Commute
High scores in the commute category could indicate that this area offers short commute times to work and readily available public transportation options.
Crime
This area is characterized by a crime rate, per 100,000 individuals, that falls well below the national average, indicating its potential as a very safe place to live.
Employment
This area scores extremely well in the employment category. This is primarily due to the combination of low unemployment rates, higher median home income and income per capita.
Health & Safety
Earning a high health and safety score depends on factors such as good air quality and the availability of essential health facilities like hospitals, clinics, doctors, and fire stations.
Schools
A high score in the schools category could be the result of elements like top-notch test scores, high education levels and the convenient location of elementary and high schools in this area.
Cost Of Living
Residents of this area contend with a high cost of living, resulting in increased expenditures for everyday goods and services, housing, utilities and health care.
Los Altos, California is a moderately-sized city with a population of 30,878 people. With a population density of 4,722 people per square mile, Los Altos is well above the nation's average density level. Los Altos is known to be family friendly as more than 72% of the population has already tied the knot. It might also be worth noting that 46% of residents also have children under the age of 18. On a daily basis, the typical American spends approximately 26 minutes on their one-way work commute. Reduced travel times not only contributes to increased overall happiness, but also affords more opportunities to cherish moments with family and friends. If you're living in Los Altos, your commute time will align closely with the national average, spanning a one-way duration of approximately 24 minutes.
Whether you’re relocating to a new city to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Los Altos could be a positive experience compared to other cities in California if you know where to look. Don't forget to determine what matters most to you in a neighborhood. Consider factors such as safety, proximity to work or school, access to amenities (like parks, fitness facilities, grocery stores, restaurants), public transportation options, community atmosphere and the overall vibe you're looking for. With useful information like cost of living, health & safety, employment, housing and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Los Altos and in the areas around Los Altos is a much easier task.
The livability score in Los Altos is 81 out of 100 and the city is ranked in the 96th percentile of all cities across America. This is a phenomenal score, as Los Altos ranks well in multiple categories! Los Altos has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. For each of the livability categories, we can establish that Los Altos ranks very well for amenities (B), crime (A+) and education (A+). There is at least one category that did not score well in Los Altos. The following was graded with a discouraging score: cost of living (F) and housing (F).
Los Altos has many conveniently situated amenities and captivating attractions that adds to the continuous enjoyment of your everyday life. Having the assurance of abundant conveniences and a wide array of activities ensures your easy access to nearby grocery stores, restaurants, bars, fitness facilities, coffee shops and exciting entertainment options. This not only simplifies daily routines but also fosters a vibrant and dynamic lifestyle within the community. With a wealth of resources at your fingertips, you can savor the convenience and variety that Los Altos has to offer, making it a desirable destination for those seeking both accessibility and enjoyment in their daily lives. Some of the more notable entertainment options include: Google Tours, San Andreas Fault Trail, and Bus Barn Stage Company.
Feeling a sense of safety in the area that you live in is a must for most people. Low crime rates can have a positive impact on things like home prices, home appreciation rates and can help foster positive community dynamics and social cohesion. Los Altos has a violent crime rate of 67 crimes per 100,000 residents which is far lower than the national average.
Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In Los Altos, the unemployment rate stands at 2.11%, suggesting increased job opportunities and a heightened demand for workers. This scenario can lead to higher wages, as the demand for employees outpaces job availability. Importantly, a low unemployment rate often signifies a robust and flourishing local economy.
Standardized school test scores offer a valuable benchmark for assessing the quality of educational programs, instructional methods, and curriculum effectiveness. Recognizing that Los Altos schools excel in test scores is a crucial consideration when determining the suitability of this area for residence. The local schools boast an impressive average test score of 86%, significantly higher than the national average. This stellar academic performance not only attests to the excellence of the educational system but also underscores the area's commitment to providing a high-quality education, making Los Altos an appealing choice for those prioritizing their children's educational prospects.
Los Altos real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Los Altos. Median real estate prices in Los Altos come in at $2,000,001, which is 388.6% higher than the California average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Los Altos, the home price to income ratio is 8.3, which is 29.7% higher than the California average.
| Statistic | Los Altos | California | National |
| Average one way commute | 24min | 28min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 71.6% | 73.5% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 5.9% | 10.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 2.6% | 5.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 1.3% | 1.1% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.7% | 2.7% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 17.0% | 5.4% | 4.6% |
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