$4,434,350Average Value$1,863Average Price per Sq Ft54Homes For Sale
Los Altos is a Silicon Valley city with a small-town feel
Despite its location near the heart of tech-centric Silicon Valley, the city of Los Altos is often regarded as an escape from the valley’s high-speed working environment. “People who work in Silicon Valley grind it out and work really hard, but when we go home to Los Altos, it’s very quiet and like a small town,” says Nicholas French, a resident and a broker associate at Christie’s International Real Estate Sereno who’s sold homes here for 23 years. “I always say my blood pressure drops when I come home because I can relax and take a deep breath.” Los Altos’ highly rated school system, proximity to nature and low crime rates are just some of the city’s major draws. “It’s like middle America,” says Lynn North, a Realtor with The Agency who’s lived in Los Altos since 1986. “You see families walking the kids to school morning and night and people walking dogs all the time.”
Because of its laid-back atmosphere and small-town feel, the city has become one of Silicon Valley’s most desirable places to live. “Once you’re in Los Altos,” French says, “you tend to stick around.” However, constant demand coupled with limited housing stock has led to increasingly high home prices, making Los Altos one of the country’s most expensive suburban cities.
Los Altos is a beautiful neighborhood in Silicon Valley.
Los Altos is location near the heart of tech-centric Silicon Valley.
Rosita Park offers wide trails for riding scooters, walking, or jogging in Los Altos.
Los Altos is one of Silicon Valley’s most desirable places to live.
1/4
A competitive housing market
In late 2024, the median price for a single-family home in Los Altos was approximately $4.6 million, with the vast majority of single-family properties ranging from $3 million to $6 million. The median price for a townhouse is $2.8 million. According to Jane Shen, a local Realtor with Christie’s International Real Estate – Sereno, many homes listed for sale in Los Altos sell above asking price, and despite the high costs, cash offers are frequent. Midcentury ranch-style homes are most common; buyers can also find Craftsman, contemporary and Mediterranean-style homes. “The minimum lot size for most residential housing is one-quarter of an acre,” North says, adding that many homeowners build accessory dwelling units, or ADUs, to host visiting family members and guests.
Midcentury ranch-style homes are most common in Los Altos.
Craftsman-style homes are beautiful additions to the Los Altos neighborhood.
Mediterranean-style homes Los Altos are popping up all over Los Altos.
Townhomes are spread throughout Los Altos.
1/4
Highly ranked Los Altos schools
Students in kindergarten through eighth grade are served by the Los Altos School District, which receives an overall A-plus rating from Niche and includes seven elementary schools and two intermediate schools. In 2025, the district was ranked No. 4 on Niche’s “Districts with the Best Teachers in California” list. Los Altos High School is an A-plus-rated secondary institution that serves grades nine through 12. It was ranked No. 14 on Niche’s 2025 list of the best public high schools in California. Los Altos High regularly hosts TEDx events with speakers including Stanford University faculty, local entrepreneurs and students.
In the neighboring town of Los Altos Hills, Foothill College is a public community college offering about 80 associate’s degree programs, over 120 certificate programs and two bachelor’s degree programs for dental hygiene and respiratory care studies. Niche ranks Foothill College as the best community college in California and the fourth-best community college in America. Foothill graduates can transfer to any of six University of California institutions.
Covington Elementary School is a highly appraised school in Los Altos.
Almond Elementary School is located in the Los Altos neighborhood of California.
Bowman School offers a 12-month program for busy, working families in Los Altos.
Close-up of Los Altos High School located in the Los Altos neighborhood.
1/4
Exploring nature in year-round balmy weather
With a Mediterranean-like climate, residents of Los Altos can enjoy year-round outdoor recreation. “The climate is to die for, really,” Shen says. “It’s pretty temperate weather year-round. Cold to us is like 50 degrees.” The Los Altos Parks & Recreation Department oversees 18 parks and community facilities throughout the city, including the 6-acre Redwood Grove Nature Preserve. Local schools host local youth athletic programs, including Los Altos Little League and Mountain View Los Altos Soccer Club. The city also backs up to the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains, where residents can explore miles of outdoor space at the Rancho San Antonio Preserve and the Foothills Nature Preserve. “There’s so much nature here,” North says. “Whatever you like, whatever you want to do, it’s here. We’re 30 minutes to the ocean. Wine country is within an hour, and the ski slopes are three hours away.”
Enjoy a tennis match with friends and family at Rosita Park in Los Altos.
