Located in the beating heart of the Bay Area’s tech industry, Los Altos is a charming California city in Santa Clara County with a rich history, excellent schools, and a whole host of must-see attractions. Originally called “Banks and Braes”, the city was mostly uninhabited until after WWII, when the entire area experienced a population boom, and this area, in particular, became a wealthy suburb of San Francisco. Los Altos today still retains that suburban character but also has a convenient position in Silicon Valley, meaning that local industry is plentiful and booming. If you want the height of the Bay Area experience, moving to Los Altos will be the absolute right choice for you!
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Table of Contents
Where is Los Altos, CA?
Los Altos is in Santa Clara County, nestled between the cities of Palo Alto to the north and Mountain View to the south, with the picturesque Santa Cruz Mountains to the west. Los Altos is located within the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA Metro Area. Los Altos benefits from its proximity to major technology hubs and renowned institutions. It is approximately 40 miles south of San Francisco and about 14 miles north of San Jose, making it well-positioned within the region. The distance from Los Altos, CA to San Francisco, CA is 37.8 miles.
Los Altos, CA Population & Demographics
The population of Los Altos is 31,562 distributed over 6.5 miles at a population density of about 4,800 people per square mile. The median age here is 45.8, and 32.4% of residents are foreign born, 67% of whom come from Asia. 85.9% of Los Altos’s population has a bachelor’s degree or higher certification.
Celebrities and notable people who live in Los Altos include Google co-founder Sergey Brin, Adobe Systems co-founder Charles Geschke, author Janet Lewis, and TV director John Chu.
The demographics of Los Altos’s population are diverse, with Whites making up 55% of the community’s population. The second largest demographic is Asians, making up 34% of Los Altos’s population. Los Altos’s male/female gender ratio is split 50/50.
Los Altos is a safe community to live in! Los Altos’s overall crime rate is 51% lower than the national average, with 1,146 crimes annually per 100,000 people. The property crime rate is 45% lower than the national average, while the violent crime rate is 80% lower. The community of Los Altos is served by the Los Altos Police Department.
Cost of Living in Los Altos, CA
Los Altos lies at the heart of Silicon Valley, and you’ll be paying for every dollar’s worth of that luxury! The cost of living index for Los Altos is 283% higher than the national average. The median home price in Los Altos is $4,000,250, nearly eight times the average California home price of $573,200. According to RentCafe, the average rent in Los Altos and nearby areas is around $3,202 per month for 896 sq. ft.
According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four will need a yearly income of $93,857 to live in Los Altos.
If you want to make yourself a part of this community, you should check out the latest listings for homes for sale in Los Altos, CA.
Los Altos, CA Everyday Expenses
Want to know what sort of daily expenses you’ll be paying in Los Altos? Check out these everyday expenses for Los Altos, provided by Numbeo.
- Gallon of Milk – $4.80
- Loaf of Bread – $4.60
- Gallon of Gasoline – $5.11
- Average Los Altos Utilities per Month – $658 (per Doxo)
- Internet per Month – $89.03
Where to Live in Los Altos, CA
Los Altos neighborhoods are varied, and there’s something in this community for everyone! See the best neighborhoods in Los Altos below:
North Los Altos
Situated in the northern part of the city (go figure!), this neighborhood features a mix of older, ranch-style homes and newer custom-built residences. North Los Altos offers tree-lined streets, spacious lots, and a peaceful atmosphere. It is highly sought after for its proximity to downtown Los Altos and its excellent schools.
Loyola Corners
Situated near the border of Los Altos and Los Altos Hills, Loyola Corners offers a blend of residential and commercial areas. The neighborhood features a variety of housing options, including single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments. It is known for its convenience, with shops, restaurants, and parks within walking distance.
South Los Altos
Located in the southern region, this neighborhood is known for its beautiful homes, many of which boast large yards and picturesque landscapes. South Los Altos offers a more suburban feel and is cherished for its family-friendly environment. It is within close proximity to schools, parks, and shopping centers.
