Los Altos Real Estate Blog

Loyola Corners started out as a train stop, one of five in Los Altos, on the Southern Pacific Railway line.  Back in the early 20th century, it had a bustling business district along with a few homes and lots of orchards - a staple in the area.  When Los Altos incorporated in 1952, the focus shifted to building the downtown business district and the make-up of the neighborhood changed to become more residential.  The small neighborhood directly behind the business district is unique in that is has many small cottage-style homes on two streets and a very compact, rural-country feel.  The other nearby areas experienced significant development in the 1960s as the Foothill Expressway underpass was built and residential streets were built up on Manor, Clinton, and Altos Oaks.

 

 

If you look at the Loyola neighborhood, it's almost a compact little town all unto itself.  It has a business district, residential areas, a park and fire station all within a 1.5 square mile space.  In fact, it often gets noticed in the national media when studies are done on high value neighborhoods.  The area is a census-designated place which is often treated as a distinct town instead of included with Los Altos.  As such, it gets more coverage in the media that any other neighborhood in Los Altos.

The business zone is actually quite large and has a wide range of services that have varied widely over the years.  Only a handful of businesses have survived the ups and downs of the local economy in the last 30 years.  The Bicycle Outfitter is the only retail business, besides the gas station, that has been in continuous business.  It is a local staple and a major destination for cycling enthusiasts all over Silicon Valley.  On weekends, you'll often see large groups of cyclists gathering there to head down Foothill Expressway on a long ride.

Another long-time business presence is Tom's Diner, at the corner of Fremont and A Street.  That building has always been a restaurant.  I remember going there when I was a kid, biking all the way up Fremont Road to stop in for a burger.  It was an adventure as a 10-year old to ride there on my own from my home on Parma.  The place has always been a destination for locals with classic burgers, shakes, and fries served in an old-fashioned diner. 

As Loyola Corners has evolved over the last few decades it has lost some classics including The Echo, a restaurant that overlooked the creek, Excel Pool Shop, a tutoring shop, Loyola Liquors, and many others.  There is a revitalization group that has looked at improvements to bring the area back and help it thrive as it has in the past.  Residents aren't complaining though.  As long as it keeps it's quaint character, they're happy.

The neighborhoods has experienced significant redevelopment in recent years with Manor Way getting the most attention.  Several estate quality homes have been built in the last few years including a group of four new luxury homes at the corner of Miramonte and Manor Way.  Even in the cozy neighborhood along Elaine Ave has seen some exciting additions.  One home built a few years ago is a state-of-the-art 2 story home designed to withstand any earthquake.  Over a half-dozen new homes are currently being built in the neighborhood.

The video tour offers a comprehensive view of the Loyola Corners neighborhood including the business district and residential areas.  If you're considering relocating to Los Altos, I highly recommend looking at the video to get some perspective of the area.  To arrange a personal tour, feel free to give me a call.



FAST HOME FACTS
AVERAGE 2011 HOME PRICE: $1,417,500 (RANGE: $1,220,000-$1,615,000) 1 PENDING AT $4,495,000
SIZE OF AVERAGE HOME SOLD:  2298 square feet
AVERAGE PRICE PER SQUARE FOOT: $616.84
AVERAGE AGE OF HOMES SOLD:  61 Years
HOMES SOLD: 2


NEARBY SERVICES
PRESCHOOLS: Children's House of Los Altos, 770 Berry Ave
PUBLIC SCHOOLS: Loyola Elementary, Blach Intermediate Schoo, Mountain View High School
PRIVATE SCHOOLS: Pinewood School Lower Campus at 327 & 477 Fremont Ave, St. Simons at 1840 Grant Road
CLOSEST FIRE STATION: 765 Fremont Ave.
CLOSEST HOSPITAL: El Camino Hospital, 2500 Grant Road, Mountain View
LIBRARY: Los Altos Library, Main Branch, 13 S. San Antonio Road
PARKS NEARBY: McKenzie Park at 707 Fremont Ave and Heritage Oaks Park at Miramonte and Portland Ave
POST OFFICE: Loyola Corners, 1525 Miramonte Ave
SHOPPING: Loyola Corners, Rancho Shopping Center

