Welcome to Lafayette
Lafayette is located on 15 square miles in Contra Costa County, one of nine counties of the San Francisco Bay Area. The City was incorporated in 1968, although settlement of the area began in 1848. Lafayette is noted for its high quality of life with top rated schools, low crime rate, small town downtown, clean air, mild climate and oak tree-studded hills. Located between Berkeley and Walnut Creek, Lafayette has its own Bay Area Rapid Transit station (BART) and is only a 25 minute BART ride from San Francisco.
Happy Valley
The acclaimed Happy Valley Elementary School serves as the anchor of this prestigious Lafayette neighborhood. The style of homes here is varied - with single level ranchers, sprawling estates, or hilltop contemporaries being common. The proximity to downtown Lafayette, BART, the Lafayette Reservoir, Oakwood Athletic Club, and excellent schools makes this area a desirable place to call home.
Burton Valley
The most traditional suburban of Lafayette’s neighborhoods, single-level ranch homes are the most common style found here. A strong feeling of community permeates and the mostly flat streets and walking trails make outdoor activities a prime focus. Near the Lafayette Community Center, ball fields, St. Mary’s College, and fantastic schools all contribute to the charm of this neighborhood.
Downtown Lafayette
The most diverse selection of housing in Lafayette can be found in this neighborhood; condominiums are plentiful and many are within walking distance to BART and Mt. Diablo Blvd’s lively restaurant and shopping scene. Single-family residences in various sizes can also be found, many within walking distance to Lafayette Elementary, Stanley Middle Schools, the Lafayette Reservoir, and trails.
Reliez Valley
Called Lafayette’s most “rural” neighborhood, Reliez Valley is home to Springhill Elementary School, Acalanes High School, Briones Regional Park, scenic walking and biking trails. Homes here vary in size, acreage, and style - pastoral living in a beautiful setting, located among the hills and valley floor. Baywood, a sought after gated community of 90 homes, is also located here.