Foothills Nature Preserve is a nature lover's paradise.
Redwood Grove Nature Preserve is home to the popular Redwood Grove Summer Camp.
Los Altos backs up to the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains.
1/4
Downtown Los Altos is a community hub home to more than 150 businesses
The pedestrian-friendly Downtown Los Altos is home to over 150 local shops, restaurants and businesses. With rows of retail and dining options along Main and State streets, this commercial hub is the center of community activity. “When you go downtown, you typically run into someone you recognize,” French says. The Los Altos Village Association, or LAVA, organizes events and festivities hosted in the downtown area throughout the year, including numerous holiday celebrations, the annual Los Altos Arts & Wine Festival and the Downtown Los Altos Farmers’ Market, which is hosted weekly between May and October. “Our biggest festival is the Festival of Lights Parade,” French says. Since 1977, this nighttime parade has kicked off the holiday season with light-festooned floats, marching bands and Santa Claus. “If you want to feel small-town Los Altos, you come to the Festival of Lights. Our whole downtown is packed for it.” Near the edge of the city along the El Camino Real is Chef Chu’s, a widely popular Chinese restaurant that opened in 1970 and has since become a Silicon Valley icon. “From Ronald Reagan to Justin Bieber, everyone who comes to the Bay Area comes to Chef Chu’s,” North says. “You never know who you’re going to run into or see.”
Downtown Los Altos has over 150 local shops, restaurants, and businesses.
Downtown Los Altos rows of retail and dining options along Main and State streets.
P&K Farms is a popular vendor at the Los Altos Farmers Market.
Chef Chu’s is a popular Chinese restaurant that opened 19 years ago in Los Altos.
1/4
Commuting in Silicon Valley and to major tech employers
Los Altos is sandwiched between Route 82 (or the El Camino Real) to the north and Interstate 280 to the south. Both highways are major Silicon Valley thoroughfares running between San Francisco, which is 37 miles away, and downtown San Jose 17 miles away. Residents can hop on the regional Caltrain or the Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) light rail at the Mountain View Station, 4 miles away. VTA buses stop regularly along Los Altos’ main roads, most of which have dedicated bike lanes. Air travelers can make the 14-mile trip to San Jose Mineta International Airport or drive 26 miles to San Francisco International Airport.
Many Los Altos residents work at world-renowned tech companies headquartered in surrounding Silicon Valley cities. Google and LinkedIn are situated in bordering Mountain View; directly south is Cupertino and its iconic Apple campus; nearby Santa Clara is home to NVIDIA, Intel and McAfee; and Zoom and Adobe are located in downtown San Jose.
Safety and environmental awareness in Los Altos
The Los Altos Police Department reported an approximately 9% decrease in total reported crimes from 2022 to 2023. Nearly 90% of the 762 crimes reported between those two years were property-related, primarily theft. Compared to state-level and national crime rates, Los Altos trends lower in both violent and property crime.
Because of Los Altos’ location near seismic faults, earthquakes are somewhat frequent throughout the year; however, these quakes usually occur at a low magnitude and don’t tend to cause injuries or damage to buildings. The Los Altos Police Department also oversees the city’s emergency preparedness resources and training programs, which aim to mitigate the effects of events like power outages and natural disasters. Los Altos is at low risk for wildfires, but residents may experience poor air quality from fires in nearby high-risk areas such as the Santa Cruz Mountains. Most of the city is at low risk of flooding, but properties along Adobe Creek have a slightly higher risk of water damage if the creek overflows.
Written By
Hayley Simms
Photography Contributed By
Christopher Lau
Video By
Bill Jennings
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Bonafede Team,
an experienced agent in this area.