A guide to the Los Altos neighborhood - Old Los Altos

The Old Los Altos neighborhood is so named because it sat right across the street from where the old train station used to be.  Before Foothill Expressway was even a dream, a train line running up and down the San Francisco Peninsula used to have at the corner of Foothill Expressway and Main Street.  In fact, that location is now occupied by Maria's Antiques which retains some of the feel of the old train station with an old train car outside.  Across from that station on University Avenue running parallel to those tracks was the beginning of Los Altos.  In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Los Altos was a destination for the wealthy to go during the summer months.  It was this pedigree that helped establish Los Altos, and the Old Los Altos neighborhood, as a prime destination on the peninsula.

 

The Old Los Altos neighborhood is bound by Foothill Expressway, El Monte Road, Edith Avenue, O'Keefe Lane, and Adobe Creek.  It has a sort of "L" shape to it with most of the housing in the area along University Avenue and Foothill.  The streets are mostly a gentle curve with University, Orange, and Palm Avenues all running parallel curves to each other.  This makes the streets all seem a little more quaint and rural.  They're also relatively wide, in keeping with the rest of Los Altos.  The streets have proper sidewalks which is rare in Los Altos but lends the area to being excellent work walking.  The proximity to downtown Los Altos (aka "The Village") makes the Old Los Altos neighborhood a high-demand area.  I sold a house on University Avenue last year for $2.6 million that was a rare find.

The mix of homes available is very wide, from small cottages to large estate homes with an eclectic mix of styles.  The Old Los Altos Neighborhood has both classic architectures (including an old estate home at the corner of Main Street (Burke Road) and University that has been an icon of Los Altos luxury for decades.  In the same neighborhood you'll also find contemporary, ultra-modern homes with a distinctive mix of concrete and wood, a Cotswald-style home, mediterranean, ranch, colonial, and many other styles.  In my opinion, this neighborhood has the best blend on architectural styles of any neighborhood in Los Altos.

 

 

 

 

 

The largest concentration of parks is in the Old Los Altos Neighborhood, with Lincoln Park, Shoup Park, and Redwood Grove all located off of University Avenue.  This is the only neighborhood where a park is within walking distance of every resident which is another huge bonus.  In fact, Lincoln Park is host to the "Art in the Park" event every year which is convenient to walk to - no parking needed!  Of course, having playgrounds and picnic facilities so close to home adds to the long list of benefits to living in Old Los Altos.  You can read more about each of these parks in "The Definitive Guide to Los Altos Parks".

With the demand to live in Old Los Altos, the neighborhood is a prime target for builders.  There has been significant new construction in recent years including several new homes along University Avenue.  While there are no empty lots left, any time an old home comes on the market, builders are coming in to put up larger and more elaborate estates.  The biggest lots are on University across from Lincoln Park.  The smaller lots are mainly on Lincoln, Palm, and Orange Avenues.  As such, it's likely that the smaller cottage homes will remain a fixture in the neighborhood because the Los Altos building codes will limit the size of a home with a small lot.

Children living in Old Los Altos attend Covington Elementary School, Egan Middle School, and Los Altos High School.  Of course, there are also many private school options nearby as well with st. Nicholas and Pinewood being the two closest.  While Covington Elementary is within walking distance of some of the residents, it is too far away for most of the neighbors and walking requires going through the Foothill/El Monte intersection - one of the busiest intersections in Los Altos.  Both Egan and Los Altos High are too far away to walk to.

The video tour of the Old Los Altos neighborhood shows select photos of a fine homes on a few of the major streets as well as a few views up and down major streets to give you a sense of the make-up of the area.  There are pictures of homes from University, Orange, and Palm drives.  If you want to see more videos, give me a call and I'll be happy to send you links to a longer tour of the area. 

