Old Los Altos

Old Los Altos refers to the original residential core of the city, the streets closest to downtown that were developed in the 1920s through the 1950s. This area carries an architectural charm and sense of history that newer parts of the city simply can’t replicate. You’ll find Spanish Colonial Revival homes, early California ranch styles, Craftsman-influenced cottages, and mid-century designs sitting side by side.

The appeal of Old Los Altos is primarily about walkability and character. Residents are steps from the downtown village: the restaurants, coffee shops, bookstores, and farmers’ market that define the Los Altos lifestyle.

Lot sizes tend to be on the smaller side relative to the rest of the city, with many parcels in the 7,000 to 12,000 square foot range. Buyers here tend to value the character of an original or sensitively renovated home over the square footage of a ground-up modern build.

Pricing in Old Los Altos ranges from $3.5 million for original-condition smaller homes to $7 million or more for fully renovated or rebuilt properties on corner lots or particularly desirable streets. The proximity to downtown creates a permanent demand floor.

Ed’s experience in Old Los Altos goes back to his earliest years in the business. He understands which blocks carry the highest premiums, which properties are candidates for renovation versus preservation, and how the city’s design review process affects what buyers can realistically do with a property after purchase.