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
On average, homes in Los Altos, CA sell after 22 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Los Altos, CA over the last 12 months is $4,388,888, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Custom-built Mediterranean-inspired estate offering panoramic Monte Bello views from nearly every level. Tucked away on a quiet cul-de-sac, this 5,693 sq ft residence blends timeless architectural character with modern luxury. The home opens through a serene entry framed by colorful garden beds, mature greenery, and a tranquil water feature. An expansive family room and chefs kitchenequipped with
This thoughtfully designed custom residence beautifully blends contemporary comfort with timeless Mid-century modern inspiration. The home is centered around a stunning open-air atriuman architectural focal point that creates a private, light-filled oasis ideal for everyday relaxation as well as effortless entertaining. The spacious dine-in kitchen is designed for both function and gathering,
This brand-new Los Altos residence on a quaint and serene street blends modern luxury with timeless design on an expansive 12,639 sq ft lot. Offering 3,571 sq ft in the main home plus a detached 798 sq ft ADU, the property delivers both scale and flexibility. From the moment you enter, formal living and dining rooms showcase refined architectural detail with tray ceilings, slat wall accents, and
Arrive through the gates of prestigious Creekside Oaks and be welcomed by a serene grotto-style pond and fountain that instantly sets a tone of tranquility. This beautifully maintained community offers resort-style amenities including two pools, spa, and bocce court surrounded by lush landscaping. This coveted single-level 2BR 2BA + office home offers approx. 1,840 +/- SF with warm hardwood
Custom-built Mediterranean-inspired estate offering panoramic Monte Bello views from nearly every level. Tucked away on a quiet cul-de-sac, this 5,693 sq ft residence blends timeless architectural character with modern luxury. The home opens through a serene entry framed by colorful garden beds, mature greenery, and a tranquil water feature. An expansive family room and chefs kitchenequipped with
NEW CONTEMPORARY MASTERPIECE IN COUNTRY CLUB | Main House | 5 Beds, 5.5 Baths, 1 Office, +/- 4,131 SF | ADU 2 beds, 1 bath, +/- 800 sf, Total living area +/- 4931 sqft | price/sq ft +/- $1,760. Completed in Feb 2026. Balancing understated sophistication and artistic vibrance, this bi-level custom estate occupies grounds of nearly 0.5 acre on an exclusive cul-de-sac in the sought-after Country
Welcome to this charming, beautifully updated 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom condo nestled in a small, quiet gated community in the heart of Los Altos. With just 16 units, this intimate complex offers a rare sense of privacy and tranquility, surrounded by lush landscaping. In addition, a private, full-sized pool offers a quiet retreat just steps away. Inside, the home features a bright, inviting layout
Experience the pinnacle of Silicon Valley living in this sophisticated, contemporary residence located within one of Los Altos premier newer developments at 5100 El Camino Real. This desirable second-floor corner unit (located at the back of the development with southwest exposure and 2 car garage parking) offers an elevated perspective, blending sleek architectural lines with premium finishes
nicholas frenchChristie's International Real Estate Sereno
Defining a new category of luxury living, this stunning new construction by Clarum Custom Homes brings unparalleled custom-built quality to the very center of downtown Los Altos. This striking 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom townhome is an architectural rarity, flooded with natural light through expansive windows and spanning 1,345 square feet of meticulously designed, high-performance living space. Every
nicholas frenchChristie's International Real Estate Sereno
This thoughtfully designed custom residence beautifully blends contemporary comfort with timeless Mid-century modern inspiration. The home is centered around a stunning open-air atriuman architectural focal point that creates a private, light-filled oasis ideal for everyday relaxation as well as effortless entertaining. The spacious dine-in kitchen is designed for both function and gathering,
A thoughtful, design-driven remodel completed just five years ago brings a fresh, modern perspective to this beautifully executed home. Clean lines, a soft neutral palette, and wide plank engineered wood floors create a cohesive backdrop, while striking tile selections and custom details add depth and character throughout. The open great room serves as the centerpiece, seamlessly connecting
2,820 square feet of living space near downtown Los Altos. Updated home with 4 bedrooms and 3 full baths, living, dining, separate family room; PLUS a brand new ADU with 1 bedroom, 1 full bathroom, kitchen, washer/dryer, and sitting room. Entry foyer opens up to a living room anchored by a fireplace and framed by a large bay window with a seat. The formal dining space has a beautiful view of the
Set on a beautifully terraced 25,700 sq ft lot, this exceptional custom built, Mediterranean-inspired estate offers a rare pairing of panoramic views and an incredibly convenient, close-in location just over a mile from downtown. A thoughtfully designed floor plan orients all main living spaces toward sweeping vistas of the Bay and surrounding hills, views typically reserved for homes much deeper
The Troyer & Cabot GroupIntero Real Estate Services
Just 3 years ago this home was fully transformed adding square footage, opening up the living space and remodeling every footprint of the home. As you step through the front door, you are welcomed by a bright and spacious great room filled with natural light from large picture windows. This space seamlessly opens up to the manicured backyard. It's a perfect setting for family gatherings or quiet
