Unlike its neighboring cities in Silicon Valley, the town of Los Altos Hills has no commercial or industrial establishments. It is a strictly residential community that’s consideredto be one of the wealthiest in the country.
In 2015, Forbes Magazine listed the two Los Altos Hills zip codes of 94022 and 94024 as the 11th and the 57th most expensive ZIP codes, respectively. Many of Silicon Valley’s most prominent residents have lived or are living in Los Altos Hills.
An incorporated town in Santa Clara County, Los Altos Hills encompasses 9 square miles of land found mostly on rolling hills.
The town’s zoning requirements indicate a minimum lot size of one acre, and include setbacks from the property line, as well as public pathway easements.Each lot may only have one primary dwelling, disallowing any multifamily development.
Los Altos Hills residents are committed to the preservation of the town’s residential and agricultural lifestyle. Many of the properties here include a vineyard, with homeowners engaged in cooperative ventures with wineries in the area. The strict zoning requirements have resulted in a peaceful, secluded community with a rustic feel.
An 85-mile equestrian, hiking and biking trail winds through the town’s neighborhoods, allowing residents to go anywhere in town on horseback, by foot or by bicycle.
Quick Facts
- Los Altos Hills incorporated as a town in January, 1956
- As of latest Census data, it has an estimated population of 8,419
- The median age of residents is about 50 years (per the latest Census data)
- The median household income is over $200,000, more than thrice the California median
- The neighborhood is home to Foothill College, a community college offering Associate Degree and certificate programs
- The only commercial establishment in the town is a bookstore found within the Foothill College campus
- The town outsources most of its services to Santa Clara County
Schools
Los Altos Hills is served by the Palo Alto Unified School District, Los Altos School District and Mountain View Los Altos High School District.GarderBullis Elementary School is found in Los Altos Hills. Residents may also attend Bullis Charter School.
The town has well-regarded private elementary and high schools, including:
- Creative Learning Center
- Imagination School
- Pinewood School Upper Campus
Los Altos Hills Real Estate and Homes for Sale
Expansive single-family homes and grand estates make up the Los Altos Hills real estate scene. The varying topography, zoning requirements, and the residents’ generous budgets have resulted in unique, customized homes in varying architectural styles, including Mediterranean, ranch and colonial.
Homes in Los Altos Hills command some of the highest prices in the country, and are available for sale in limited numbers only. Buying a home here can be highly competitive.
The town is composed of three neighborhoods, as follows:
- The Foothills
- The Redwoods
- Lakeside
The Foothills offers stunning views of San Francisco Bay. Many of the estates here feature horse stables or vineyards, evoking a small-town vibe. Equestrian paths that also serve as biking and walking trails are prominent features in the neighborhood.
The Redwoods lies on the flattest section of the town, making it easier to navigate than the other two neighborhoods. It is also closest to the neighboring cities of Los Altos and Palo Alto.
The Lakeside neighborhood features grand mansions and estates, built around or close to the stunning Quarry Lake and Juan Prado Mesa Preserve. Homes here boast breathtaking views of the lake and the surrounding hills.
Attractions and Amenities
Los Altos Hills residents often commute to nearby Los Altos and Palo Alto for shopping, dining and entertainment. But the town has its own unique and special attractions, mostly centered onits rich natural features. These include:
- Hidden Villa – a historic 1,600-acre wilderness preserve and campsite
- Hale Creek and Juan Prado Mesa Preserve
- Fremont Hills Country Club
- Redwood Grove Nature Preserve
- Purissima Park and Shoup Park
- Boronda Lake in Foothills Park
- Pathways Run/Walk – an annual running/walking event