FAST HOME FACTS
AVERAGE 2011 HOME PRICE: $1,746,385 (RANGE: $1,220,000-$1,615,000) 1 PENDING AT $1,575,000, 2 ACTIVE OVER $3 MILLION
SIZE OF AVERAGE HOME SOLD:  2,599 square feet
AVERAGE PRICE PER SQUARE FOOT: $671.95
AVERAGE AGE OF HOMES SOLD:  49 Years
HOMES SOLD IN 2011: 5


NEARBY SERVICES
PUBLIC SCHOOLS: Covington Elementary, Egan Intermediate Schoo, Los Altos High School
PRIVATE SCHOOLS: Pinewood School Lower Campus at 327 & 477 Fremont Ave, Los Altos Christian School at 625 Magdalena Ave
CLOSEST FIRE STATION: Corner of Almond Avenue and San Antonio Road
CLOSEST HOSPITAL: El Camino Hospital, 2500 Grant Road, Mountain View
LIBRARY: Los Altos Library, Main Branch, 13 S. San Antonio Road
PARKS NEARBY: Lincoln Park, Shoup Park, and Redwood Grove all along University Avenue
POST OFFICE: Loyola Corners, 1525 Miramonte Ave
SHOPPING: Downtown Los Altos (within walking distance)

Los Altos Neighborhood Tour - Old Los Altos

Copyright 2011 - Bryan Robertson

Los Altos has many parks where residents can enjoy a peaceful, tree sheltered picnic area, a round of tennis, or playground for the kids.  There are 11 parks in Los Altos and the Redwood Grove Nature Preserve.  In addition, may residents use the local schools as destinations for exercise and recreation.  In fact, nearly all local sporting events (soccer, baseball, etc) are held at one of the schools.  The guide below outlines what services are available at each park along with pictures to give you an idea of what is there.  You can check with the city to find out if there are any special events happening at any park on a particular day.

North Los Altos Parks

Hillview Park - Located at 97 Hillview Avenue
This is a massive park with lots of space for major events but it's not the typical park.  It is host to many soccer tournaments, concerts, and other special events throughout the year.  While the perfect venue for such activites, it doesn't have benches, tables, or BBQ pits like other Los Altos parks.  If you want to play sports, this is the ideal park for you.  This park also offers a playground, baseball diamond, and rental facilities at the nearby Hillview Community Center.  It is conveniently located within walking distance of downtown Los Altos and adjacent to the the Bus Barn Theater and the Los Altos Public Library Main Branch.
SERVICES:  Large grassy space, plenty of parking, restrooms

 

 

 

Village Park - Located at the corner of San Antonio and Edith
This is a small park effectively in downtown with a bit of grassy open space and benches to rest and watch the people go by.  It's really more of just an open space area to add to the ambiance found throughout Los Altos.  While technically a park, it's not a destination for any activities and is used primarily by immediately local residents.
SERVICES: Benches

Central Los Altos Parks

Covington Mini Park - Located at the end of Rosita Avenue
This small park is being replaced by the Rosita Park and is currently under construction.  This section will be updated once the work is done.  The old park offered tennis courts, a play structure, benches, paths, and a small parcourse.  These will be retained and improved in the new park.  An update to this article will include photos and more descriptions.

Rosita Park - Located at the end of Rosita Avenue
This small park is located where an old church used to exist.  All it had was a baseball diamond and some open space for soccer and other sports.  It is undergoing a major renovation along with the Covington Mini Park. This section will be updated once the work is done.

