Welcome to Lafayette
Tight-knit community with gorgeous California views
One of the most picturesque towns in the East Bay, Lafayette is a highly popular location for homebuyers. Given its closeness to San Francisco, the town attracts many people looking for quick access to a bustling city. Lafayette itself is a very laid-back, calm community perfect for families.
Lafayette is well-known for its beautiful homes. Chalet-style homes are quite popular in the mountainous regions of the area. These have simple wooden beam structures and sloping roofs. Ranches, known for open floor plans, are also prevalent in the Lafayette area and are either rectangular, U, or L-shaped. Mediterranean homes are not hard to find, reflecting Lafayette’s closeness to the water. These homes stun homebuyers with beautiful archways and enclosed outdoor spaces. No matter the home style, Lafayette has fantastic homes to explore.
The community of Lafayette is very strong, contributing to an overall atmosphere of a small town. This neighborly energy makes for close friendships and engaging events throughout the year. Lafayette truly provides the best of both worlds to its residents.
What to Love
- Close access to San Francisco
- Relaxing, community-driven environment
- Outdoor exercise opportunities year-round with scenic views
- Holiday events such as the Tree of Lights Ceremony
- Family-friendly reputation
Local Lifestyle
A perfect way to describe Lafayette is family-oriented. The area boasts top-tier schools, causing families with children to flock to Lafayette. There are lots of community-wide events for people of all ages to participate in for various holidays and festivals.
Lafayette has gorgeous scenery and views that can be admired from the comfort of residents’ homes. Yet, most of the time, locals of Lafayette are out and about, either shopping and enjoying the town or getting in some exercise through biking, running, hiking, or participating in organized sports.
Dining, Entertainment, & Shopping
There are various restaurants to explore in Lafayette. The Cooperage American Grille is an intimate American spot that serves food with fresh, local ingredients in a country-style setting. Providing a sophisticated yet eclectic environment, Metro Lafayette is popular for its fusion of Californian-French dishes. It is decorated with modern lights and has a decadent patio.
Barranco Cocina is a fabulous, authentic restaurant offering a unique blend of Peruvian flavors. Locals love to order delicious seafood and ceviche in a large, industrial-style atmosphere. It is decorated with beautiful murals by local Bay Area artists and has an inviting happy hour. Social Bird Kitchen and Bar is a classic gastropub serving cocktails and beer from its wraparound bar. You can also enjoy some scrumptious food from its extensive menu.
Postino is an upscale Italian dining option. It features intimate room settings, a unique wine list, and classic pasta dishes to satisfy your cravings. Finally, Sideboard Lafayette is known for being either a quick pit stop or an extended stay of fresh, New American cuisine. It offers delectable pastries and espresso as well as larger meals to Lafayette locals.
Things to Do
Lafayette is full of fun things to do. There are many picturesque parks to explore. The Lafayette Reservoir offers various activities for locals of the community, including boat rentals, hiking, biking, skating, and fishing. It is a beautiful area with lots of green forests and a clear lake. Dinosaur Hill Park is another favorite attraction in the Bay Area. There is lots of open space for picnics, roaming around, and designated hiking trails. In addition, Dinosaur Hill Park provides perfect views for taking pictures.
Everyone needs a spa day once in a while. The Lafayette Park Hotel & Spa replicates a French chateau with its luxurious amenities, including a secluded, European-style spa, upscale dining options, and a lovely pool. If you are looking to stay active, consider joining the Lafayette Tennis Club. It hosts both a junior and adult league and provides lessons for learners.
Some of the greatest aspects of Lafayette are its festivals. Lafayette’s Art & Wine Festival attracts tens of thousands of people annually to taste local beer and wine. The event also has live music, arts and crafts, and kid zones. Also, Lafayette’s Rock the Plaza is a concert series that showcase local artists.
Schools
Lafayette is home to the best schools in the region. In fact, the primary reason that many families move to the area is to have access to the district’s highly-rated schools. Even those who do not have school-aged children benefit from the high property values that come with being in a top school district. Across grade levels, the best Lafayette schools include:
