A small village atmosphere.
Tree-lined streets and a “small village atmosphere” characterize Los Altos, located in the heart of Silicon Valley, just 40 miles south of San Francisco and adjacent to Mountain View, Sunnyvale, and other thriving urban centers. Los Altos is primarily a residential community, with boutique retail districts featuring local small businesses a short walk from any home. The city remains an enclave in a sea of development, the perfect spot for a retirement retreat!
The history of modern Los Altos dates back to 1906, when a Southern Pacific Railroad executive and friends purchased 140 acres of land owned by Sarah Winchester, the widow of the inventor of the Winchester rifle. The group planned a new town to serve the new Southern Pacific Railroad cutoff between Mayfield and Los Gatos and named it Los Altos (Spanish for the heights) because the land was the highest on that cutoff.
LOS ALTOS BY THE NUMBERS
Population: 30,527
Median age: 45.9
Median household income: $208,309
Median property value: $4.16M
#OrchardLife
From its beginnings in 1908, Los Altos was recognized as one of the premier apricot producing centers of the world. Sadly, those famous orchards gradually became tracts to house the huge influx of people moving to this area after World War II. Learn more
#PetsOnParade
The Los Altos Pet Parade has been among the most beloved traditional community events since its inception in 1948. Dogs and cats have always been the most popular entries, but other featured pets have ranged from ponies and exotic llamas to white mice and even spiders!
Where to Go: Chic’s Picks
Rancho San Antonio Preserve & County Park – Rancho San Antonio features over 23 miles of hiking, bicycling, and equestrian trails. The 3,988-acre open space preserve, combined with an adjoining 165-acre county park, offers visitors a unique experience with a sampling of diverse environments, interesting cultural history, and a variety of activities.
Los Altos History Museum – Located in one of the few remaining apricot orchards of Santa Clara Valley, the Los Altos History Museum explores the rich history of local people and how the use of the land over time has transformed the agricultural paradise once known as the “Valley of Heart’s Delight” into the high tech hub of Silicon Valley.
Redwood Grove Nature Preserve – This 6-acre facility is home to the Los Altos Recreation Department's popular Redwood Grove Summer Camp and includes picnic tables, a boardwalk, observation decks, a hillside trail, and rose garden. The City partnered with Grassroots Ecology to restore the native habitat within the park, through working with community volunteers.
WHAT TO EAT, DRINK & HANG
Los Altos Grill – This local favorite specializes in classic American cuisine with a Southwestern flare. Specialties include hardwood-grilled tri-tip, barbecue salmon, and rotisserie chicken slow roasted all evening over an open fire!
Rustic House Oyster Bar & Grill – It’s the only restaurant that offers the best and freshest quality seafood in a comfortable, casual and exciting environment. Every meal is masterfully plated and created to awe you with every bite. Visit their website to sample the goods!
Bluestone Lane Los Altos Café – Bluestone’s first sit down cafe in the Bay Area is housed in what used to be the Los Altos train station. This new spot brings locals a brunch and lunch destination inspired by the beautiful Australian coast.
Want to learn more?
Los Altos Town Crier - Local news