McKenzie Park - Located at 707 Fremont Avenue
There are two separate sections to this park, a small section that faces Fremont Avenue and another larger space at the end of Clinton Road.  The Fremont section of the park includes tennis courts, a play structure, open space, and a picnic area with benches and a table.  The Clinton Road section offers more play structures, lots of open space that is used for recreation department activities, walk paths, and lots of large trees to provide ample shade.  Big, old trees that provide lots of shade is a common element to Los Altos parks, especially McKenzie Park.
SERVICES:  Large space, tennis, public restrooms, picnic area, benches, walk-paths, playground

 

 

Heritage Oaks Park - Located at the corner of Portland and McKenzie Avenues
This large, creekside park is a popular destination because it offers a perfect combination of oak-shaded play areas, large grassy area, picnic spaces, and playground.  I would consider it one of the best parks in Los Altos because of it's features and ample parking.  Interestingly enough, it's within walking distance of McKenzie Park.  The picnic area has bult-in BBQ pits and there are plenty of tables with benches to host many groups.  On a busy weekend, this is a popular park.  You'll also see a number of sports events held here because there is enough space for a soccer field.  The creekside setting also makes for a nice walk.
SERVICES:  Large space, picnic area, BBQ pits, benches, walk-paths, playground, restrooms

Old Los Altos Parks

Lincoln Park - Located at Lincoln Avenue and Main Street
One of the regular events in Los Altos, "Art In The Park", is held here every year in the section between Burke Road and West Fremont.  It has an old-fashioned open air gazebo as well as many park benches and long, wide open space to play around on.  It's not a destination for sports events because it's too narrow and runs along Foothill Expressway.  However, it does play host to special events, neighbors who like to walk their dogs, and residents who want to spend a little time with their families on the grass.  There is a smaller portion of the park on the other side of the Los Altos Chamber of Commerce that has a small picnic area and more grassy, open space.
SERVICES:  Large space, gazebo, benches, picnic area

 

 

Shoup Park - Located at 400 University Avenue
Quiet, well-shaded parks are a theme in Los Altos, Shoup Park being another good example.  While parking can be a bit of an issue with a limited number of spots, it offers two distinct zones - a quiet area with picnic space and BBQ grills plus a large grassy area with walk-ways and a playground.  While not large enough to major sports events, it is big enough to throw a frisbee or play catch.  It's also a top destination for residents of Old Los Altos (off University Avenue) and the inner parts of Los Altos Hills.

Shoup is also home to the Los Altos Garden Center which has "The Underground" - a safe, fun destination for young teens.
SERVICES:  Large space, benches, picnic areas, BBQ pits, bathrooms, walking paths, playground

 

Redwood Grove Nature Preserve - Located on University Avenue
This is popular destination for summer camps with a long trail that runs along Adobe Creek and a picnic area.  It's literally around the corner from Shoup Park and with no parking, it's a lot less busy.  During the summer, kids are brought in to enjoy the nature with tall redwood trees everywhere.
SERVICES:  Picnic area, walking paths

South Los Altos

Marymeade Park - Located at Fremont Avenue just before Grant Road
I used to play a lot of tennis at this park.  The courts are well lit for night play and in top condition, even a pro would be happy to play here.  The playground and grassy area are a bit small but plenty big enough for a good number of groups.  It's got picnic space with benches and tables as well as BBQ pits.  There's a nice gap between the tennis courts and the rest of the park so neither distracts the other.  There's a little parking lot at the park or street parking along Fremont Avenue.
SERVICES:  Grassy space, benches, picnic area, BBQ pits, playground, tennis courts (3)

 

 

Grant Park - Located at 1570 Holt Avenue
This little gem is tucked right in the middle of a South Los Altos neighborhood.  It has the added advantage of a basketball court in excellent condition and plenty of space for soccer games or other sports.  There's also plenty of parking with a dedicated lot and street parking, although residents are the primary users.  While not as shady as other parks (not as many trees), it still has enough cover in the picnic area to keep cool on a hot summer day.
SERVICES:  Large space, benches, picnic tables, BBQ pits, bathrooms, basketball court, playground

 

 

 

