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Los Altos, CA

Frequently asked questions

Los Altos, CA

Los Altos is a city in Santa Clara County, California, in the San Francisco Bay Area. The population was 31,625 according to the 2020 census.

Most of the city's growth occurred between 1950 and 1980. Originally an agricultural town with many summer cottages and apricot orchards, Los Altos is now an affluent bedroom community on the western edge of Silicon Valley, serving as a major source of commuters to other parts of Silicon Valley. Los Altos strictly limits commercial zones to the downtown area and small shopping and office parks lining Foothill Expressway and El Camino Real.

The area was originally called "Banks and Braes". Paul Shoup, an executive of the Southern Pacific Railroad, and his colleagues formed the Altos Land Company in 1906 and started the development of Los Altos. The company acquired 140 acres (57 ha) of land from Sarah Winchester. Shoup wanted to link Palo Alto and Los Gatos by making Los Altos a commuter town. It continued a train-a-day operation to and from San Francisco.

In 1908, Southern Pacific Railroad began running steam train service through Los Altos (April 19, 1908) with five trains per day. Two freight cars served as a train depot. Also, the first commercial building, Eschenbruecher's Hardware, was built downtown. In 1913, the craftsman-style Los Altos train station was built at 288 First Street.

Los Altos is bordered by Los Altos Hills to the west, Palo Alto to the west and northwest, Mountain View to the northwest and northeast, Sunnyvale to the east, and Cupertino to the southeast.

Los Altos is crossed by three creeks that flow north to San Francisco Bay, Adobe Creek on its western boundary, Stevens Creek on its eastern boundary, and Permanente Creek in the middle. Hale Creek is tributary to Permanente Creek, and Permanente Creek is now largely diverted to Stevens Creek by a diversion channel. All three creeks originate on the flanks of Black Mountain.

Los Altos emphasizes health and wellness. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the Los Altos Recreation and Community Services Department offers. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include Snap Fitness, Pilates, and Jazzercise Los Altos Community Center Fitness. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Los Altos, such as the Hidden Villa and the Foothills Nature Preserve. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

The top sites in Los Altos, CA are the Los Altos History Museum, Redwood Grove Nature Preserve, and Shoup Park. 

Population: 31,625 (2020). ZIP code: 94024. Area code: 650. Elevation: 157 ft (48 m). Area: 6.54 sq mi (16.94 km2).

FAQs

Is Los Altos, CA expensive?

Los Altos, California's cost of living is 195% higher than the national average. Los Altos's housing expenses are 690% higher than the national average and the utility prices are 9% higher than the national average. Transportation expenses like bus fares and gas prices are 24% higher than the national average.

Is Los Altos, CA a good place to live?

Los Altos is in Santa Clara County and is one of the best places to live in California. Living in Los Altos offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Los Altos there are a lot of restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. Many retirees live in Los Altos and residents tend to have moderate political views. 

What is Los Altos, CA crime rate?

The crime rate in Los Altos is considerably higher than the national average across all communities in America from the largest to the smallest, although at 13 crimes per one thousand residents, it is not among the communities with the very highest crime rate. The chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Los Altos is 1 in 79. Based on FBI crime data, Los Altos is not one of the safest communities in America. Relative to California, Los Altos has a crime rate that is higher than 31% of the state's cities and towns of all sizes.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Los Altos

Los Altos’s Recreation and Community Services Department

Snap Fitness

Pilates

Jazzercise Los Altos Community Center Fitness

Hidden Villa 

Foothills Nature Preserve

Los Altos History Museum

Redwood Grove Nature Preserve

Shoup Park

Payscale

Niche

Neighborhoodscout

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