Los Altos is a residential community with a population of around 30,000 and was originally planned around the idea of a “park in every backyard.” The city began as a commuter town connected to Los Gatos and Palo Alto by Southern Pacific Railroad service along what is now Foothill Expressway. It grew through the mid twentieth century as both an agricultural and commuter community before incorporating as a city in 1952, with rail service ending in the 1960s as automobile travel became dominant.

Downtown Los Altos serves as the social center of the community, hosting seasonal events and acting as a consistent gathering place for residents. The Los Altos Village Association has long supported downtown businesses and helped maintain the area’s vitality. Cafes, restaurants, and local shops draw steady foot traffic, particularly on weekends.

Schools are a major consideration for buyers. Most homes are served by the Los Altos School District for elementary and middle school, while portions of South Los Altos fall within the Cupertino Union School District. High school students attend schools within the Mountain View–Los Altos High School District. Private school options are also available nearby.

Los Altos spans two primary zip codes shared with Los Altos Hills. North Los Altos is closer to downtown and includes older estate homes and newer custom construction, while South Los Altos is largely made up of single-family neighborhoods developed in the 1960s. Additional condominiums and townhomes near downtown have provided downsizing options within the community.