$4,499,161Average Value$1,888Average Price per Sq Ft36Homes For Sale
Los Altos combines top schools, spacious homes and easy commutes
Los Altos brings a small-town pace of life to Silicon Valley. Despite its location near tech-centric cities, the city is regarded as an escape from the valley's high-speed working environment thanks to its tree-lined streets and intentional lack of commercial development beyond a walkable downtown. Students attend schools in highly rated districts, and commuters have quick access to major regional highways. Spacious lots, luxury homes and access to the Santa Cruz Mountains add to the appeal, offering a well-rounded lifestyle for a wide range of homebuyers.
Los Altos is a suburban city in Silicon Valley.
Los Altos is located near the heart of tech-centric Silicon Valley.
1/2
Housing in Los Altos ranges from condos to luxury estates
Tree-lined neighborhoods offer a variety of single-family homes from the mid-20th century, 2010s and 2020s. Architectural styles vary widely; you'll see midcentury modern and ranch-style houses next to Spanish Revivals and split-level houses on rolling hills. New construction leans more contemporary. The minimum lot size here is a quarter of an acre, although estate-style homes usually sit on at least 1 acre. Prices start around $1.4 million and reach $19.5 million. This range makes Los Altos is one of the most expensive housing markets in the South Bay, with its prices generally exceeding those in San Jose, Campbell, Mountain View and Cupertino. Homes don't come on the market often, but the average home sells in about 25 days, quicker than the national average of 55 days.
The city also has several condo and townhouse communities. These are usually managed by homeowners associations. Prices range from the mid-$600,000s to $5.4 million, plus monthly HOA fees.
Ranch-style homes are common in Los Altos.
Townhome communities are spread throughout Los Altos.
Spacious two-story homes are a staple of many neighborhoods.
Most homes have wide driveways and attached garages.
1/4
Residents value the strong sense of community and calm here
The city's small-town feel is a major reason homeowners are drawn here. "It's like middle America," says Realtor Lynn North 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." Neighbors get to know one another, and low through-traffic in the neighborhoods creates a peaceful atmosphere. "I always say my blood pressure drops when I come home because I can relax and take a deep breath," says Nicholas French, resident and broker associate at Christie's International Real Estate Sereno.
Many students attend Los Altos High School for its engineering academy.
Los Altos High School has an academy of engineering
Students attend schools in the Los Altos School District and the Mountain View-Los Altos High School District. Los Altos High has dozens of Honors and Advanced Placement courses, as well as the Los Altos Academy of Engineering. Local private options include Heritage Academy and Los Altos Christian School.
Redwood groves and foothill trails define local parks
"There's so much nature here," North says. "Whatever you like, whatever you want to do, it's here." At Redwood Grove Nature Preserve, you can stroll down a boardwalk trail along Adobe Creek that winds through a shaded grove of towering redwood trees. Picnic areas offer a spot to relax under the canopy. Closer to the Santa Cruz Foothills, Rancho San Antonio County Park and Open Space Preserve has miles of trails through rolling grasslands, oak woodlands and shaded canyons. Routes range from gentle paths to steeper climbs, like the trek up Black Mountain, where hikers enjoy panoramic views of the Bay Area.
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.
1/2
Downtown Los Altos offers a walkable retail district
Downtown Los Altos is the go-to for shopping and dining. This walkable corridor dotted with colorful murals has over 150 boutiques, cafes and restaurants to explore. Favorites for a bite to eat include:
State of Mind Public House & Pizzeria, one of the city's most popular pizza spots for creative pies and beer
The Post, a neighborhood spot focused on comfort food made with local and sustainable ingredients
Roja, a classic Californian restaurant known for its seasonal menus and ingredients sourced from regional farms
Rustic House Oyster Bar & Grill, a favorite for fresh seafood and Italian-inspired dishes
Outside downtown, the rest of the city has limited commercial development. However, several shopping centers with supermarkets and big-box stores line nearby El Camino Real.
Downtown Los Altos has over 150 local businesses.
People love to stroll along Main and State streets to look at the stores.
1/2
Commuters have easy access to tech hubs across the Bay
Most people commute to surrounding cities to work for major tech companies. Drivers use state Routes 82 and 85 and Interstate 280 to reach employers in Mountain View, Palo Alto and San Jose. Foothill Expressway is a major secondary road. The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority provides local bus service, and Caltrain commuter rail service is available at the nearby San Antonio and Mountain View stations.