Los Altos, CA Climate & Weather
According to the Koppen Climate Classification, Los Altos is a Mediterranean climate. The climate of this area is one of the reasons why you pay premiums to live here. You can expect lows of 40 degrees Fahrenheit during the winter months and highs of 81 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer months. Los Altos gets less than the average amount of rainfall for the United States, with 19 inches per year. Los Altos does not experience snow. The best times to visit Los Altos, in terms of comfort rating, are June and July.
Los Altos and this area of California are regularly subject to earthquakes, as well as wildfires.
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Things to Do in Los Altos
Wondering about the best things to do in Los Altos, CA? Be sure to check out great shopping in the community, like the Foothill Crossing Shopping Center or the Rancho Shopping Center! You should also check out some of the best things to do in the Los Altos, CA area below.
Shoup Park
With play equipment, walking trails, and other outdoor amenities, Shoup Park is an excellent place to spend the day outdoors in Los Altos.
400 University Ave, Los Altos, CA 94022, (650) 947-2790
Redwood Grove Natural Preserve
Redwoods are one of the Bay Area’s most iconic natural features, and the Redwood Grove Natural Preserve in Los Altos has these beautiful trees in spades.
482 University Ave, Los Altos, CA 94022, (650) 947-2790
Los Altos History Museum
Detailing the long and storied history of this affluent area, the Los Altos History Museum has plenty of fascinating exhibits on the story of Los Altos.
51 S San Antonio Rd, Los Altos, CA 94022, (650) 948-9427
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Los Altos, CA Additional Attractions
Los Altos is served by the Los Altos Parks & Recreation Department. See upcoming events and attractions on the Los Altos event calendar.
Places to Eat in Los Altos, CA
This community has a wide variety of excellent eateries! Check out some of the best places to eat in Los Altos, California below.
Cafe La Scala
What American city would be complete without a fantastic Italian restaurant? Cafe La Scala provides authentic Italian dishes to fill your stomach.
376 1st St, Los Altos, CA 94022, (650) 917-0300
The Post
Serving creative new American dishes alongside fantastic cocktails, The Post is a favorite among Los Altos locals for a reason!
395 Main St, Los Altos, CA 94022, (650) 935-2003
Los Altos Grill
Serving the finest chicken and ribs in the city, Los Altos Grill is a classy BBQ restaurant perfect for an all-American night out.
233 3rd St, Los Altos, CA 94022, (650) 948-3524
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Jobs in Los Altos, CA
With the confluence of San Francisco, San Jose, and the tech industry, job opportunities are many in the Los Altos area! The most popular positions in Los Altos are Software Engineer, Director of Engineering, and Mechanical Engineer. The most popular employers in Los Altos are Nvidia Corp and Thoits, Love, Hershberger & Mclean. The average salary for a worker in Los Altos is $117k a year, while the average hourly wage is $27.18, according to Payscale.
See the latest openings for jobs in Los Altos, as well as openings on the Los Altos city job board.
Los Altos, CA Schools
Los Altos is served by two primary school districts: the Los Altos School District and the Mountain View-Los Altos Union High School District. The Los Altos School District operates seven elementary schools, while the Mountain View-Los Altos Union High School District operates two high schools in the local area. All schools are highly-rated, and will provide your child with excellent education!
Students and others residing in Los Altos are served by the Los Altos Library.
Los Altos, CA Statistics & Information
- Located in Santa Clara County
- Los Altos Area: 6.54 square miles
- Los Altos Zip Codes: 94022–94024
- Los Altos Area Codes: 650
- Los Altos Elevation: 157’
- Los Altos Time Zone: Pacific Standard Time (PST)
- Los Altos’s Closest airport: Palo Alto Airport (PAO), California, 7.7 miles from Los Altos
Map of Los Altos, CA
Explore Los Altos’s large variety of things to do, places to eat, and more with this map!
Thinking that living in Los Altos, California is a good idea? Relocating on your own can be quite overwhelming and stressful. Instead, consider reaching out to AMS Relocation at 650-284-2931! With our team of 5-star, skilled movers specializing in Los Altos, you can rest assured that we will utilize their extensive training and expertise to ensure a seamless transition. Don’t hesitate—contact us now or fill out our form to receive a complimentary quote.
