Why Live in Happy Valley
Happy Valley in Lafayette is a prestigious neighborhood known for its luxury homes and elegant architecture, attracting tech CEOs and affluent residents. The area features a variety of home styles, including Craftsman-inspired houses, midcentury-modern designs, contemporary custom homes, and Mediterranean Revival estates. The neighborhood is bordered by Briones Regional Park, a 6,100-acre expanse offering trails through meadows, forests, and wildflower blooms, ideal for hiking, biking, and camping. Additionally, the Lafayette/Moraga Regional Trail provides a paved path for walkers and cyclists. Despite its rural feel and privacy, Happy Valley is close to downtown Lafayette, where residents can enjoy a variety of attractions, including boutique shops, Pilates and jujitsu studios, and several grocery stores, including a full-service Whole Foods. Dining options are notable, with Michelin-rated Reve Bistro and the popular Postino offering diverse culinary experiences. The neighborhood is conveniently located near State Road 24, providing a direct route to Oakland, less than 15 miles away, and is under a mile from the Lafayette BART station, facilitating easy access across the Bay Area. The San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport is 20 miles away. Happy Valley is served by highly rated schools, including Happy Valley Elementary, Stanley Middle School, and Acalanes High School, making it a desirable location for families. However, the area is at risk for wildfires, a growing concern due to climate change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Happy Valley a good place to live?
Happy Valley is a good place to live. Happy Valley is considered very car-dependent and somewhat bikeable. Happy Valley is a suburban neighborhood with a crime score of 2, making it safer than the average neighborhood in the U.S. Happy Valley has 6 parks for recreational activities. It is sparse in population with 2.3 people per acre and a median age of 48. The average household income is $248,141 which is above the national average. College graduates make up 82.5% of residents. A majority of residents in Happy Valley are home owners, with 9.9% of residents renting and 90.1% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Happy Valley can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Happy Valley neighborhood guide.
Is Happy Valley, CA a safe neighborhood?
Happy Valley, CA is safer than the average neighborhood in the United States. It received a crime score of 2 out of 10.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Happy Valley?
The median home price in Happy Valley is $2,895,000. If you put a 20% down payment of $579,000 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.67%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $14,900 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $639K a year to afford the median home price in Happy Valley. The average household income in Happy Valley is $248K.
What are the best public schools in Happy Valley?
The best public schools that serve Happy Valley are:
- Miramonte High School has an A+ Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 19:1 and an average review score of 4.0.
- Acalanes High School has an A+ Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 19:1 and an average review score of 3.8.
- M.H. Stanley Middle School has an A Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 19:1 and an average review score of 3.7.
What are the best private schools in Happy Valley?
The best private schools that serve Happy Valley are:
- Bentley School has an A+ Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 6:1 and an average review score of 4.4.
- Orinda Academy has an A+ Niche grade and a student teacher ratio of 4:1.
- Holden High School has a B Niche grade and a student teacher ratio of 3:1.
What are the most popular zip codes in Happy Valley, Lafayette, CA?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near Happy Valley, Lafayette, CA?
Are home prices dropping in Happy Valley?
Yes, home prices in Happy Valley are down 3% in the last 12 months.
Home Trends in Happy Valley, CA
On average, homes in Happy Valley, Lafayette sell after 25 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Happy Valley, Lafayette over the last 12 months is $2,635,000, down 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$2,635,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$2,803,500
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$878
Number of Homes for Sale
10
Last 12 months Home Sales
57
Median List Price
$2,895,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-6%