Lamorinda Living

Lafayette, California

Discover Lafayette - a vibrant community known for its excellent schools, beautiful downtown, and family-friendly atmosphere.

About Lafayette

Lafayette is a charming suburban city located in Contra Costa County, California. Known for its excellent schools, vibrant downtown area, and strong sense of community, Lafayette offers residents a perfect blend of small-town charm and modern amenities.

Population: ~25,000
Median Home: $1.8M
Top-Rated Schools
Vibrant Downtown
Lafayette downtown area

Neighborhoods

Happy Valley
Family-friendly residential area

Quiet residential neighborhood with excellent schools, parks, and easy access to downtown Lafayette. Popular with families for its safe streets and community feel.

Family-Friendly
Top Schools
Burton Valley
Established neighborhood

Well-established area with mature trees, larger lots, and close proximity to Burton Valley Elementary. Known for its strong neighborhood association.

Mature Trees
Large Lots
Downtown Lafayette
Urban village atmosphere

Walkable downtown core with shops, restaurants, and services. Mix of condos, townhomes, and single-family homes within walking distance of amenities.

Walkable
Mixed Housing

Schools in Lafayette

Elementary Schools

Lafayette Elementary School

K-5 • Excellent API scores • Strong parent involvement

Burton Valley Elementary

K-5 • STEM focus • Award-winning programs

Happy Valley Elementary

K-5 • Arts integration • Community garden

Secondary Schools

Stanley Middle School

6-8 • California Distinguished School • Strong athletics

Acalanes High School

9-12 • Top 1% nationally • Excellent college prep

Recreation & Parks

Lafayette Reservoir

Popular recreation area with walking/jogging trails, fishing, and beautiful views. Perfect for outdoor activities and family outings.

Buckeye Fields

Sports complex with baseball diamonds, soccer fields, and playgrounds. Home to many youth sports leagues and community events.

Briones Regional Park

Nearby regional park offering hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and panoramic views of the Bay Area. Great for nature enthusiasts.

Local Amenities

Shopping & Dining

• Downtown Lafayette - boutiques, cafes, restaurants

• Lafayette Park Hotel & Spa

• Whole Foods Market

• Local farmers market (Thursdays)

• Numerous family restaurants and cafes

Services & Transportation

• Lafayette BART Station

• Lafayette Library & Learning Center

• John Muir Medical Center nearby

• Easy Highway 24 access

• County Connection bus service