Welcome to Los Altos Hills

A rural, prestigious foothill community at the edge of Silicon Valley.

Los Altos Hills is one of the most exclusive residential towns in California — and one of the most consistently ranked among the wealthiest small towns in the country. Roughly 8,000 residents live across rolling hills covering nearly nine square miles, with most homes sitting on parcels of one acre or more behind gates, hedges, and long private driveways.

The town's earliest known residents were the Ohlone people, whose remains and artifacts have been documented across the hills. The land itself was originally part of two large Spanish ranchos — the 4,436-acre Rancho La Purissima Concepción and the 4,438-acre Rancho San Antonio — divided by Adobe Creek. After the ranchos were broken up, the land hosted vineyards, then fruit orchards as part of the region's "Valley of Heart's Delight" era.

Los Altos Hills incorporated on January 27, 1956, specifically to preserve its rural, low-density character. Today the town remains exclusively residential — there are no commercial businesses within town limits — and continues to enforce its defining one-acre minimum lot size, no sidewalks, no street lights, and no curbs in residential areas. The result is a quiet, country-like atmosphere just minutes from Apple, Google, Stanford, and the rest of Silicon Valley.

What to Love

Local Lifestyle

The lifestyle here is defined by space, privacy, and natural beauty. Most homes sit at the end of long driveways, framed by oaks, redwoods, and rolling hillsides — many with sweeping views across Silicon Valley to the bay. The town has a robust pathway system used daily by walkers, runners, cyclists, and equestrians, and several neighborhoods have private community centers, swim and tennis clubs, or equestrian facilities.

Despite the rural feel, the town is just minutes from downtown Los Altos, downtown Mountain View, and Stanford — meaning residents have walking-distance access to the dining and shopping of Main Street Los Altos and a short drive to the rest of Silicon Valley.

Dining, Entertainment, & Shopping

Los Altos Hills has no commercial businesses within its town limits — by design. Residents instead walk, bike, or drive a few minutes to downtown Los Altos's Main Street and State Street Market for restaurants, boutiques, and the Los Altos Farmers' Market. Downtown Mountain View, the Stanford Shopping Center, and the dining and venture-capital corridor along Sand Hill Road are also within an easy 10-15 minute drive.

For longtime locals, Foothill College on El Monte Road is a cultural anchor — with the Smithwick Theatre, the Krause Center for Innovation, Foothill Observatory, and one of the most beautiful community college campuses in the state.

Things to Do

The town's defining feature is access to open space. Rancho San Antonio County Park and Open Space Preserve, on the western edge of town, offers 23 miles of hiking trails, the historic Deer Hollow Farm, and direct access to the Pacific ridgelines. Westwind Community Barn is a working community barn and equestrian center on town property, with riding lessons, boarding, and seasonal events.

The Town's Pathway System spans more than 75 miles of pedestrian and equestrian trails connecting neighborhoods across the hills. Byrne Preserve, Hidden Villa, and the Foothill Conservation Area add to the network of nearby open space.

For organized recreation, the Los Altos Golf and Country Club and Fremont Hills Country Club are both within town. Town Hall, the Heritage House, and the historic Westwind Barn host community events throughout the year.

Schools

Los Altos Hills' school district assignment depends on address. Students may attend:

Public Schools

Private Schools Nearby