Arlene FinneyChristie's International Real Estate Sereno
Rare single-level corner unit with no neighbors above or below in the desirable Mercedes Court community in North Los Altos. Ideally located near top-rated schools including Santa Rita Elementary School, Ardis G. Egan Junior High School, and Los Altos High School (buyer to verify). Just minutes from Terman Park and San Antonio Center with shopping, dining, and entertainment. This beautifully
Spacious and well-appointed Los Altos home available for lease, offering 5 bedrooms (plus office) and 5.5 bathrooms on an expansive lot. Designed for comfortable living & effortless entertaining, this residence features a bright & open floor plan with generous living spaces throughout. The chef's kitchen includes a large center island, abundant cabinetry, dual dishwashers & seamless connection to
Come experience the difference at Springwood Apartments! At Springwood Apartments we pride ourselves on our excellent customer service and our fantastic location to all of the best the Bay Area has to offer. We employ a full maintenance staff to attend to your maintenance needs in a timely and efficient manner. Add in exceptional value, with market leading spacious 1 and 2 bedroom floorplans and
Hidden Jewel of Los Altos Country Club, Open floor with updated kitchen, stain steel appliances, hardwood floor, updated bathrooms and nice master bathroom with all amenities. 3 Bedrooms and 2 baths on one side of building, 2 bedrooms one bath in other side of building. LED lights, water well for gardening Beautiful mature Backyard with great heated fenced pool and onsite cabana and full
Seize your chance to live in one of the premier apartment communities in Los Altos, CA. Picture coming home every day to the warm embrace of meticulous landscaping, comfortable homes, and thoughtful amenities tailored to enhance your life. Located in , Los Altos, with easy access to El Camino Real and San Antonio Rd., Los Altos Court is just minutes away from Google, as well as all of the
For Lease | Remodeled Condo in Los Altos (Downtown)** 1 Bed | 1 Bath | Secure Parking | Pool. This is a clean, high-end one-bedroom condo in the heart of downtown Los Altos walk to shops, restaurants, + daily essentials. The unit has been fully updated with practical upgrades that actually improve how the space lives. Key Features: Fully remodeled interior with new flooring and fresh paint,
Show up and start living from day one in Los Altos with this sophisticated one bedroom Blueground apartment. You’ll love coming home to this thoughtfully furnished, beautifully designed, and fully equipped North Los Altos home. (ID #SFO2092)The advertised rate of $4,200/month is the lowest available price, based on a 12 month(s) stay with a move-in date of May 8, 2026. Rates vary
Stanford and Foothill College Students, Google Employees, Silicon Valley Employees. Ideal location only 4 miles from college or university. Drive, bike or use the bus to school. Walkable to CalTrain, shopping, restaurants, parks and downtown Mountain View. Just installed new gleaming cherry wood floors in living room, dining area and both over sized bedrooms. Newly painted. Brand new stainless
The advertised rate of $7,676/month is the lowest available price, based on a 30 day(s) stay with a move-in date of January 1, 2028.Rates vary depending on the duration of stay, season, and other parameters. For exact pricing and additional pricing components, please visit our website and enter your desired move-in and move-out dates. The rate is applicable when billed upfront; it can be
In the heart of Silicon Valley, just minutes from the best parks, dining, entertainment, and steps away from tech employers, Verve offers unparalleled, luxurious apartment living. Distinctly designed with modern finishes and exclusive amenities including a resort-style swimming pool, outdoor veranda deck, thoughtfully designed fitness center and so much more. It's the perfect pairing of style and
Nationally Recognized in four categories by JTurner Research for our Customer Service, Maintenance, Communication, CleanlinessThere’s nothing like being able to walk out the door to get everything you need. Craving Starbucks? Check. Need to hit the bank? Check. Want to hop on the Caltrain? Check. Palo Alto Plaza Apartments in Mountain View, CA is a gated apartment community located in the
Embrace authentic Bay Area living at MV Apartments, where modern one and two bedroom homes meet meticulously landscaped grounds and premier community amenities in a prime Mountain View, California, location. Every detail inside our pet-friendly layouts is intentionally designed, from must-have features like in-home laundry appliances and high-speed internet access to thoughtful touches like
We are now accepting applications for your new home, a spacious light and bright, newly renovated studio apartment with your choice of either a private patio or balcony. The Villa Monte is nestled in a serene garden setting situated on the desirable Mountain View/Los Altos border with great walkability to downtown Mountain View and across the street from restaurants and stores such as Starbucks,
Situated in the heart of Silicon Valley is the suburb of South Los Altos, a mostly residential neighborhood with close proximity to some of the country’s biggest names in tech. “A large majority of people in Los Altos and surrounding communities are very tech-oriented; Google is headquartered in Mountain View, Apple has headquarters in Cupertino, and all these areas are within close proximity of each other,” says Ryan Gowdy, a real estate agent with The Agency Los Altos who is also a lifelong resident of Los Altos. He also notes that Apple was actually founded in a garage located in South Los Altos, further cementing this neighborhood in the technology history books. “This area is really at the epicenter of the technology boom; it’s a convenient geographic location for many major employers, and lots of families come here for the fantastic schools,” Gowdy says.
