Lafayette, California: Neighborhood Profile
Why Lafayette?
If you look at a map, Lafayette, California (population 26,000+) is located on 15 square miles in Contra Costa County. With the official city motto "Green Hills, Great Schools", Lafayette offers all of the amenities of a small town.
The close-knit community feel, the highly-regarded public schools, the idyllic Lafayette, CA weather, the myriad of available outdoor activities, and the proximity to much of the Bay Area – there is a lot to love about Lafayette.
Let’s dig a little deeper so you can better understand what’s so great about this quaint California township, including sub-neighborhoods in Lafayette, CA.
The Neighborhoods
Lafayette proper features four distinct neighborhoods. Burton Valley’s open spaces welcome dog walkers and hikers. Happy Valley offers elegant, "under-the-radar" living. Pastoral Reliez Valley has a rural feel. Downtown Lafayette, CA, meanwhile, allows easy access to Mt. Diablo Boulevard’s Restaurant Row and K-8 schools.
Community
Lafayette offers residents the ability to retreat to privacy while remaining part of a true community.
There are plenty of things to do in Lafayette, CA to stay busy and active. For instance, the abundance of park-like land and green space allows for family fun, youth sports, and cherished community events.
The vibrant downtown area hosts festivals year-round. What’s more, there are plenty of restaurant options for social gatherings.
Education
Lafayette residents enjoy the benefits of award-winning K-12 schools in the Lafayette and Acalanes Unified School Districts. Lafayette CA schools are, in fact, one of its most notable draws. Why? Students are provided with a quality education in a safe and nurturing environment. Lafayette Partners in Education (LPIE) is a non-profit that enhances educational opportunities for all students.
Commute Times
If you view Lafayette, CA on the map, you’ll notice that it’s just a 10-minute drive to the larger City of Walnut Creek and is ideally located within close proximity to world-class destinations such as San Francisco, Lake Tahoe, Carmel, and the Napa Valley.
Lafayette is, in fact, just a 30-40 minute drive East of San Francisco and about 65 minutes south of Napa Valley without traffic. There is a BART station located in Lafayette providing easy access to neighboring communities.
Restaurants
Mt. Diablo Boulevard’s Restaurant Row features almost 40 eateries—from casual to sophisticated. See the Lafayette Chamber’s full list and map of Restaurant Row here. As always, make sure to call ahead to check for updated hours of operation.
Local Markets
Lafayette features a handful of small business local markets. Diablo Foods is an excellent example of a neighborhood market that offers specialty groceries, flowers, prepared meals, and wines. Also, the Moraga Farmers’ Market held every Sunday in the parking lot of Moraga Center, is just an eight-minute drive away.
Weather
Did we mention the mild weather? The average summer temperature here in July is around 84°F. January is the coldest month, with the average temperature fluctuating between 39°F and 54°F.
Hiking
Families love living here because all of the outdoor activities are located just outside their door. The most notable hiking trails in Lafayette, CA include the Lafayette Reservoir, Briones National Park, and the Reinhardt Redwood National Park. Tilden Regional Park is also just a short drive away. Read more about Lafayette City hiking trails and the best hiking trails in the area.
Pet-Friendly
Adventure awaits you and your four-legged friend; there are plenty of parks in Lafayette, CA that are pet-friendly!
The Lafayette Ridge Trail is a 6.6-mile dog-friendly park that offers gorgeous views! This is just one trail among many others. Start exploring all of the trails you and your pup can enjoy at AllTrails.
Bike-Friendly
At the Lafayette Reservoir, bicyclists are allowed on Tuesdays and Thursdays from noon until closing and on Sundays from opening until 11:00 am on the paved Lakeside Trail and roads. And, if mountain biking is more your thing, you can find the best mountain biking trails from AllTrails here.
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