Lafayette is an affluent East Bay community known for its excellent schools, charming downtown, and semi-rural atmosphere. Part of the prestigious Lamorinda area, it offers families a high quality of life with top-rated education, beautiful open spaces, and a strong sense of community.
Living in Lafayette means enjoying one of the East Bay's most family-oriented communities. The Acalanes Union High School District consistently ranks among California's best, and Lafayette's elementary schools draw families from throughout the region. The town's outdoor amenities include the Lafayette Reservoir, a scenic spot for walking, picnicking, and fishing, and access to extensive East Bay Regional Park District trails. The Lafayette Community Center and numerous sports programs support active family lifestyles. Downtown's restaurants and shops create a walkable village atmosphere, while the Sunday farmers market serves as a community gathering place. Despite its family focus, Lafayette has evolved to include empty-nesters attracted by its beauty, safety, and community feel. BART service from Lafayette station provides a 35-minute commute to downtown San Francisco, while reverse commuters can easily reach Walnut Creek's business district or continue to Silicon Valley via Highway 680.
Living in this Neighborhood
Lafayette occupies approximately 15 square miles of gently rolling hills and valleys in Contra Costa County, just east of the Berkeley Hills. The town developed as a railroad stop in the late 1800s and evolved into a residential community as highways and BART made commuting feasible. Today, Lafayette's roughly 26,000 residents enjoy a distinctive combination of suburban convenience and semi-rural character. Many properties feature larger lots than typical suburban homes, some including horse facilities or significant acreage. Downtown Lafayette has developed into an attractive destination, with restaurants, shops, and services clustered around Mount Diablo Boulevard. The Lafayette-Moraga Regional Trail, built on a former railroad right-of-way, connects the town to neighboring Moraga and provides a popular recreational corridor. Lafayette's location provides stunning views of Mount Diablo while remaining accessible to San Francisco via BART or Highway 24.
Real Estate Snapshot
Median home price in 2025: $2.2 million
Price per square foot (2025): ~$800
Average days on market: 16
Market trends: Most competitive with strong buyer demand
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