Los Altos Hills 68 Good
Los Altos Hills Livability #294 ranked city in California#9,738 ranked city in the USARanks better than 66% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Los Altos Hills

PROS
  • Crime 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 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 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 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.

  • Ratings Ratings

    Local residents have positive feedback regarding the convenience of amenities, parks, public transit, the friendliness of neighbors, the strong sense of community, and the overall safety of the area.

CONS
  • Amenities Amenities

    It appears that many amenities may not be conveniently situated within walking distance, potentially necessitating the use of a vehicle or public transit.

  • Commute Commute

    Commuters in this area may experience longer-than-average work commute times due to limited public transportation access.

  • Cost Of Living 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.

What's it like Living in Los Altos Hills?

Located in the state of California, Los Altos Hills is a small city with a population of 8,670 inhabitants. Los Altos Hills is considered to be a city with an aging population. The average age of all residents is 52, which is well beyond the United States median age average. Long travel times to work can be one of the most frustrating things in the world - right behind housework! If you decide that living in Los Altos Hills is the right fit for you, your one way commute time will average 28 minutes, which is about average when compared to the national commute time of 26 minutes.

Without the right tools, relocating to any new city can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Los Altos Hills, California could be a good experience for anyone who puts in the effort to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. The best areas in Los Altos Hills and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from cost of living, commute, education, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the California and national averages.

With a livability score of 67 out of 100, Los Altos Hills is ranked #9,357 in the United States and #306 in California. If we examine each of the categories individually, we see that Los Altos Hills ranks well for crime (A+) and education (A+). There is at least one category that did not score well in Los Altos Hills. The following was graded with a concerning score: amenities (F), cost of living (F) and housing (D).

Crime rates can be the deciding factor for anyone looking to relocate to a new area, as the result is often a greater level of safety and security as well as an improved quality of life. Los Altos Hills gets top scores for their low violent crime rates of 49 crimes per 100,000 residents, which are significantly lower than the national average.

The unemployment rate in Los Altos Hills has consistently declined over the years and currently stands well below the national average at 1.2%. This downward trend holds the potential to reduce poverty and inequality within the region, promote higher wage levels and stimulate greater economic growth. Such positive indicators signal the overall robust health of the local economy, offering a promising outlook for its residents and fostering an environment of financial well-being and prosperity.

Test scores serve as a vital gauge of a school's academic prowess and the proficiency of its students. They play a pivotal role in assessing whether local schools can deliver a robust educational foundation for children. In Los Altos Hills, the schools boast an impressive average test score of 87%, significantly higher than the national average. This outstanding academic achievement not only reflects the excellence of the local educational system, but also indicates the potential for students to thrive academically, making it an attractive destination for families seeking a high-quality education for their children.

There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Los Altos Hills is actually affordable. The median home price for Los Altos Hills homes is $3,589,632, which is 390.6% higher than the California average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Los Altos Hills, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 9.6, which is 24.7% higher than the California average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Los Altos Hills

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      Los Altos Hills transportation information

      Statistic Los Altos Hills California National
      Average one way commute28min28min26min
      Workers who drive to work66.3%73.5%76.4%
      Workers who carpool3.4%10.6%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.5%5.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle1.6%1.1%0.6%
      Workers who walk1.7%2.7%2.8%
      Working from home25.0%5.4%4.6%
      Source: The Los Altos Hills, CA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.