$2,884,861Average Value$898Average Price per Sq Ft4Homes 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
Are you familiar with the Happy Valley neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
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
3
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
2
4
Larceny
2
4
Crime Score
1
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Happy Valley Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Happy Valley, Lafayette sell after 31 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Happy Valley, Lafayette over the last 12 months is $2,850,000, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Framed by an oak-studded landscape in Lafayette’s coveted Happy Valley neighborhood, this exceptional 2020-built residence pairs striking contemporary architecture with extraordinary craftsmanship, designer detail, and modern luxury. Encompassing 4,114± square feet, the home offers four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a dedicated office, bonus room, and three-car garage. From the moment you
Set down a private drive and tucked into a picturesque natural setting, this quintessential Happy Valley home has been renovated throughout and offers easy modern living in a top location. Thoughtful design of the home shows architectural integrity and quality craftsmanship, blending clean finishes with inviting warmth. Wide-plank engineered oak hardwood floors throughout, complemented by
A truly special Happy Valley estate, cherished by the same family for generations and ready for its next chapter. Tucked behind wrought-iron gates and down a private, tree-lined drive, this one-of-a-kind property offers approximately 1.01 acres of flat, usable land, exceptional privacy, and timeless character. The single-level 3BR/3BA home offers approximately 2,600 sq ft with high ceilings,
One of a kind 15 acre plus estate lot in the coveted Happy Valley Glen neighborhood; private gated entry with winding road leading to this once in a lifetime opportunity to build your dream home; views of the tree studded rolling hills and the Lafayette reservoir; access to the popular Lafayette Ridge Trail, approximately 6.6 miles long, in Briones Regional Park and its approximate 6,255 acres;
Development opportunity utilizing SB 1123. Based on the new SB guidelines a 3-lot subdivision can be achieved. Down Slope lot with utilities at the street, sewer easement established. Great views on this very private lot surrounded by multimillion-dollar homes in the Acalanes award winning school district. Close to transportation and shopping.
Gorgeous, private oak studded lot in the desirable Charles Hill Road area which features multi-million dollar homes. Envision the possibilities on this stunning 1/2 acre lot and enjoy the Orinda lifestyle with top-rated schools, a vibrant downtown with great restaurants, shops and a movie theater, a weekly farmer's market, hiking trails, summer concerts in the park, and fantastic proximity to Hwy
Spectacular 7.64 acre estate lot in the coveted Happy Valley Glen neighborhood with panoramic views and bordering Briones Regional Park, which is dedicated for hiking, biking, and horseback riding; featuring a private gated entry with a road leading to the lot. This property provides privacy and serenity; there are approved plans for a 7,243 square foot estate with 5 bedrooms, 5.5 baths, office,
Incredible New Price! It’s a Lifestyle... offering privacy, breathtaking views, and direct access to Briones Regional Park with 6,200+ acres of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, all in a prime Happy Valley location. Designed for effortless everyday living, entertaining, and relaxation, this home captures the essence of indoor-outdoor California living. The chef’s kitchen features
Nestled in one of Lafayette's most sought-after neighborhoods, this exceptional custom-built estate offers the perfect blend of luxury, privacy, and modern comfort. Situated on a picturesque 0.61-acre lot, this expansive residence features approximately 4,000 square feet of living space with 5 bedrooms and 4 full bathrooms. Built in 2016, the home showcases contemporary design, high-end finishes,
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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.