Montclaire Park - Located ON St. Joseph Avenue at Montclaire Elementary School
This park is attached to Montclaire Elementary School and offers tennis courts, picnic area, BBQ pits and a playground.  The big draw is really the tennis courts and the playground.  If you want to play sports, the field at Montclaire Elementary School is the way to go but make sure there aren't events happening.  This park is often the site of baseball, soccer, and special events that take up all the available parking.  Plan in advance and make sure you check the Los Altos Recreation Department website for any events.
SERVICES:  Benches, pinic tables, BBQ pits, bathrooms, playground, tennis courts (2)

 

The definitive guide to Los Altos, California parks

Copyright 2011 by Bryan Robertson

A Guide to the Los Altos Neighborhood - Rancho

The Rancho neighborhood in Los Altos is a prime example of the rural-style that this town is known for.  With Hale Creek winding behind the homes on Parma to set the standard, the streets have a gentle, flowing curve that add character to the mix of traditional ranch-style homes and luxurious mansions.  The residents are a mix of new and old owners, many with a long history in the area.  One of the past residents is responsible for building many of the luxury homes in the neighborhood.  I myself actually spent many of my growing up years on Parma and remember fondly watching the neighborhood change over the years.

In the 70s and 80s, there was very little new construction but that all changed in the 80s as developers started coming in to knock down old ranch-style homes in favor of new mini-estates.  Those first few new homes were updated ranch style homes, some with 2 levels, and most much larger than the originals.  After a while, the trend in homes evolved into more contemporary style homes with stucco exteriors, grand entrances, and a proliferation of luxurious Mediterranean homes. Landscaping became a noticable change as well with larger, paver driveways, and professionally designed plantings.  The typical grass front lawn with a few trees disappeared.

The Rancho neighborhood is bound by Covington Road, Campbell Avenue, Springer Road, and Fremont Avenue.  The neighborhood and immediately adjacent streets (Covington, Parma, and Campbell extended well beyond the bounds of the neighborhood) is considered one of the most desirable areas in Los Altos.  Many would consider the bounds of the Rancho neighborhood to extend to Rosita Avenue on the north side and the area along Berry Avenue on the other side of Springer.

At the corner of Springer Road and Fremont Avenue is Rancho Shopping Center, which offers excellent services including Andronico's Market, Starbucks, a bakery, a pizza place, and many nice shops.  It is also the site of the new, year around Rancho Farmer's Market which is offered on Saturdays from 9AM-1PM.  Rancho Shopping Center has been a centerpiece for decades.  At one point in time, they offered a "pancake breakfast" in the early summer to raise funds for local charities.  While they don't do that any more, the site is still the focus on many other events including "Rock Back the Clock" (50s centered event) in September and Santa Claus during the winter months.

Children in the Rancho neighborhood attend Loyola Elementary School, Blach Middle School, and Los Altos High School.  Loyola Elementary is within walking distance or a couple of minutes drive.

The video tour of the Rancho neighborhood shows select photos of a few homes to give you a perspective of the neighborhood.  There are pictures on homes on Campbell Avenue, Echo Drive, Parma Way, and Riverside Drive.  There are pictures that show the style of Rancho Shopping Center, its signs, and the largest business.  The brief tour gives viewers a good feel for the area without actually having to visit.

FAST HOME FACTS
AVERAGE 2011 HOME PRICE: $1,417,500 (RANGE: $1,220,000-$1,615,000) 1 PENDING AT $4,495,000
SIZE OF AVERAGE HOME SOLD:  2298 square feet
AVERAGE PRICE PER SQUARE FOOT: $616.84
AVERAGE AGE OF HOMES SOLD:  61 Years
HOMES SOLD: 2


NEARBY SERVICES
PRESCHOOLS: Children's House of Los Altos, 770 Berry Ave
PUBLIC SCHOOLS: Loyola Elementary, Blach Intermediate Schoo, Los Altos High School
PRIVATE SCHOOLS: Pinewood School Lower Campus at 327 & 477 Fremont Ave, Los Altos Christian School at 625 Magdalena Ave
CLOSEST FIRE STATION: 765 Fremont Ave.
CLOSEST HOSPITAL: El Camino Hospital, 2500 Grant Road, Mountain View
LIBRARY: Los Altos Library, Main Branch, 13 S. San Antonio Road
PARKS NEARBY: Rosita Park at 401 Rosita Ave and McKenzie Park at 707 Fremont Ave
POST OFFICE: Loyola Corners, 1525 Miramonte Ave
SHOPPING: Rancho Shopping Center, Downtown Los Altos, Loyola Corners

