A charming, walkable community known for its vibrant village atmosphere and refined everyday living.
As with other cities located on the western borders of Silicon Valley, Los Altos works to maintain a rural-suburban community.
A quick stop on the Southern Pacific Railroad, Los Altos remained mostly undeveloped until after World War II. Originally, the community was primarily an agricultural town, with summer cottages and apricot orchards, which can still be seen in downtown today—a tribute to its past. Since then, growth has been moderate, and deliberate planning has ensured that much of the city's original character has remained.
An abundance of trees frame many of the neighborhoods, creating secluded enclaves. It provides a beautiful contrast to the convenient shopping districts and the more bustling parts of Silicon Valley just blocks away. Unlike the business vibe of other South Bay communities, Los Altos has a more homey, village feel.
Centered around a lively downtown, Los Altos offers a blend of small-town charm and upscale convenience, with tree-lined streets, beautiful residential neighborhoods, and a strong sense of community.
Housing is similar to that of other Midpeninsula towns and cities. The architecture is diverse, and there is a style for everyone. Two popular designs include ranch and craftsman homes.
The basic demographics of Los Altos are varied, ranging from young professionals and growing families to retirees. It's not uncommon to see mothers and fathers pushing strollers downtown, passing by older couples sipping coffee at sidewalk cafés.
But don't let that image fool you. Los Altos is also a city of innovation. The schools are competitive, the general population highly educated, and residents are highly motivated.
Befitting a community in the middle of Silicon Valley, Los Altos played a significant role in the evolution of modern technology. It is the place where Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak built the first 50 Apple I computers.
Los Altos is unique among the more rural regions between San Francisco and San Jose in that it has seven distinct commercial districts.
Most notable among these is the quaint downtown district, fondly known as "The Village." With wide sidewalks, inviting outdoor seating, architecturally appealing storefronts, and more than 150 shops, it offers the perfect setting for leisurely afternoons and vibrant community gatherings.
For groceries, residents enjoy convenient access to Whole Foods Market, Draeger's Market, and Andronico's Community Markets. DeMartini Orchard remains a local favorite for premium produce and specialty food products.
The long-standing Rancho Shopping Center offers a variety of shops and dining options, while the Los Altos Farmers' Market, held Thursdays from late spring through early fall, attracts families from Los Altos and Los Altos Hills alike.
There are an array of popular annual festivals throughout the year, including:
These beloved traditions help foster the city's strong sense of community and small-town charm.
Recreation is an integral part of life in Los Altos, particularly for the area's youth. The city operates several gyms, a community center, and three youth centers. There are also plenty of parks featuring tennis courts, baseball diamonds, and soccer fields.
Popular local activities include:
Appealing to both adults and children is the free Los Altos History Museum. The museum rotates exhibitions and offers educational opportunities that create an engaging and interactive visitor experience.
Los Altos also demonstrates its commitment to the arts through more than 25 public sculptures and art installations located throughout the city.
Whether you're staying overnight, visiting for the day, or making Los Altos your permanent home, be sure to visit Enchanté Boutique Hotel. This French-inspired boutique property invites guests to "find a little bit of Paris in the heart of Silicon Valley."
School districts serving Los Altos include the Los Altos School District and Mountain View Whisman School District through eighth grade. High school students typically attend schools within the Mountain View–Los Altos Union High School District.
43,666 people live in Los Altos, where the median age is 48 and the average individual income is $147,695. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
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There's plenty to do around Los Altos, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.
Explore popular things to do in the area, including Fit4Life Athletics, MohamedXFit, and Glowbyglory.
| Name | Category | Distance | Reviews |
Ratings by
Yelp
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Active | 3.16 miles | 8 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 4.51 miles | 5 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 4.93 miles | 5 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 4.95 miles | 10 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 1.71 miles | 5 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 1.74 miles | 5 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
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Los Altos has 15,284 households, with an average household size of 5.64. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Los Altos do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 43,666 people call Los Altos home. The population density is 2,069 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
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