A Bay Area Gem with Top Schools, Open Space, and a Vibrant Downtown
Lafayette, CA, blends small-town charm with all the perks of living in the Bay Area. This Contra Costa County suburb offers highly rated schools, miles of scenic trails, and a lively downtown packed with cafes, restaurants, and locally owned boutiques.
For city dwellers looking for more space without sacrificing culture and convenience, Lafayette delivers. Here’s what makes this East Bay enclave such a sought-after place to call home.
1. Access to the Great Outdoors
Lafayette is an outdoor lover’s dream. The town is home to Lafayette Reservoir, a 928-acre park with hiking and biking trails, picnic areas, and water activities. Whether you’re walking the scenic 2.7-mile loop or taking on the steeper Rim Trail, it’s the perfect place to get outside.
Just beyond town, Briones Regional Park offers miles of rolling hills and open space, ideal for hiking, horseback riding, and wildlife spotting. Locals also love the Lafayette-Moraga Regional Trail, a paved path from Lafayette to Moraga, making walking, biking, or jogging between the two communities easy.
2. A Downtown with Personality
Downtown Lafayette is the heart of the community, offering an energetic mix of local eateries, specialty shops, and community events. La Fiesta Square is a go-to for coffee at Philz, brunch at Sideboard, or gourmet groceries from Diablo Foods, an East Bay institution. The Lafayette Library and Learning Center, with its modern design and packed event calendar, serves as a hub for families and book lovers alike.
Farm-to-table dining is big here, and the city’s restaurant scene reflects that. The Hideout is a local favorite for California comfort cuisine, while Postino dishes out Italian-inspired cuisine with a California twist. There are also plenty of local farmer’s markets that bring together fresh produce, local artisans, and live music on Sundays.
3. Top-Rated Schools
Families move to Lafayette for its outstanding public schools, consistently ranked among the best in California. The Lafayette School District serves elementary and middle school students, while high schoolers attend Acalanes High School, part of the top-performing Acalanes Union High School District.
Acalanes High regularly earns high marks for academics, sports, and extracurricular activities. The school offers a range of AP courses, top-tier athletics, and a strong arts program. Lafayette also has several well-regarded private schools, including Bentley School and The Saklan School, providing families with excellent education options.
4. A Fast & Easy Commute
Lafayette is one of the most commuter-friendly suburbs in the East Bay. The Lafayette BART station provides direct access to downtown San Francisco in about 35 minutes, making it a great option for professionals who want an easy ride into the city.
For drivers, Highway 24 connects Lafayette to Oakland, Berkeley, and beyond. And for those heading to Silicon Valley, Interstate 680 provides a direct route south. Despite its convenience, Lafayette maintains a peaceful, suburban feel—giving residents the best of both worlds.
5. A Strong Sense of Community
Lafayette may be in the Bay Area, but it has a true small-town feel. The community comes together for events like the Lafayette Art & Wine Festival, one of the largest outdoor festivals in Contra Costa County. The town also hosts concerts in the park, holiday celebrations, and local theater productions.
For families, there’s no shortage of activities, from youth sports leagues to summer camps and after-school programs. Residents also take pride in supporting local businesses, from independently owned bookshops to artisan bakeries.
Is Lafayette Right for You?
Lafayette offers the perfect mix of nature, top schools, a lively downtown, and an easy commute. If you’re looking for a Bay Area suburb with a strong sense of community and plenty of amenities, this East Bay gem might be your perfect match.
For more insights, visit SJ’s San Francisco Bay Area section and the San Francisco Bay Area blog page on our website.
Want to explore Lafayette for yourself? Let’s chat! We’ll help you discover if this is the right town for your next move.
