded by rural landscapes and the space to maintain their privacy and the neighborhood’s appealing exclusivity, the amenities of modern life are only a short drive away. “Downtown Lafayette is definitely a draw,” says Kilpatrick of the buzzy retail district adjacent to the neighborhood along Highway 24. “You have really fantastic restaurants and local boutique shops. It’s the place to go for coffee, dining and shopping. There are four grocery stores and places for Pilates and jujitsu.” Dining options include a Michelin-rated establishment created by chef Paul Magu-Lecugy. “Reve Bistro is a little French restaurant known for its steak frites. It’s fantastic,” says Dana Green, a Realtor with Compass who grew up in nearby Burton Valley and lives in downtown Lafayette. Postino, which serves up Italian-style California cuisine, is another popular favorite. A full-service Whole Foods is the anchor of the district’s grocery stores.
La Châtaigne is a popular spot for breakfast near Happy Valley in Lafayette.
Downtown Lafayette is a hopping area and easily accessible for Happy Valley residents.
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Hike at Briones Regional Park
Getting some exercise outdoors can be as easy as taking a stroll through the neighborhood. It’s not uncommon to see neighbors making their way around Happy Valley, either walking along its quiet streets or hiking its hilly terrain. It’s bordered at its northern edge by Briones Regional Park, a 6,100-acre park where trails wind through hilly meadows, dense forests and colorful wildflower blooms. It’s a popular spot for hiking, biking and camping all year round. Residents also can access the Lafayette/Moraga Regional Trail just south of downtown. The paved path that follows an old railroad line for more than 7 miles is where walkers and cyclists like to go .
Happy Valley is surrounded by beautiful golden Hills and nature trails.
Lafayette Reservoir is close to Happy Valley and offers miles of hiking trails.
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High-end homes in the hills
Happy Valley is known for its luxury homes and elegant architecture. “It’s probably the highest-end neighborhood in Lafayette, maybe even in the East Bay. It’s where tech CEOs live. You won’t find a home under $3 million,” says Realtor Soraya Golesorkhi of Coldwell Banker, a longtime Lamorinda resident. Along its winding streets are Craftsman-inspired homes, midcentury-modern designs, contemporary custom homes and Mediterranean Revival estates. Prices are steep here: homes list anywhere from $3 million to more than $10 million.
Mediterranean style homes are common in Happy Valley.
Happy Valley has several multi-million dollar homes on the hillside of the area.
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Highly rated East Bay schools
The neighborhood is home to Happy Valley Elementary, which earns an A rating from Niche. Older students can attend A-rated Stanley Middle School before moving on to Acalanes High School, which earns and A-plus. The high school features a College & Career Center designed to facilitate students’ transition to post-high school life and can be tailored to their choices. “Most people who live here have families, and many choose to live here for the highly rated public schools,” Kilpatrick says.
Acalanes High School in Lafayette is a huge school with 1300 students.
M. H. Stanley Middle is ranked #93 in California Middle Schools.
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Getting around the East Bay and beyond
State Road 24, which runs along the southern edge of Happy Valley, offers a direct route to Oakland, less than 15 miles away, making it a viable option for commuters. Residents are also less than a mile from the Lafayette BART station, which takes passengers all across the Bay Area, from the East Bay to the San Francisco Peninsula and North San Jose. The San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport is 20 miles away.
The Lafayette BART station is on the border of Happy Valley and offers easy commuting options.
The streets of Happy Valley are wide, calm and extremely peaceful.
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Increased wildfire risk
Like much of the rural East Bay, the neighborhood is at risk for wildfires. The Bay Area and the surrounding region have seen an increase in the size and duration of wildfires in recent years due to the impacts of global warming and climate change.
Happy Valley is also home to several ranch style houses along the streets.
The historic Orinda Theater is a quick drive from Happy Valley and has all the newest releases.
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Low crime score
Happy Valley holds a very low 2-out-of-10 crime score from the CAP Index; the national average is 4.
Downtown Lafayette is a hopping area and easily accessible for Happy Valley residents.