Single-family homes here are found on residential roads that wind and curve in snake-like patterns, often leading into cul-de-sacs. “It’s a pretty quiet community, homebuyers often come here for the large lots,” Gowdy says. Common home styles include ranch-style dwellings that feature Spanish and traditional-style architecture. There’s a sense of seclusion and privacy from the nearby hustle and bustle of Los Altos, with many properties having verdant front yards with well-maintained landscaping. Many of the homes here also include paved driveways and attached garages, so street parking isn’t as common. Residences in South Los Altos tend to range in price between $3.2 million and $5 million, with a median price just below $4 million.
In the southern half of the neighborhood, students are served by the Cupertino Union School District, which receives an A-minus from Niche. Within this district, young learners can attend the A-rated West Valley Elementary School, which feeds into Cupertino Middle School, rated A-minus. Students in the northern portion of South Los Altos are zoned for Los Altos school districts: “Los Altos School District, or LASD, is only elementary and middle school, which here is also called junior high. When students reach the high school level, they attend the Mountain View-Los Altos Union School District,” Gowdy says. Within LASD, Oak Avenue Elementary School is an A-plus-rated primary institution. Blach Intermediate School is also rated A-plus and was named No. 6 on Niche’s 2024 “Best Public Middle Schools in Santa Clara County” list. Los Altos High School, rated A-plus, was ranked No. 5 on Niche’s “Best Public High Schools in the San Francisco Bay Area” list in 2024.
Residents of South Los Altos don’t have to go far to find plenty of outdoor recreation. “There are multiple public parks throughout the neighborhood, such as Grant Park,” Gowdy says. At Grant Park, sports enthusiasts can enjoy a basketball court and softball field, while families can set up picnics and kids can play on the park’s fully equipped playground. “Adjacent to South Los Altos is the Rancho San Antonio Nature Preserve, which has lots of hiking trails and draws lots of outdoor enthusiasts,” Gowdy says. He also adds that the Los Altos Country Club and golf course is situated just over a mile away from the neighborhood: “The country was once the most expensive club in the country; the topography over there is very hilly, it varies quite a bit.”
“There are two shopping districts in the area – one is Loyola Corners, which has an excellent bike shop called Bicycle Outfitters and a nice Italian restaurant called Café Vitale. The other is Rancho Shopping Center, which has a new popular restaurant called the Redwood Grill. Then, of course, there’s a plethora of restaurants in the downtown area,” Gowdy says. For groceries, residents can shop at Lucky supermarket located along the Foothill Expressway. A little farther down the expressway is the Foothill Crossing Shopping Center, which features additional grocery stores such as Trader Joe’s and Foothill Produce.
South Los Altos is an approximately 4-mile drive from the nearby city of Sunnyvale, and a 12-mile drive from Downtown San Jose. “Highway 85 and Interstate 280 are the major thoroughfares in the neighborhood, but the easiest way to travel through the Los Altos area is using the Foothill Expressway,” Gowdy says. To catch a flight, residents can drive just under 14 miles to the San Jose Mineta International Airport. Fixed bus routes and bus stops located along Foothill Expressway are operated by the Valley Transportation Authority, also known as VTA.
Property Mix - Square Feet
Rental Home Trends
Number of Homes for Rent
12
Median Rent
$4,990
Median Single Family Home Rent
$8,400
Median 4 Bedroom Single Family Home Rent
$9,450
Median Condo Rent
$5,275
Median 2 Bedroom Condo Rent
$4,750
Weather
Annual Precipitation
14''
Average Winter Low Temperature
39°F
Average Summer High Temperature
80°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Moderately friendly
Bike Score®®
60/ 100
Fairly friendly
Walk Score®®
50/ 100
Somewhat friendly
Transit Score®®
20/ 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic
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.
