Guide to Living in Lafayette, CA
Lafayette, California is nestled in the hills of Contra Costa County. This part of Northern California is known for its affluent residents, high quality schools, and natural environment. Here you’ll find a unique blend of urban accessibility and suburban charm.
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Living in Lafayette
Lafayette, CA is characterized by close community, spacious homes and quiet, tree-lined streets. It is an ideal place in Northern California for families and professionals. Lafayette residents have access to a variety of trails, parks and open spaces, offering plenty of opportunity for outdoor activities. For example, the Lafayette-Moraga Regional Trail is a popular choice for joggers, walkers and cyclists. Or, try the Lafayette Reservoir if fishing or boating is more for you!
Residents can also spend a weekend afternoon in downtown Lafayette. There, you’ll find a wide variety of gourmet restaurants, cafes and shops.
Schools in Lafayette
The school system in Lafayette is highly regarded. Schools in these districts regularly rank among the best, not only in Northern California, but in the entire state. Students have access to strong academic programs, plenty of extracurricular activities and supportive communities.
Here are three notable school in the Lafayette region:
- Lafayette Elementary School is known for an active community of parents and strong academics
- Stanley Middle School is known for a variety of extracurricular programs including sports, arts and music
- Acalanes High School is notable for a high quality college preparatory program, strong athletics and diverse extracurriculars
Residents also have access to private schools in the town of Lafayette, CA.
Population and Size
As of the most recent census, there are 26,000 residents living in Lafayette. In all, the town covers about 15 square miles and provides a low-density, spacious living environment for residents. There are about 1,730 people per square mile.
Cost of Living
Lafayette, CA has a cost of living that is significantly higher than national averages, partly due to higher property values. While housing is the most substantial part of the high cost of living in Lafayette, groceries, healthcare and transportation costs also tend to be higher in Lafayette than national averages.
Lafayette residents feel that the quality of school, beautiful surroundings, and generally high quality of life justify the expense of living there.
Things to Do in Lafayette, CA
Lafayette is not the biggest town. But there are a wealth of attractions and activities for visitors and residents, including:
- Lafayette Reservoir: Perfect for fishing, hiking, boating and picnicking, the reservoir is one of the most popular outdoor attractions in Lafayette. Visitors will find a 2.7-mile trail around the reservoir, perfect for walking and jogging.
- Lafayette-Moraga Regional Trail: Bike, hike or ride horses on this 7.65-mile trail for incredible views of the surrounding valleys and hills.
- Downtown Lafayette: Visit downtown Lafayette and explore the variety of restaurants, cafes and shops. There is also a Library and Learning Center where community programs and events are regularly hosted.
- Annual Events: Annual events hosted in Lafayette including the Lafayette Art & Wine Festival, Taste of Lafayette, and the Lafayette Reservoir Run.
- Theatre and Arts: Enjoy local theater productions at the Town Hall Theatre Company of Lafayette.
Additional Information
- Healthcare and Safety: Comprehensive medical services in Lafayette, CA are offered by several facilities including Kaiser Permanente and John Muir Health. Additionally, Lafayette has a reputation for being a very safe place to live with a low crime rate.
- Transportation: The Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system helps connect Lafayette to other areas in the region. With a station located in the city, commuting between areas like San Francisco and Oakland is relatively easy. Motorists can use Highway 24 to visit surrounding areas.
Visit the Lafayette, CA website to learn more or view homes with Vern McCalla, a realtor operating in Lafayette, CA.