Los Altos Hills

Neighborhood Overview

Los Altos Hills is an exclusive residential community located in Santa Clara County, California. Known for its expansive estate properties, large lot sizes, and lush wooded surroundings, the town offers a serene and private lifestyle with sweeping views of the San Francisco Bay and the Santa Cruz Mountains. Los Altos Hills is renowned for its commitment to open space preservation, offering residents a rural retreat while remaining just minutes from Silicon Valley’s major tech hubs.

• Location & Boundaries: Situated in the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Altos Hills is bordered by Palo Alto to the north, Los Altos to the east, and Cupertino to the south. The town is conveniently connected to the region via Interstate 280, Page Mill Road, and Foothill Expressway.
• General Characteristics: Covering approximately 8.8 square miles, Los Altos Hills is a strictly residential community with zoning regulations requiring a minimum one-acre lot per home. This preserves its low-density, natural landscape and enhances the feeling of seclusion. Unlike neighboring cities, Los Altos Hills has no commercial zones, no downtown area, and no retail businesses, reinforcing its reputation as a tranquil, estate-style community.
• Notable Features: The town is densely wooded with rolling hills and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay and surrounding mountain ranges. The area is interwoven with miles of scenic trails for hiking, horseback riding, and biking, including the Pathways System that connects neighborhoods to nature preserves and parks.

Housing Market Data

• Median Home Price: As of January 2025, the median home value in Los Altos Hills is $5.4 million, making it one of the most prestigious real estate markets in Silicon Valley.
• Price Per Square Foot: The average price per square foot stands at $1,460, reflecting the luxury and exclusivity of properties in the area.

Demographics

• Population Size & Growth Trends: As of 2025, Los Altos Hills has a population of approximately 8,189 residents, maintaining a slow and controlled growth to preserve its estate-like atmosphere.
• Household Types: The town consists of approximately 2,800 households, with most properties being single-family estates on large, private lots.
• Income Levels: The median household income in Los Altos Hills exceeds $400,000, ranking among the wealthiest residential communities in the country.
• Education Levels: Los Altos Hills is a highly educated community, with over 85.6% of adults holding a college degree or higher.

Schools & Education

• Public & Private Schools: While Los Altos Hills does not have its own school district, residents are served by top-tier school districts including the Palo Alto Unified School District, Los Altos School District, and Mountain View–Los Altos Union High School District. Prestigious private schools nearby include The Harker School, Pinewood School, and Castilleja School.
• School Performance: Local public schools consistently rank among the highest in California, boasting exceptional test scores and high graduation rates.
• Proximity to Colleges & Universities: The town is just minutes away from Stanford University, offering access to world-class education, research institutions, and cultural events.

Community & Lifestyle

• Privacy & Exclusivity: Los Altos Hills is one of the most secluded and private residential communities in Silicon Valley, attracting CEOs, venture capitalists, and tech executives who seek estate-style living away from urban congestion.
• Parks & Open Spaces: Residents enjoy access to extensive open space preserves, rolling hills, and scenic hiking trails. The Los Altos Hills Pathways System features 85 miles of trails weaving through neighborhoods and natural landscapes.
• Local Amenities: While Los Altos Hills has no commercial zones, residents have convenient access to the downtown areas of Los Altos, Palo Alto, and Mountain View, which feature high-end shopping, fine dining, and cultural attractions.
• Dining Scene (Nearby Los Altos & Palo Alto): Popular restaurants include Chef Chu’s (Chinese), Los Altos Grill (American), Evvia (Greek), Tamarine (Vietnamese), Ettan (Indian), and Teleferic Barcelona (Spanish).
• Cultural & Entertainment Venues: While Los Altos Hills itself is purely residential, nearby Palo Alto and Los Altos offer museums, art galleries, and live performance venues.
• Community Events & Activities: The town fosters a tight-knit community through exclusive residents-only events, equestrian activities, and nature-focused gatherings.

Economy & Employment

• Major Employers & Industries: Los Altos Hills is primarily a residential enclave, with many residents working as entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, and executives in Silicon Valley. The town’s proximity to Stanford University, Apple, Google, and Meta makes it an ideal home for tech leaders and business executives.
• Unemployment Rate: The unemployment rate is extremely low, as most residents are high-net-worth individuals with established careers or business ownership.
• Job Growth Trends: While the town itself does not have a commercial economy, it benefits from continued job growth in nearby tech hubs.

Transportation & Accessibility

• Commute Times: Despite its secluded feel, Los Altos Hills is only a 10-15 minute drive from major employment centers in Silicon Valley.
• Public Transit Options: Public transit is limited, with no direct train or bus service in Los Altos Hills. However, nearby Caltrain stations in Palo Alto and Mountain View provide convenient access to San Francisco and San Jose.
• Highway & Road Access: Major roads, including Interstate 280, Page Mill Road, and Foothill Expressway, offer quick access to Palo Alto, Stanford, and other key destinations.