P&K Farms is a popular vendor at the Downtown Los Altos Farmers' Market.
Holiday traditions and local festivals are community staples
Los Altos hosts major events throughout the year, especially around the holidays. "Our biggest festival is the Festival of Lights Parade," French says. "Our whole downtown is packed for it." Since 1977, this nighttime parade has kicked off the holiday season with light-festooned floats, marching bands and a visit from Santa Claus. Other popular events include:
Downtown Los Altos Farmers' Market, a weekly Thursday evening market running from spring through fall
Los Altos Arts & Wine Festival, a two-day street festival celebrating local artists, craftspeople, winemakers and performers
Kiwanis Pet Parade, a community tradition since the 1940s where people march through downtown with their pets
Written By
Isabel Butler
Photography Contributed By
Christopher Lau
Video By
Bill Jennings
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Rene Perez,
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
Rancho San Antonio County Park and Open Space Preserve
McKenzie Park
Grant Park
Redwood Grove Nature Preserve
Heritage Oaks Park
Rosita Park
Marymeade Park
Los Altos Village Park
Los Altos Housing Trends
On average, homes in Los Altos, CA sell after 26 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Los Altos, CA over the last 12 months is $4,510,000, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Panoramic views spanning the entire Silicon Valley to the Bay create a spectacular backdrop for this incredibly spacious Los Altos Hills property. Positioned to take full advantage of the remarkable setting, expansive windows, walls of glass, and numerous decks and patios showcase the views throughout the home and provide exceptional spaces for entertaining, outdoor dining, and everyday
The Troyer & Cabot GroupIntero Real Estate Services
Rare opportunity in highly desirable North Los Altos! This spacious 2-bedroom, 2-bath home offers approximately 2,413 sq. ft. of living space on an impressive 12,600 sq. ft. lot. Light-filled interiors feature high ceilings, hardwood floors, dual-pane windows, a formal living room, and a generous kitchen that opens to a sunken family room; ideal for everyday living and entertaining. Step outside
Rare opportunity to experience the best of downtown Los Altos living in this beautifully remodeled top-floor condominium with only two owners in its history, ideally located in a quiet part of the core downtown. Situated in a secure elevator building, the open floor plan features approximately 1,131 square feet with two spacious bedrooms & two full bathrooms. Bright, open-concept living & dining
Panoramic views spanning the entire Silicon Valley to the Bay create a spectacular backdrop for this incredibly spacious Los Altos Hills property. Positioned to take full advantage of the remarkable setting, expansive windows, walls of glass, and numerous decks and patios showcase the views throughout the home and provide exceptional spaces for entertaining, outdoor dining, and everyday
The Troyer & Cabot GroupIntero Real Estate Services
Beautifully refreshed and exceptionally spacious, this 5-bedroom, 3-full and 2-half-bath home is filled with natural light and picturesque views of surrounding mature oaks. Expansive windows, soaring ceilings, skylights, and glass doors create a bright, airy ambiance throughout the multilevel floor plan, with distinct living and bedroom areas providing flexibility. The dramatic living room is
The Troyer & Cabot GroupIntero Real Estate Services
Located just steps from Montclaire Elementary and Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve, this beautifully transformed Los Altos home offers a seamless blend of modern luxury and thoughtful design. Soaked in natural light through southern exposure, the versatile floor plan opens to a living room featuring vaulted exposed-beam ceilings and a classic wood-burning fireplace. The main level showcases
nicholas frenchChristie's International Real Estate Sereno
At the end of a non-through street and surrounded by nature, this inviting home sits comfortably within its peaceful, woodsy setting on more than half an acre. More than 3,100 square feet unfold across a multi-level floorplan filled with natural light, hardwood floors, fresh paint, and new carpet. The living room centers around a statement fireplace and flows to the formal dining room and granite
Rare opportunity in highly desirable North Los Altos! This spacious 2-bedroom, 2-bath home offers approximately 2,413 sq. ft. of living space on an impressive 12,600 sq. ft. lot. Light-filled interiors feature high ceilings, hardwood floors, dual-pane windows, a formal living room, and a generous kitchen that opens to a sunken family room; ideal for everyday living and entertaining. Step outside
Price improvement! Welcome to 1021 Alegre in Los Altos. Situated on a quiet cul-de-sac, this distinguished 3,360-square-foot residence offers a thoughtfully designed floor plan ideally suited for both everyday living and gracious entertaining. Custom craftsmanship is evident throughout the home, featuring white oak hardwood flooring, handcrafted cherry cabinetry in the library and downstairs
