Lafayette

Nestled in the rolling hills of the San Francisco Bay Area, the town of Lafayette has plenty to offer. If you’re searching for Bay Area homes for sale, this stunning and lively area of Contra Costa County should absolutely be on your list.

A former agricultural town that was incorporated in 1968, Lafayette today comprises four distinct neighborhoods. Happy Valley is Lafayette’s most distinguished and prestigious neighborhood, while Burton Valley is a small and cozy suburb—the perfect place for families to feel at home. There’s also the rustic and serene neighborhood of Reliez Valley, characterized by green, rolling hills and large oak trees.

Lafayette is home to a variety of properties to suit your needs, whether you’re looking for a large family home or a cozy abode. The Happy Valley neighborhood features large custom homes to traditional single-family residences. Homes in Happy Valley are typically private, located in serene settings with breathtaking views of Mt. Diablo. Single-level California ranch homes are popular in Burton Valley, while contemporary homes and beautifully-restored farmhouses are common in Reliez Valley.

What to Love

• Lots of outdoor recreation

• Close proximity to major cities like San Francisco

• Plenty of parks and trails

• Thriving downtown area

People & Lifestyle

This East Bay suburb boasts a small-town feel that residents adore. There are plenty of recreational activities available for those who want to get out and enjoy the fresh air; walk your dog through a pleasant, green park, or enjoy a brisk jog or bike ride.

Families love Lafayette’s top-rated school system and sense of community. The lively downtown Walnut Creek area is right next door, providing plenty of opportunities for shopping, dining, and entertainment, so there’s always something to do. For commuters, San Francisco is just a short 30-minute trip away.

Dining, Entertainment & Shopping

Downtown Lafayette is packed with awesome opportunities for shopping, dining, and entertainment. There’s always something exciting to enjoy here in town.

Shop small local boutiques like clothing store Venture Quality Goods or children’s retailer Myara Kids. Locals also love to shop at home goods store Indigo and Poppy and luxury home improvement store Luxe Home by Douglah Designs, where you can find everything you need to keep your home looking fabulous.

You can also find great restaurants in Downtown Lafayette, including RÊVE Bistro, which serves upscale French bistro classics, relaxed yet chic The Hideout Kitchen, and Locanda Positano, a trendy Italian restaurant serving delicious Neapolitan flatbreads and other delicacies.

Things to Do

If you’re looking for exciting things to do, downtown Lafayette is your best bet! Along with a plethora of townhomes and apartments, this area hosts fun events and activities.

Enjoy the seasonal farmers’ market from May through August, where local vendors sell a variety of fresh produce. In May, residents can enjoy local school bands performing at the Lafayette Reservoir for Concert at the Rez, and in the summer, the town hosts a family-friendly Rock the Plaza picnic event at the downtown Lafayette Plaza.

Residents enjoy spending time at the Lafayette Library and Learning Center. There’s also the Lafayette Reservoir, conveniently located and perfect for hiking, walking, fishing, boating, or picnicking. Burton Valley is situated near the Lafayette-Moraga Regional Trail, and families love to spend time at the local swimming pool. Looking to get away for the weekend? Highway 24 and BART are close by, providing easy ways to travel in and out of the area.

Schools

Lafayette is also known for its stellar school system. Local children can attend Happy Valley Elementary, Spring Hill Elementary, or the top-rated Burton Valley Elementary before moving on to Stanley Middle School and Acalanes Union High School.