Town, Santa Clara County
© McCormack's Guides
Zip Codes: 94022, 94024
Most
prestigious city in Santa Clara County. Home to many of Silicon Valley's bosses
and bigwigs. Small and essentially built-out. www.mccormacks.com
Located in
hills and valleys above Silicon Valley. One of the lowest crime rates in state.
Many mansions and custom homes. No business (except for private schools), no
commercial. Town started off as a place for wealthy San Franciscans to escape
summer fog.
Several
years ago, the Associated Press analyzed STAR scores of fourth- and
eighth-graders throughout the state. Los Altos Elementary District was first in
reading in both grades, and first in math at the eighth grade, and second in
math for the fourth grade. High schools also score very high. Bonds passed to
improve and rebuild schools; parcel tax passed to keep up instructional quality
and retain electives.
Click for regional or detailed map
Some
streets are located in the Palo Alto Unified School District, which also has
some of the highest-scoring schools in the state. Check with Realtors or call
school districts for attendance boundaries. See Schools.
In 2003,
the elementary district closed the last public school in Los Altos Hills, an
action that did not sit well with many residents, even those who did not have
children in the school. The school was sort of a community center for Los Altos
Hills.
Opponents
countered by starting a charter school, now located in Los Altos, but with
hopes that it will be relocated to Los Altos Hills. Lawyers were called in and
arguments have persisted. www.mccormacks.com
With a new
superintendent at the helm, the district is refurbishing the closed school and
will reopen it in 2008. The hope is to mollify the community, get them to drop
the charter and return to the old setup.
One news
story said that about 40 percent of Los Altos Hills kids attend private
schools. Two private schools in Los Altos Hills, about six in Los Altos.
Minimum
one-acre lots. Valley views. Trees overhang roads, creating tunnels of leaves
and branches. Some mansions hide behind walls and shrubs.
Los Altos
Hills faces two directions. Homes on the east side look toward the Bay and
Stanford University. Homes on the west look toward the coastal mountains,
heavily wooded. In its terrain, from east to west, the city goes up, then down
and up again and in some areas down again. Along first valley, near the
freeway, you'll find corrals and riding stables.
In the
1980s, the city increased its population by 93 people and in the 1990s by about
400. The 2000 census counted 7,902 inhabitants and in 2008 the state estimated
the population at 8,837. How that's for slow
growth! www.mccormacks.com
Large
unincorporated neighborhood to south of town. Also upscale. Managed by
residents through homeowner association.
City has
issued handbook spelling out what Los Altos Hills would like to see —
homes that fit in, heed neighbors’ wishes, etc. Down through the years, newcomers
and old-timers have clashed on tearing down older homes and replacing them with
larger homes.
It might
seem that the old guard has the edge on this argument; many of the older homes
are nicely done. But a fair number are modest in size and ordinary in design,
usually ranchers. The new homes favor more windows and natural light, modern
wiring, living and family rooms designed around entertainment centers, walk-in
closets, and bathrooms-showers that you never want to leave. Both sides favor
the tasteful (but taste can be defined in a number of ways).
Housing
units in 2008 numbered 3,124, of which 3,060 were single homes, 32 single
attached, 26 multiples, 6 mobile. Many homes go for millions.
Many homes
have pools and tennis courts, some have horses grazing out back. About 63 miles
of paths — used for walking and jogging, horses and bikes — wander
through the town and irritate a few who think the routes step on their privacy.
The town has a map of the paths; check it out. www.mccormacks.com
Ride-a-thons to save open space on
ridges. Law protects redwoods, oaks, large trees. Fremont Hills Country Club:
pool, 10 tennis courts, riding facility, golf. Two other golf courses nearby.
Foothill Community College adds life to cultural scenes and offers many
activities for the public.
Palo Alto
borders Los Altos Hills. Short drive to movies, plays, delights of Stanford.
Interstate 280, which bisects the town, soothes the nerves, a scenic freeway.
Zero homicides between 1994 and 2005.
An
intimate town. Stable. Residents
know one another. Highest percentage (79) of married households in the county.
Getting
older. Median age 47. Those over 55 make up 33 percent of the town, those under
18 account for 24 percent. www.mccormacks.com
New town
hall opened in 2005, a “green” building with solar panels and shrubs requiring
little water.
Chamber of
commerce shared with Los Altos (650) 948-1455.
City web site:
www.losaltoshills.ca.gov
