Los Altos
Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, Los Altos is one of the Bay Area’s most desirable residential communities. The city is known for its excellent schools, quiet tree-lined neighborhoods, spacious residential lots, and convenient location near Mountain View, Palo Alto, and Cupertino.
Los Altos is home to approximately 30,000 residents and is known for its highly educated population and strong household incomes. The community has long attracted technology executives, entrepreneurs, investors, and families seeking a more residential environment while remaining close to major Silicon Valley employers.
Downtown Los Altos is centered around Main Street and State Street, offering a charming mix of restaurants, cafés, boutiques, and local services. Compared with some of the Peninsula’s busier commercial centers, Los Altos maintains a quieter, small-town atmosphere with a strong sense of community.
Housing in Los Altos is primarily made up of single-family homes, ranging from classic ranch-style residences and traditional homes to newly built contemporary estates. Popular areas include North Los Altos, Old Los Altos, Country Club, Grant Park, and Loyola Corners, each offering a distinct neighborhood character.
With its strong schools, established neighborhoods, central Silicon Valley location, and limited housing supply, Los Altos continues to be one of the Peninsula’s most sought-after and enduring residential markets.
Race & Ethnicity
Schools
Elementary Schools
Covington received a 2026 Niche grade of A+ and ranks approximately #81 among public elementary schools in California. It is one of the more closely watched elementary schools in LASD.
Oak Avenue received a 2026 Niche grade of A, ranking approximately #132 in California and #17 in Santa Clara County.
Loyola ranks approximately #136 among California public elementary schools. Located in southern Los Altos, it is one of LASD’s established neighborhood schools.
Almond received a 2026 Niche grade of A. State testing data shows approximately 82% proficiency in math and 80% in reading.
Springer received a 2026 Niche grade of A+ and ranks approximately #15 among public elementary schools in Santa Clara County.
Located in Los Altos Hills, Gardner Bullis is part of LASD. It ranks approximately #211 among California public elementary schools.
Located in northern Los Altos, Santa Rita is one of Los Altos School District’s established neighborhood elementary schools.
Middle Schools
One of LASD’s two junior high schools. In the 2026 Niche rankings, Egan ranks approximately #43 among California public middle schools and #26 for public middle school teachers.
LASD’s other junior high school. In the 2026 Niche rankings, Blach ranks approximately #44 among California public middle schools and #15 for public middle school teachers.
A public K–8 charter school serving the Los Altos area. In the 2026 Niche rankings, Bullis ranks approximately #3 among California charter K–8 schools and #7 among California public K–8 schools.
High Schools
Los Altos High received a 2026 Niche grade of A+. It ranks approximately #5 among Bay Area public high schools, #18 in California, and #158 in the United States.
Mountain View High is part of the same MVLA district as Los Altos High. Some MVLA addresses are assigned to Mountain View High, so final school assignment should always be verified by exact residential address.
Los Altos Public School System
Public education in Los Altos is primarily divided between two school systems: K–8 education is mainly provided by Los Altos School District (LASD), while high school education is primarily provided by the Mountain View–Los Altos High School District (MVLA).
LASD currently operates seven K–6 elementary schools and two 7–8 junior high schools. The district is widely followed by Bay Area homebuyers, while Los Altos High School ranks approximately #18 among California public high schools in the 2026 Niche rankings.
Los Altos School District (LASD)
LASD operates seven K–6 elementary schools: Almond, Covington, Gardner Bullis, Loyola, Oak Avenue, Santa Rita and Springer, as well as two 7–8 junior high schools: Egan and Blach.
LASD Overall Performance
Niche gives LASD a 2026 Overall Grade of A, with the district ranking approximately #15 in California for districts with the best teachers. Niche data based on state testing shows approximately 85% proficiency in both math and reading.
Elementary & Junior High
Several LASD elementary schools perform strongly in Santa Clara County and California public-school rankings. The junior-high years are primarily served by Egan and Blach, both of which rank within approximately the top 50 California public middle schools in the 2026 Niche rankings.
Los Altos High School
Los Altos High is part of the Mountain View–Los Altos High School District. It received a 2026 Niche Overall Grade of A+, ranking approximately #5 among Bay Area public high schools, #18 in California, and #25 among California college-prep public high schools.
School Assignment
Los Altos city boundaries, ZIP Codes, mailing addresses and school boundaries do not align perfectly. Elementary, junior-high and high-school assignments should each be verified using the exact property address. If a particular LASD grade is full, temporary overflow placement may also occur.
Pinewood School
K–12 · LOS ALTOS / LOS ALTOS HILLSPinewood is one of the more established independent K–12 schools in the Los Altos area. Its K–2 Lower Campus and Grades 3–6 campus are located in Los Altos, while the Grades 7–12 Upper Campus is located in Los Altos Hills.
The school emphasizes student-centered education, close student-teacher relationships and college preparation. Upper-school academics include humanities, mathematics, science, world languages, computer science and engineering, arts and athletics.
