Los Altos,
California is an exclusive community located just forty miles south of San
Francisco. While it is replete with upscale homes and shopping districts, the
town has a small-town feel and year round activities that focus on family and
community. Los Altos supports a population of approximately 30,000 residents,
whose average age is 44. The majority of these are employed in the Silicon Valley
as executives, managers, engineers and entrepreneurs. The median household income
in the area far exceeds the national average at $108,740 per year. Housing prices
are typical for an upscale Bay Area community, with the median at $983,000.
The Los Altos public schools are exceedingly superior. All eight schools in the
district are ranked in the top twenty schools in California. They are all California
Distinguished Schools, and two are National Blue Ribbon Schools. The Associated
Press reports that, for the past several years, the district has ranked number one
in the state for its standardized test scores. As early as elementary school,
students are instructed by specialists in music, art and technology. In middle
school, students can choose to learn one of two foreign languages offered, as well
as computer programming, art, music, drama, and journalism.
The Downtown district of Los Altos has an architecturally appealing blend of historic
and modern buildings. The unique facades and stellar landscaping make it a great
place for shopping, strolling or sitting in a sidewalk cafe. With over 150 shops
and boutiques, this six-block region is the place to find just about any specialty
item.
Downtown is also where you will find the weekly Farmers' Market each Thursday. Like
many other parts of the country, shoppers can purchase fresh flowers and organic
produce. But the Los Altos Farmers' Market takes al fresco shopping to a new level.
There are children's activities, live entertainment, and chef demonstrations.
Tables and chairs are set up so that shoppers can sit and relax, or munch some of
the specialty foods offered. Here, weary shoppers can also refresh with a wine
tasting. They even have the option to do their marketing via the "shop with a chef"
program.
There are a wealth of community festivals offered throughout the year. As a special
offering to the town's children, the Mayfest is filled with family fun. The event
starts with the Pet Parade, featuring the town's children and their pets. The
Festival of Lights Parade kicks off the Christmas holiday season. Main and State
streets fill with floats and storybook characters in costume while the quaint
downtown center is illuminated with thousands of white lights.
One of the most popular events each year is the Downtown Los Altos Arts and Wine
Festival. This is a two day event displaying original artwork from over 400
artists. Three stages are erected for live music and street performers delight
attendees. Booths are set up with gourmet food samples and, of course, premium
wines. This event draws over 100,000 visitors to the region, and has been ranked
one of the top festivals in the nation.
For outdoor activities, residents flock to the Midpeninsula Open Space District.
This area has over two hundred miles of trails for hiking, biking and horseback
riding. Hidden Villa offers a 1,600 acre farm and wilderness preservation in the
Los Altos Hills. Or you can join up with the Los Altos Masters Swim Club, which
offers lap and team swimming for people of any age.
Los Altos is one of the most pleasant communities in the nation. It is a perfect
retreat for busy professionals, whether single or raising a family. It has an
exclusive yet friendly environment, where neighbors stop to chat as they walk
down Main Street.
If you're thinking of moving to Los Altos, California, our relocation packet is yours for the asking!
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