Nestled in the rolling hills of the San Francisco Bay Area, the town of Lafayette has plenty to offer. If you’re searching for Bay Area homes for sale, this stunning and lively area of Contra Costa County should absolutely be on your list.
Lafayette real estate can be found in four distinct neighborhoods. Happy Valley is Lafayette’s most distinguished and prestigious neighborhood, while Burton Valley is a small and cozy suburb—the perfect place for families to feel at home. There’s also the rustic and serene neighborhood of Reliez Valley, characterized by green, rolling hills and large oak trees.
There is plenty of Lafayette real estate to suit your needs, whether you’re looking for a large family home or a cozy abode. The Happy Valley neighborhood features large custom homes to traditional single-family residences. Homes in Happy Valley are typically private, located in serene settings with breathtaking views of Mt. Diablo. Single-level California ranch homes are popular in Burton Valley, while contemporary homes and beautifully-restored farmhouses are common in Reliez Valley.
This East Bay suburb boasts a small-town feel that residents adore. There are plenty of recreational activities available for those who want to get out and enjoy the fresh air; walk your dog through a pleasant, green park, or enjoy a brisk jog or bike ride.
Families love Lafayette’s top-rated school system and sense of community. The lively downtown Walnut Creek area is right next door, providing plenty of opportunities for shopping, dining, and entertainment, so there’s always something to do. For commuters, San Francisco is just a short 30-minute trip away.
Downtown Lafayette is packed with awesome opportunities for shopping, dining, and entertainment. There’s always something exciting to enjoy here in town.
Shop small local boutiques like clothing store Venture Quality Goods or children’s retailer Myara Kids. Locals also love to shop at home goods store Indigo and Poppy and luxury home improvement store Luxe Home by Douglah Designs, where you can find everything you need to keep your home looking fabulous.
You can also find great restaurants in Downtown Lafayette, including RÊVE Bistro, which serves upscale French bistro classics, relaxed yet chic The Hideout Kitchen, and Locanda Positano, a trendy Italian restaurant serving delicious Neapolitan flatbreads and other delicacies.
In 2023, the Lafayette real estate market experienced notable trends. As of September, home prices decreased by 8.1% from the previous year, settling at a median price of $1.8 million. This trend contrasts with the median listing home price of $2 million in October, which was a 9.1% increase year-over-year​​​​. However, in the same month, the median home sold price was $1,850,000, down 11.3% compared to last year​​. The real estate market in Lafayette is characterized by high demand and competition, with property prices significantly above the national average​​. Over the past year, there were 338 transactions, reflecting a lively market​​.
Given the competitive and high-priced nature of the Lafayette housing market, prospective buyers should be prepared for a fast-paced environment. It's advisable to have pre-approval for financing and be ready to make quick decisions. Understanding the local market trends and working with a knowledgeable real estate agent can also be beneficial.
Lafayette is home to beautiful parks and recreational areas. The Lafayette Recreation Area, accessible from Highway 24 and near the BART station, offers a range of activities including hiking, jogging, fishing, boating, and picnicking​​. Lafayette Community Park is known for its scenic beauty, hiking trails, picnic areas, playgrounds, and sports fields. A highlight of this park is the Lafayette Reservoir, a man-made lake ideal for hiking, fishing, and boating​​.
One of the most popular trails in Lafayette is the Lafayette Reservoir Nature Area Rim Trail, which is 5.0 miles long and has an elevation gain of 928 ft​​. The city is also close to Briones Regional Park and features various wildlife habitats, green fields, hills, and a network of hiking trails throughout the city and community parks, offering ample opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to explore nature​​.
Lafayette offers several public transit options. The Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system is a significant mode of transportation, connecting Lafayette with the greater Bay Area. The California Department of Transportation and the Contra Costa Transportation Authority provide additional transit resources. The County Connection offers bus services, and there are specific transportation services like the Lamorinda School Bus and the Lamorinda Senior Spirit Van. For more customized travel planning, the 511 SF Bay Trip Planner can be utilized​​.
Lafayette is well-connected by major roads and highways, with easy access to Highway 24. This highway is crucial for commuting and connects the city with other parts of the Contra Costa County and the broader Bay Area, enhancing the accessibility and convenience for residents and visitors alike.
If you’re looking for exciting things to do, downtown Lafayette is your best bet! Along with a plethora of townhomes and apartments, this area hosts fun events and activities.
Enjoy the seasonal farmers’ market from May through August, where local vendors sell a variety of fresh produce. In May, residents can enjoy local school bands performing at the Lafayette Reservoir for Concert at the Rez, and in the summer, the town hosts a family-friendly Rock the Plaza picnic event at the downtown Lafayette Plaza.
Residents enjoy spending time at the Lafayette Library and Learning Center. There’s also the Lafayette Reservoir, conveniently located and perfect for hiking, walking, fishing, boating, or picnicking. Burton Valley is situated near the Lafayette-Moraga Regional Trail, and families love to spend time at the local swimming pool. Looking to get away for the weekend? Highway 24 and BART are close by, providing easy ways to travel in and out of the area.
Lafayette is also known for its stellar school system. Local children can attend Happy Valley Elementary, Spring Hill Elementary, or the top-rated Burton Valley Elementary before moving on to Stanley Middle School and Acalanes Union High School.
If you enjoy Lafayette's relaxed, suburban feel, you should check out real estate in Orinda, Walnut Creek, and Pleasant Hill. We also have stunning houses for sale in Moraga, a nearby community that was ranked by Niche as one of Contra Costa's best places to live.
At the Paddy Kehoe Team, we strive to provide exceptional service to home buyers, sellers, and builders in Lamorinda. We take pride in delivering the very best results for our clients and building lasting relationships.