Rare opportunity to experience the best of downtown Los Altos living in this beautifully remodeled top-floor condominium with only two owners in its history, ideally located in a quiet part of the core downtown. Situated in a secure elevator building, the open floor plan features approximately 1,131 square feet with two spacious bedrooms & two full bathrooms. Bright, open-concept living & dining
Set behind gates on more than 1.1 acres moments from the Los Altos Hills Golf & Country Club, this exceptional estate blends timeless elegance, privacy, and luxurious indoor-outdoor living. Nearly 4,100 square feet of light-filled interiors showcase wide-plank hardwood floors, intricate millwork, natural stone finishes, soaring detailed ceilings, expansive formal spaces, an inviting family room,
Contemporary elegance and modern luxury define this stunning home offering more than 5,100 square feet across three thoughtfully designed levels. Clean architectural lines, soaring ceilings, wide plank hardwood floors, and abundant natural light create a sophisticated yet inviting atmosphere. Formal living and dining rooms complement a spectacular great room with a chef's kitchen featuring
Rare Los Altos opportunity combining prime Silicon Valley location, single-level living, and endless space. Situated on an exceptional 18,920 sqft lot, 699 Rosita Avenue feels like a private park with mature fruit trees and serene, sunlit grounds. Inside, natural light highlights a flexible layout with an expansive family room designed for effortless everyday living and scale entertaining. This
Stunning new construction in coveted Old Los Altos offering appx. 3,383 total sf with 6 bedrooms and 5 baths across a beautifully designed 2-story main residence and substantial 2-story 2nd residence. The 2,261 sf main home features 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths and dual primary suites, one on each level, ideal for flexible or multi-generational living. An expansive great room connects the family room,
A stylish lifestyle awaits in this luxurious end-unit condo, ideally located just minutes from downtown. Open living spaces are filled with natural light, creating a bright ambiance throughout, while thoughtful design and refined finishes elevate every corner of the home. The living room centers around a fireplace and flows seamlessly into the dining area and eat-in kitchen. Three bedrooms
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
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
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,
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 $3,800/month is the lowest available price, based on a 11 month(s) and 29 day(s) stay with a move-in date of February 27, 2027.
Property Id: 944403 Beautiful Home.....BIG BACK YARD... Split level...2700 SQF.....Open floor Plan with big windows..... Upscale Neighborhood......Excellent Location All Hardwood Floor Easy Access to 280/Foothill Expressway Apple, Google, Tesla......NEARBY 4 Bedroom 3 Full Bathroom 2700 SQF....SPLIT LEVEL.... Downstairs ONE Large BR Private
Welcome to a refined executive residence in the heart of Los Altos, thoughtfully suited for relocating executives and senior leaders who value a premium living experience. This 6-bedroom, 4,500-square-foot single-family home offers the space, privacy, and quality finishes that support multi-generational households, making it a strong fit for families relocating to the Bay Area. Built in
Staged photos of matching layout and similar décor Imagery shows same floorplan and building, and similar décor as we finish photographing this new unit. Be the first to rent! Discover the best of Mountain View, with this one bedroom apartment in North Los Altos. It’ll be easy to simply show up and start living in this furnished apartment with its fully equipped kitchen, living
The advertised rate of $9,778/month is the lowest available price, based on a 1 month(s) stay with a move-in date of June 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
Staged photos of matching layout and similar décor Imagery shows same floorplan and building, and similar décor as we finish photographing this new unit. Be the first to rent! Show up and start living from day one in Mountain View with this beautiful one bedroom Blueground apartment. You’ll love coming home to this thoughtfully furnished, beautifully designed, and fully equipped
The advertised rate of $9,890/month is the lowest available price, based on a 30 day(s) stay with a move-in date of May 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 higher
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. <br><br>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. <br><br>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. <br><br>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.”<br><br>“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. <br><br>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
11
Median Rent
$5,800
Median Single Family Home Rent
$9,750
Median 4 Bedroom Single Family Home Rent
$11,000
Median Condo Rent
$5,800
Median 2 Bedroom Condo Rent
$5,800
Weather
Annual Precipitation
14''
Average Winter Low Temperature
39°F
Average Summer High Temperature
80°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Moderately bikeable
Bikeability®
60/ 100
Fairly walkable
Walkability®
50/ 100
Limited public transit
Transit®
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.
