Los Altos Real Estate & Lifestyle
We’re the Kiersten Ligeti & Patricia Karoubi Team, and we’ve had the privilege of helping countless clients buy and sell homes in Los Altos. Whether you’re exploring the market, planning a move, or simply curious about what makes this community special, we’ve gathered answers to the most common questions we hear. From real estate trends to local favorites, here’s a quick guide to everything you should know about Los Altos.
The Los Altos market continues to be one of the most stable and desirable in Silicon Valley. Even as broader conditions shift, Los Altos stays strong thanks to limited inventory, excellent schools, and steady demand from local buyers. Homes that are well prepared, beautifully presented, and priced strategically are still selling quickly and often attract multiple offers. Take a look at this article from Palo Alto Online about how 1 in 8 Los Altos homes sells for one million over the asking price here!
The average sales price in 2025 for single-family homes in Los Altos is $5,155,241 (source: MLS Listings 01/01/2025-10/10/2025)
The average sales price in 2025 for condos/townhomes in Los Altos is $1,988,260 (source: MLS Listings 01/01/2025-10/10/2025)
Los Altos is competitive, but the right preparation makes all the difference. Limited inventory means serious buyers need to act quickly and present strong, clean offers. We help our clients understand local trends, review comparable sales, and strategize with data so they can move confidently when the right home appears.
Absolutely. Los Altos has shown consistent long-term appreciation thanks to its highly rated schools, low turnover, and proximity to Silicon Valley’s biggest employers. It’s not just a place to live — it’s a community that holds value over time, even when markets fluctuate.
Yes. Los Altos has clear zoning codes to preserve its residential charm and scale. Setbacks, building height, and lot coverage all have limits. If you’re planning to remodel or expand, it’s important to review the city’s building requirements early in the process. We can connect you with local architects and contractors who understand what’s allowed and how to navigate approvals smoothly.
There’s a wonderful mix here. You’ll find mid-century ranch homes, charming traditional designs, and sleek new constructions. Many older homes have been reimagined with open layouts, modern kitchens, and energy-efficient features. Whether you love the character of a tree-lined street or the clean lines of a new build, Los Altos offers something for every preference.
Homes that stand out often feature bright natural light, updated kitchens and bathrooms, and well-maintained landscaping. Outdoor living spaces are also a big plus — patios, decks, and modern gardens resonate with local buyers. Staging and professional photography are also important factors. We work closely with our sellers to highlight each property’s strengths and create a first impression that captures attention online and in person.
Spring is traditionally the most active season and is known locally amongst Los Altos real estate agents as the “Spring Selling Season”. Families prefer to move before the new school year, and the weather shows homes beautifully. The fall market can also be strong as buyers look to settle before the holidays. Even in quieter months, serious buyers remain active, so well-priced listings can succeed year-round.
The best agent for you will combine local expertise, proven results, and genuine communication. Experience in this market matters — understanding neighborhood nuances, pricing, and buyer expectations can make a real difference. We always encourage clients to interview agents and look for professionals who make them feel informed, supported, and understood. Collectively, our team brings over 45 years of combined real estate experience and has been recognized among the top 1.5% of agents nationwide by industry authority RealTrends. As the number one real estate team at The Agency Los Altos, we would be happy to leverage our expertise to help you achieve your goals.
We’d love to meet you. You can reach out directly through our website or just give us a call. We’ll start by learning about your goals, then create a personalized plan — whether that’s a market overview, home valuation, or buyer readiness strategy. We take pride in helping clients make confident, data-driven decisions at every step.
“Los Altos” means “the heights” in Spanish, a nod to the area’s slightly elevated landscape overlooking the Santa Clara Valley. The name dates back to the early 1900s when the community began developing around orchards and open countryside.
Living here feels peaceful yet connected. The city has a friendly, small-town atmosphere with leafy streets, quiet neighborhoods, and easy access to tech hubs. Downtown Los Altos is walkable and charming, filled with coffee shops, boutiques, and restaurants. People take pride in the community, and that sense of belonging shows in everything from local schools to neighborhood events. You can read more about Los Altos in our Los Altos neighborhood guide here!
A few of our favorites include Roja for modern California cuisine, Los Altos Grill for its cozy, classic atmosphere, and Cetrella for elegant seafood and wine. Locals also love State of Mind for pizza nights, Chef Chu’s for lively Chinese-American, and Red Berry Coffee Bar for a great morning start. Check out our full blog about some incredible dining options in Los Altos here!
Los Altos schools are consistently among the best in California. The Los Altos School District (LASD) and Mountain View–Los Altos Union High School District (MVLA) both receive top rankings. Covington Elementary, Egan Junior High, and Los Altos High are standout examples, although every school in the district has incredible resources to offer students. There are also excellent private schools like Pinewood and St. Simon.
Los Altos offers a calmer, more residential feel. There are fewer commercial zones, larger lots, and a quieter pace. Yet, you’re just minutes from Downtown Palo Alto, major employers, and Stanford. It’s ideal for those who want a peaceful retreat without giving up Silicon Valley convenience.
The wealth here is largely tied to the tech industry. Many residents work as executives or founders in nearby companies. Add limited land availability and top schools, and it creates strong long-term demand. The result is a city where quality of life and property values both remain exceptionally high.
We love the mix of natural beauty and community life. There’s the Los Altos History Museum, Shoup Park, and Redwood Grove Nature Preserve, along with hiking trails in Rancho San Antonio Preserve. Downtown offers shopping, dining, and cultural events, and everything is walkable and family-friendly.
The Los Altos Art & Wine Festival is a summer favorite, and the Festival of Lights Parade lights up the holidays. There’s also a weekly farmers’ market, concerts in the park, and plenty of smaller neighborhood gatherings that keep the community connected all year long.
We enjoy a Mediterranean climate with warm, sunny summers and mild winters. It’s comfortable year-round, which makes outdoor dining, weekend hikes, and neighborhood strolls part of everyday life.
Los Altos is known for its beautiful homes, excellent schools, and strong sense of community. It’s also famously where Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak built the first Apple computers in a local garage — a fun bit of tech history that started right here.
Los Altos is truly special — a place where community, comfort, and opportunity come together. Whether you’re looking to buy Los Altos real estate, sell Los Altos real estate, or just want to explore more about the Los Altos lifestyle, we are here for you!
If you have questions about the market or want to talk about your next step, reach out anytime. We’re always happy to help you make informed, confident decisions in Los Altos real estate.
Ranked as the #1 Real Estate Team at The Agency Los Altos, Kiersten Ligeti and Patricia Karoubi utilize their combined 45+ years of experience to guide clients across the Peninsula and South Bay with skill, strategy, and deep local insight. Specializing in luxury real estate in Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Atherton, Palo Alto, and surrounding areas, Kiersten & Patricia rank as Top 1.5% Real Estate Agents nationwide according to the latest annual report by RealTrends, the benchmark industry report for top real estate agent rankings. Known for building strong client connections, 90% of their business comes from referrals and repeat clients.
Kiersten Ligeti | 650.766.8319 | LIC. #01298631
Patricia Karoubi | 650.868.4565 | LIC. #01396914
The Agency Los Altos
Our team has over 45 years of combined experience and is fluent in French, Spanish, and English. We are proud that approximately 90% of our business comes from referrals and past clients. We encourage you to contact us and experience the strength and concierge service offered by our team.