Pinewood also offers robotics, speech and debate, performing arts, athletics and college counseling.
Pinewood received a 2026 Niche Overall Grade of A, ranking approximately #24 among private K–12 schools in the Bay Area and #76 among private K–12 schools in California.
St. Nicholas Catholic School
TK–8 · LOS ALTOS HILLSSt. Nicholas Catholic School is located in Los Altos Hills and is an established Catholic TK–8 private school serving families throughout the Los Altos area.
The school combines academics with Catholic faith, character development, social-emotional learning, community service and student life.
Elementary and junior-high students remain within the same school community, which can appeal to families looking for continuity throughout the TK–8 years.
Programs also include robotics, learning support, SEL support, after-school activities and community-service opportunities.
Los Altos Christian Schools
TK–8 · LOS ALTOSLos Altos Christian Schools (LACS) is a TK–8 Christian private school located in Los Altos.
The school emphasizes academic excellence within a Christ-centered educational environment, while also providing differentiated academic support.
Academic offerings include accelerated math, literacy intervention, languages, electives, Bible and physical education.
The middle-school program serves Grades 6–8 and includes core academics, Spanish or ASL, electives, leadership and community-service opportunities.
Miramonte Christian School
TK–8 · LOS ALTOSMiramonte Christian School is a TK–8 Christ-centered private school located in Los Altos.
The school is relatively small and emphasizes smaller class sizes, personalized attention and a close-knit school community.
The curriculum includes core academics, Bible and music, while hands-on projects, field trips and differentiated instruction support a range of learning needs.
The school also offers sports, music, community service and leadership opportunities.
Waldorf School of the Peninsula
PRESCHOOL–12 · LOS ALTOS / MOUNTAIN VIEWWaldorf School of the Peninsula offers a complete Preschool–12 educational pathway. The Los Altos campus primarily serves younger students, while Grades 6–12 are based at the Mountain View campus.
Waldorf education emphasizes creativity, arts, movement, hands-on learning, craftsmanship, humanities and developmentally appropriate education.
Compared with a more traditional Silicon Valley academic model, Waldorf places greater emphasis on experiential learning, human relationships and age-appropriate educational development.
The Mountain View Upper School received a 2026 Niche grade of A and ranks approximately #66 among California high schools for the arts.
Saint Francis High School
GRADES 9–12 · NEARBY MOUNTAIN VIEWSaint Francis High School is located in Mountain View, just a short distance from Los Altos, and is one of the Peninsula and South Bay’s better-known Catholic college-preparatory high schools.
The school offers a comprehensive college-preparatory curriculum, including AP courses, STEM, computer science, design, world languages and visual and performing arts.
Saint Francis also offers extensive athletics, clubs, student activities and college counseling programs.
The school received a 2026 Niche grade of A+. It ranks approximately #27 among Catholic high schools in California and #14 among private high schools in Santa Clara County.
Market Trend
Home Price Trends
Market Activity
Neighborhoods
North Los Altos
Housing includes traditional ranch homes, remodeled residences, and substantial new construction. Proximity to Downtown, Palo Alto, and Mountain View creates a meaningful premium for desirable streets and lots.
Old Los Altos
Close to Main Street and State Street, the area includes older cottages, traditional single-family homes, fully remodeled residences, and luxury new construction. Properties close to The Village often command a premium.
Central Los Altos
The area is known for larger usable lots, major remodels, and high-quality custom new construction. Recent market activity places Central Los Altos among the higher-priced major neighborhoods in the city.
Rancho Neighborhood
Rancho is characterized by single-story ranch homes, mature trees, and quiet residential streets. Many original homes have also been expanded, extensively remodeled, or replaced with newer residences.
Loyola Corners
Loyola Corners commonly features single-story ranch homes and relatively spacious residential lots, along with a small neighborhood commercial center. Larger remodels and new construction can reach very high price points.
Country Club
The Country Club area is known for larger lots, mature landscaping, ranch homes, and substantial custom estates. Land value and privacy help position it within the upper tier of the Los Altos market.
South Los Altos
The neighborhood retains many mid-century ranch homes, single-story residences, and modern rebuilt properties. Some locations have historically offered more value relative to the most central parts of Los Altos.
The Highlands
Housing includes single- and two-story ranch-style homes, mature landscaping, and greater privacy. Proximity to Rancho San Antonio and Highway 280 supports an outdoor-oriented lifestyle and convenient commuting.
North Los Altos
North Los Altos is one of the city's most recognized and consistently active residential markets. Its central location provides convenient access to Downtown Los Altos, Palo Alto, Mountain View, and major Silicon Valley employment centers.
Housing varies considerably. Traditional 1950s and 1960s single-story ranch homes sit alongside extensively renovated residences and an increasing number of large custom-built new homes. Some areas closer to Downtown also include townhomes and condominiums.
