Los Altos, California
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| Los Altos, California | |
|---|---|
| Name | Los Altos |
| Settlement type | City |
| Pushpin label | Los Altos |
| Coordinates | 37, 22, 5, N... |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | United States |
| Subdivision type1 | State |
| Subdivision name1 | California |
| Subdivision type2 | County |
| Subdivision name2 | Santa Clara |
| Established title | Founded |
| Established date | 1906 |
| Established title2 | Incorporated |
| Established date2 | December 1, 1952 |
| Government type | Council–manager |
| Leader title | Mayor |
| Leader name | Neysa Fligor |
| Leader title1 | City manager |
| Leader name1 | Gabriel Engeland |
| Unit pref | Imperial |
| Area total sq mi | 6.49 |
| Area land sq mi | 6.49 |
| Area water sq mi | 0.00 |
| Area total km2 | 16.81 |
| Area land km2 | 16.81 |
| Area water km2 | 0.00 |
| Elevation ft | 157 |
| Elevation m | 48 |
| Population total | 31384 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population density sq mi | auto |
| Population density km2 | auto |
| Timezone | Pacific |
| Utc offset | −8 |
| Timezone DST | PDT |
| Utc offset DST | −7 |
| Postal code type | ZIP Codes |
| Postal code | 94022–94024 |
| Area code | 650 |
| Blank name | FIPS code |
| Blank info | 06-43280 |
| Blank1 name | GNIS feature IDs |
| Blank1 info | 277548, 2410857 |
| Website | https://www.losaltosca.gov/ |
Los Altos, California. Los Altos is an affluent city in Santa Clara County, situated on the San Francisco Peninsula within the San Francisco Bay Area. Known for its suburban character, top-rated public schools, and proximity to major technology hubs, the city has evolved from a ranch and orchard community into a residential enclave for professionals in Silicon Valley. Its downtown area retains a historic, pedestrian-friendly village atmosphere distinct from the urban centers of nearby San Jose and Palo Alto.
History
The area was originally part of the Rancho San Antonio, a Mexican land grant given to Juan Prado Mesa. In the 1900s, developers Paul Shoup and Sara Winchester of the Southern Pacific Railroad established a town to serve as a commuter suburb for San Francisco. The Los Altos Land Company subdivided the land, promoting it as an ideal location for summer homes and orchards. The city was officially incorporated in 1952, spurred by rapid post-World War II growth and a desire for local control amidst the expansion of neighboring communities like Mountain View. Key historic sites include the Los Altos History Museum, located on the grounds of the former J. Gilbert Smith House.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 6.5 square miles, all of it land. It is bordered by Palo Alto to the north, Mountain View to the east, Los Altos Hills to the south, and Cupertino to the southeast. The city lies in the Santa Clara Valley, with its western edge approaching the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Major thoroughfares include Interstate 280 and State Route 85, while the Union Pacific Railroad line runs through the city.
Demographics
The 2020 United States Census recorded a population of 31,384. The city is characterized by high levels of educational attainment and household income, consistently ranking among the wealthiest communities in the United States. The racial makeup is predominantly non-Hispanic white and Asian American, with significant communities of residents with heritage from India, China, and Iran. The American Community Survey reports a median household income significantly above the state and national averages.
Economy
While primarily a residential community, Los Altos has a professional services and retail-based economy centered around its downtown village. The city is home to the headquarters of several technology and venture capital firms, benefiting from its location within Silicon Valley. Notable companies founded or headquartered in the city have included Intuit, Symantec, and Roku. The Los Altos Chamber of Commerce actively promotes local businesses. The city's property values and tax base are among the highest in Santa Clara County.
Government
Los Altos operates under a council-manager system. The five-member Los Altos City Council is elected at-large to four-year staggered terms; the council selects a mayor from among its members annually. Day-to-day operations are administered by an appointed city manager. The city provides police services through its own Los Altos Police Department and contracts with the Santa Clara County Fire Department for fire protection. The city is part of California's 16th congressional district, represented in the U.S. House by Anna Eshoo.
Education
Public schools are operated by the Los Altos School District and the Mountain View-Los Altos Union High School District. Schools consistently receive top rankings from GreatSchools and the California Department of Education, with Los Altos High School and Mountain View High School serving secondary students. The city is also served by several prestigious private institutions, including Saint Nicholas Catholic School and Pinewood School. The Los Altos Library is part of the Santa Clara County Library District.
Category:Cities in Santa Clara County, California Category:San Francisco Bay Area