Welcome to Los Altos
Quiet neighborhoods, tree-lined streets, and convenient urban amenities
After the 1906 San Francisco earthquake and fire, wealthy San Franciscans raced to the suburbs to build spacious and elegant rural estates. Los Altos was only a brief stop on the Southern Pacific Railroad until the post-WWII housing boom. Apricot and plum orchards were turned into housing developments, and single-family homes soon dotted tree-lined streets. The city was incorporated in 1952. Strict laws limit commercial zoning to downtown, so Los Altos has retained much of its suburban charms and natural scenic beauty.
Downtown Los Altos is still lush with greenery. Longtime, independent shops and specialty stores serve residents. Here, you’ll find townhouses and condominiums steps away from all the amenities. In North Los Altos, you’ll find upscale living with large lots that offer plenty of privacy. South Los Altos has a mix of charming ranch-style homes and new, modern houses. The exclusive Country Club neighborhood is set along the foothills with luxurious homes and sweeping views. As the birthplace of Apple and a central technology hub of Silicon Valley, Los Altos has seen an exponential increase in demand for housing.
What to Love
- Tree-lined streets and beautiful natural scenery
- Peaceful and quiet neighborhoods
- Upscale homes on large lots
- A member-owned, private golf club
- Suburban comforts close to urban amenities
Local Lifestyle
Los Altos residents are used to the continued influx of people moving in to work in the technology industry. Longtime locals know each other and are friendly and welcoming towards newcomers. There’s even the Los Altos-Los Altos Hills Newcomers Club. It was formed over 50 years ago to provide help and information to new residents. Because the city has plenty of green spaces and bike paths, it also gives a very active, outdoorsy vibe.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Cetrella serves California-Mediterranean fusion cuisine of seafood, steak, and pasta if you want a more upscale setting. For homestyle American fare, Los Altos Grill serves popular entrees such as rotisserie chicken and baby back ribs in an elegant dining room with a fireplace. The Post is another favorite spot for American comfort food paired with seasonal craft cocktails.
A local mainstay, Chef Chu’s, has signature Chinese dishes. Urfa Bistro is a casual Mediterranean eatery serving small plates, salads, and wraps. Sumika specializes in Japanese-cooked dishes and grilled skewers.
Things to Do
Redwood Grove Nature Preserve has a boardwalk, observation decks, picnic areas, and a rose garden close to downtown Los Altos. It connects to Shoup Park, a four-acre community space with a playground and event venues. The city also has a network of bicycle paths. Further out, Rancho San Antonio County Park & Open Space Preserve is a much-trodden public recreation area. They have nature trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. You’ll see residents heading out to the great outdoors on weekends.
The Los Altos Village Association organizes events throughout the year, including the Easter Egg Hunt, the Corvette Spectacular, and the Los Altos Wine and Art Festivals. The latter is one of the biggest weekend festivals in the Bay Area and features local wineries, artists, and handcrafted items. The Festival of Lights Parade has a tree-lighting ceremony, parade floats, and live entertainment to kick off the holiday season.
Schools