Los Altos is a very walkable town.  The streets are wide and have a rural feel because there are no sidewalks.  The neighborhoods are perfect to walk around and get a feel for the Los Altos lifestyle.  If you're considering buying a home in Los Altos, one of the best pieces of advice I can give you is to walk the neighborhood.  It's a way to get to know the sights, sounds, and general feel of where you will one day live.

The most obvious thing when walking a Los Altos neighborhood is the sights.  My advice to you is to pay attention to details because they can tell you a lot about who lives in your prospective neighborhood and how they live their lives.  If you see a boat parked in a side yard, that could be good if you like going out on SF Bay.  Those yellow "caution" signs could be a sign of small kids in the neighborhood.  Noticing those things can tell you a lot and might make the decision to buy a home easier.

A big factor when walking a neighborhood is sound.  I often have clients tell me they do or don't want a home because of the amount of background noise from roads or businesses.  When you're walking around, stop and pay attention to how much noise you hear.  You'll always get some but it's important to note how much.  Try coming back at various times of day if it's that important so you can account for rush hour and school traffic, if a school is nearby.  Also listen for the sounds of neighbors and what they do.  If a neighbor does a lot of work with power tools and you don't like that sound, it's better to find out before you buy the home!

The last point is the general feel of the neighborhood.  When walking around you'll get a "vibe" that varies from neighborhood to neighborhood.  One street may be lively with neighbors out, kids playing, and general traffic while another is very quiet and feels almost somber.  As you walk around and get a sense of the general feel, pay attention to what you like and don't like.  Knowing this feeling in advance can help you make your decision to buy a home in Los Altos easier and reinforce that you're making the right decision.

I used to walk around Los Altos a lot and always enjoyed the sights I saw and the people I met.  Los Altos is a very friendly town with a lot going on so I encourage anyone considering buying a home here to take a walk and get to know it better.

 

 

Many buyers looking around Los Altos will ask about the neighborhood in which they're looking.  As an agent, I know a bit about what's going on in most neighborhoods but none of us knows it all.  I don't know everything happening in my own neighborhood, let alone each street in Los Altos!  So, when a client asks how nice a neighborhood is I tell them all the same thing - Ask the neighbors!

Buying a home is a big decision and not something to be done without a careful inspection of the home and neighborhood.  While it's easy to inspect the home, the neighborhood is a completely different issue.  Some buyers looking in Los Altos will say they don't want to knock on doors or ask around but that's exactly what a buyer should do.  I generally tell a buyer to visit a house at least 5 times prior to buying; morning, noon, night, a weekday and a weekend day.  In all those visits you'll get a sense of the light, noise, weather and other factors that you'll see living in the house.  You'll also have a chance to see and meet neighbors.

When seeing the home at various times, I recommend looking around the backyard to see who is out in their yard.  I also recommend standing in the front yard and making the same observation.  Most streets in Los Altos are fairly quiet but you'll still see people coming and going.  The more time you spend, the more chances of an enounter with a neighbor.  At that point, a friendly greeting and inquiry about the neighborhood will be a goldmine of information.  I've seen buyers meet 3 or 4 neighbors to get a full understanding of the neighborhood.  Most Los Altos residents are friendly people and more than willing to talk to a prospective home buyer.

If you don't get a chance to meet someone at random, I am more than happy to knock on doors and making introductions.  That's my job.  As a long time Los Altos resident, I am more than happy to meet other people around town on behalf of my buyers.  Meeting your potential neighbors anywhere in Los Altos will make you feel more comfortable with the purchase.