$2,842,703Average Value$866Average Price per Sq Ft14Homes 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.
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On average, homes in Happy Valley, Lafayette sell after 17 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Happy Valley, Lafayette over the last 12 months is $2,800,000, up 10% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to your own private oasis, tucked behind a secure gate on a serene 1.32-acre hillside parcel.This extraordinary estate blends elegant architecture, thoughtful design, and breathtaking natural surroundings to create a resort-style retreat you’ll call home. A concrete driveway guides you past lush surroundings to an upper patio and expansive outdoor entertaining space.The main level
Discover versatile living and timeless sophistication in this stunning traditional home located on a premier 1.06-acre lot in Lafayette’s Upper Happy Valley. Designed as a true retreat with sweeping valley views, the property offers sunny outdoor spaces, level lawns, and expansive patios and decks for entertaining. Inside, the thoughtful floorplan, detailed millwork, hardwood floors, and
Experience the best of Upper Happy Valley living—where privacy, space, and natural beauty come together. Nestled on nearly half an acre, this property offers a serene setting surrounded by mature trees, sweeping views, and a sense of retreat just minutes from downtown Lafayette. This spacious residence features 5 bedrooms, 4 baths, plus versatile bonus spaces including a workout room, playroom,
***Offers due on Friday, September 19, at 10:00 a.m.*** Ultimate privacy in every direction, as 7 acres of surprisingly low-maintenance landscaping provide seclusion and inspiring nature views. Situated on a knoll graced with huge oak trees, this home’s only owner was a prominent local builder. Featuring nearly 10,000 SF of custom living space, it’s comfortable for everyday living but designed
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,
2462 square feet, 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bath located on .51 ac in North Orinda, built in 1977. Nestled within nature and Oak trees, with privacy and unique gardens, offering multiple entertainment decks and a flat outdoor yard to enjoy. Light pours into the living spaces with huge Cathedral ceilings in the living room that extend up to the kitchen and dining room. A wood burning fireplace anchors the
This property is available. Please inquire on this site to schedule a showing. Nestled in the serene setting of Lafayette, CA, this charming residence at 1033 Upper Happy Valley Road offers a perfect blend of privacy and convenience. The property is surrounded by lush landscaping, providing a tranquil retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. As you approach, the inviting
Discover your dream home in this high-end rental located in prestigious Happy Valley neighborhood of Lafayette. Experience style & comfort in this beautifully designed home. Impeccable 5 bedrooms, 4 full/3 half bthrms residence boasts an impressive 4,675 sq ft of living space, nestled on a sprawling 65,000+ lot. Step inside the grand foyer that exudes elegance & sophistication, featuring a
This newly remodeled home with vaulted ceilings, abundant natural light, hardwood floors, and a cozy living room fireplace. Entertain your guests in the elegant Formal Living Rm, enjoy gourmet meals in the Formal Dining Rm or spend a leisurely afternoon in the family room. The gourmet chef's kitchen provides ample counter space, storage, high-end appliances and a large Island. The open concept
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