Welcome to Lafayette
Set among the East Bay Hills, Lafayette homes and small ranches exude a quiet, rural atmosphere. Oak trees, pyracantha bushes and horse trails thrive next to swimming pools and tennis courts. These tree lined residential areas surround a downtown area which includes smaller homes and apartments, as well as schools, churches, a library, and a business section, which offers the necessities and amenities of contemporary life.
Lafayette is in central Contra Costa County, one of the most rapidly growing areas in the State of California. A freeway, Highway 24, intersects the city and connects with another major artery, Interstate 680 near the eastern border of Lafayette, these provide access to the west, north and south. BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) the Bay Area’s mass transportation system linking major population center to San Francisco, also runs through town. A large percentage of employed residents of Lafayette are executives and professional people. In many cases they have sought out Lafayette for its quiet sophistication, its easy access to the rest of the Bay Area, and its outstanding schools.
Located in the San Francisco Bay Area of Northern California, Lafayette is 24 miles east of San Francisco in central Contra Costa County. It is bordered by the residential communities of Orinda on the west, Moraga on the south and by the larger city of Walnut Creek on the east.
Once an area made up largely of commuters to the industrial centers to the west, Contra Costa County is rapidly developing its own economic base. Thus, more of its citizens live and work in the county. In addition, as this county grows, so does its educational, cultural and entertainment opportunities. The Town Hall Theater in Lafayette, the Sleep Train Pavilion, the Rheem Theatre in Moraga, the Dean Lesher Regional Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek, and Diablo Valley College are just a few examples.
Lafayette is particularly well located because of its easy access to the transportation systems which link the cities of the Bay Area. This network of bus, BART and highway systems make theater, restaurants, sporting events and museums in Oakland, Berkeley, and San Francisco readily available.
While all of these opportunities exist in the metropolitan area of which Lafayette is a part, residents can enjoy the good life without leaving town. The Lafayette Reservoir is the local place for fishing, walking and relaxing. There are many hiking and biking trails throughout the city, along with quiet residential streets and a downtown business section which invites browsing and leisurely fine dining.
Schools, community organizations and business people work together to make events happen and to make the city one of which everyone can be proud. Lafayette’s citizens share activities such as the Loop Run, Bastille Day, the Lafayesta Days Parade, and the Coucours D’elegance de Lafayette. Lafayette is made up of people who work hard to achieve excellence in their schools, homes, community, and in their personal and business lives.
Many citizens hold professional or executive level positions. Half of the population over 25 years old has a college degree. The schools of Lafayette reflect a strong desire for outstanding education, which serves to maintain and raise the cost of housing.
One-half million people enjoy the use of the Lafayette Reservoir each year. Tennis, swimming, jogging and bicycling are all popular activities in this affluent community, as in dining in any of the over 40 restaurants in the area.