Lafayette Public House in downtown has a cozy, intimate interior serving delicious nibbles.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Kat Sellis,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Brook Street Park
Lafayette Ridge Staging Area
Leigh Creekside Park
Lafayette Reservoir Playground
Orinda Community Park
Dalewood Park
Basketball
Playground
Transit
Airport
Metro Oakland International
30 min drive
Bus
Lafayette
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Happy Valley
US
Homicide
1
4
Sexual Assault
1
4
Assault with Weapon
1
4
Robbery
1
4
Burglary
2
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
2
4
Larceny
2
4
Crime Score
2
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Happy Valley Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Happy Valley, Lafayette sell after 97 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Happy Valley, Lafayette over the last 12 months is $615,000, up 35% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This Mediterranean estate is up a shady lane in Upper Happy Valley, removed from traffic and noise and yet with easy freeway access. The formal entertainment areas lie on each side of the foyer: a living room (with fireplace), and the dining room (seating 10 or more). Ceilings are 15-24 feet overhead, and hardwoods lie underneath. The oversized kitchen sits adjacent, featuring elite appliances,
Tucked on a private lane in one of Lafayette’s most beloved neighborhoods & walking distance to vibrant downtown with local favorites, this beautifully updated home is the perfect blend of charm, privacy, & convenience. Thoughtfully crafted with quality details throughout, including classic redwood siding, warm oak hardwood floors, vaulted ceilings, & expansive windows & glass doors that fill the
Single-level living in Lafayette’s sought-after Quail Ridge neighborhood. This 3BD + office, 2.5BA home offers a bright, open floor plan with wide-plank Hickory hardwood floors and thoughtfully refreshed spaces filled with natural light. Generous living and dining areas flow seamlessly, while a dedicated office provides the perfect spot for remote work, hobbies, or quiet study. Step outside to an
A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a world-class Mediterranean mansion—an ultra-private, resort-style sanctuary in Upper Happy Valley, one of the Bay Area’s most exclusive enclaves. Designed, built, and previously owned by internationally acclaimed artist and designer Henry Conversano—renowned for ultra-luxury resorts, iconic casinos, and bespoke residences for Donald Trump and other elite
Extraordinary 2-parcel ultra-private 4.46-acre estate in the heart of Lafayette’s Happy Valley. This iconic estate was transformed by Kellie Beaubelle of The Beaubelle Group who ensured the design not only looked beautiful but lived beautifully. Enter through a double-gated circular drwy. 7500+/-SF. Single lvl home. White oak flrs. Custom Bellbridge wool carpet. Moroccan plaster walls. Curated
Situated on a private lane in the heart of Happy Valley in one of the most sought-after Lafayette neighborhoods, this stunning home is a true retreat. Dramatic high vaulted & beamed ceilings, expansive walls of glass & numerous glass doors flood the interiors with natural light & frame serene views from every angle. The living areas are open & spacious, & the floor plan is thoughtfully designed
Located in central Lafayette with easy transit to the city, walking distance to BART station and downtown Lafayette. Top rated Schools(Happy Valley Elementary School, Stanley Middle School, and Acalanes High School or Campolido High School with inter-district transfer). This is a 3 bedrooms & 2 baths, large size bedrooms, and living room with hardwood floor throughout. Functional kitchen with
Rental available near upper Happy Valley! It's luxury modern meeting all expectations. Over 3,600 plus sq.ft. with 2 primary bedrooms. Home has been recently remodeled within the last couple of years. Contemporary staircase leads you to your designer kitchen designed by Haus. Miele appliances, stone countertops, center island, wine fridge, high-end cabinetry, skylights w/natural light. Enjoy the
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Kat Sellis,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
4,624
Median Age
48
Population Density
3 ppl/acre
Population under 18
24.9%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
24.8%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$256,370
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$248,141
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
98.4%
College Graduates
82.5%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
35.5%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
62.5%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
17''
Average Winter Low Temperature
42°F
Average Summer High Temperature
88°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
3/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
4/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