North Los Altos cannot be evaluated using a single median price alone. Recent three-month data through June 2026 showed a median sale price of approximately $4.05M and median days on market of roughly 9 days. Because the neighborhood is large and housing types vary, desirable streets, premium lots, and newer construction can trade significantly above the median.
Central location and premium lots often command meaningful price premiums, while the broader housing mix creates a wider range of values.
Old Los Altos
The defining advantage of Old Los Altos is Downtown walkability. Residents can conveniently reach Main Street, State Street, restaurants, cafés, boutiques, and community events on foot.
The housing stock is diverse. Older cottages and bungalows, traditional ranch homes, extensively remodeled residences, and large contemporary or modern farmhouse-style new homes can all be found here.
In Los Altos, there are relatively few locations that combine quiet single-family living with genuine Downtown walkability. As a result, premium streets in Old Los Altos typically sit within the city's upper price tier, particularly for flat usable lots, newer construction, and properties close to The Village.
Downtown walkability is a scarce amenity, and desirable properties often command a meaningful location premium.
Central Los Altos
Central Los Altos is one of the core luxury single-family markets in the city. It combines established residential streets with a meaningful supply of desirable, well-shaped residential lots.
Housing ranges from traditional ranch homes to extensively remodeled residences and custom luxury new construction, often exceeding 4,000–5,000 square feet. Land value itself is often a significant component of overall property value.
Recent three-month market data through June 2026 showed a median sale price of approximately $5.40M and median days on market of roughly 8 days. Among the major measurable Los Altos submarkets, Central Los Altos remains firmly within the higher price tier.
One of Los Altos' most expensive and competitive major residential markets.
Rancho Neighborhood
Rancho is a classic Los Altos residential neighborhood. Compared with areas closer to Downtown, it feels quieter, more residential, and less commercially oriented.
The housing stock is dominated by single-story ranch homes, many originally built during Silicon Valley's early suburban expansion. As land values have increased, more homes have undergone major renovations, additions, or complete redevelopment.
Rancho pricing is highly property-specific. Street quality, lot configuration, home condition, and exact location can create a substantial gap between an original ranch home and a newly built or fully remodeled residence.
Typically below the very top-tier Old / Central market, although high-quality new construction can still command premium prices.
Loyola Corners
Loyola Corners combines a traditional residential environment with a small neighborhood commercial center, giving it a distinct identity on the southwestern side of Los Altos.
Housing is largely composed of single-story ranch homes, often on relatively spacious residential lots. The neighborhood also includes an increasing number of extensively remodeled and newly built high-end custom homes.
Transaction volume in Loyola Corners is very limited, so short-term median prices can be heavily influenced by a single luxury sale. Recent three-month statistics have at times shown a median above $7M, but with only one transaction. That figure should not be interpreted as a normal neighborhood-wide price level.
High-end properties can be very expensive, but limited sales volume makes short-term medians unreliable.
Country Club
The Country Club area's value proposition differs from neighborhoods near Downtown. Here, the primary drivers are land, privacy, and lower-density residential living. Los Altos Golf & Country Club is one of the area's defining landmarks.
Housing includes traditional ranch homes, substantially expanded residences, and custom luxury estates on larger lots. Because lot size, topography, landscaping, and construction quality can vary significantly, pricing within the neighborhood can also be wide-ranging.
As of August 2026, recent listing data showed a median asking price of approximately $4.94M. However, active inventory was very limited, so this figure is better viewed as a snapshot of current listings rather than a stable long-term valuation benchmark.
Larger parcels and estate-style properties keep this area firmly within the upper end of the Los Altos market.
South Los Altos
South Los Altos offers a more spacious suburban residential environment than the areas closest to Downtown. Many streets feature mature trees, wider residential lots, and low-density single-family housing.
The most characteristic housing stock consists of 1950s and 1960s mid-century ranch homes, along with expanded two-story residences, Mediterranean-style homes, and an increasing number of contemporary rebuilds.
Recent three-month market data through June 2026 showed a median sale price of approximately $4.65M and median days on market of around 13 days. It remains a high-end market, although some locations may offer a better space-to-price balance than the most central parts of Los Altos.
Still a luxury market, but some locations may offer a stronger balance of space and price than the most central neighborhoods.
The Highlands
The Highlands sits along the southern side of Los Altos and is defined by mature landscaping, privacy, and a stronger connection to nature than the city's more central neighborhoods.
Housing commonly includes single-story and two-story ranch-style homes, often surrounded by mature trees and landscaping. The setting generally provides greater privacy than neighborhoods closer to Downtown.
The area is close to Rancho San Antonio, Foothill Expressway, and Highway 280. Unlike Central or Old Los Altos, pricing here is less driven by a Downtown premium. Buyers are often placing greater value on space, nature, privacy, and commuting convenience.
Compared with the most central Los Altos neighborhoods, the value proposition is more focused on space, privacy, nature, and practicality.