Palo Alto Hills

Is Los Altos Hills, CA (Palo Alto Hills) a Safe Place to Live? Housing, Crime & Buyer Guide

Explore safety, home prices, commute patterns, and neighborhood insights in Los Altos Hills, CA - so you can decide with confidence before buying or renting.

Most buyers only see the home. Smart buyers check the neighborhood first.

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Hoodscore

Crime Summary:

Crime Overview (last 12 months)

Severe7

Medium3

Low9

Other28

1 Registered Offenders Nearby

Rape0

Child involved1

Assault0

Other0

Crime Details:

Recent reported incidents in the past 12 months (newest first). Up to 10 records.

Crime date	Crime description	Address	Crime category
Jul 16, 2026	As discussed during the dispatch call, dispatchers discussed a possible harassment report near the intersection of Scenic Drive and La Honda Road, and another unit indicated they would handle the call.	Scenic Dr, Redwood City, CA 94062	Assault Report
Jul 14, 2026	As discussed during the dispatch call, deputies responded to a report of a possible prowler at a residence near Woodland Vista in La Honda. The reporting party heard a door open and slam in an unfinished basement and saw a man with a headlamp walking toward the area. The person was later reported to be the landlord, who said he had dropped off items in the basement and left.	Woodland Vista, La Honda, CA 94020	Break-In
Jul 14, 2026	As discussed during the dispatch call, deputies responded to a report of a possible prowler at a residence near Woodland Vista in La Honda. The reporting party heard a door open and slam in an unfinished basement after seeing a man with a headlamp walk toward that area. The caller suggested the person may be her landlord, who is reportedly entering the property without permission, but this has not been confirmed.	Woodland Vista, La Honda, CA 94020	Suspicious Activity
Jul 14, 2026	As discussed during the dispatch call, deputies responded to a residential burglary alarm with front entry motion activation at a home near Vista Verde Way in the Los Trancos Woods area off Ramona Road. No responsible party was available, and the last reported alarm at this location was in March.	Vista Verde Way, Portola Valley, CA 94028	Break-In
Jul 12, 2026	As discussed during the dispatch call, a caller near La Honda Road reported two white sports cars apparently racing eastbound at high speed. Highway patrol was being notified about the possible reckless driving.	La Honda Rd, La Honda, CA 94020	Traffic
Jul 10, 2026	As discussed during the dispatch call, a medical alarm was reported near Old Spanish Trail. Fire units confirmed the fire is out and are awaiting medic activation.	Old Spanish Trail, Portola Valley, CA 94028	Medical Emergency
Jul 10, 2026	As discussed during the dispatch call, there was a medical emergency call near Ventura Avenue in La Honda. The response was canceled shortly after an update from the scene or caller.	Ventura Ave, La Honda, CA 94020	Medical Emergency
Jul 10, 2026	As discussed during the dispatch call, a medical call code two was reported near Ventura Avenue.	Ventura Ave, La Honda, CA 94020	Medical Emergency
Jul 10, 2026	As discussed during the dispatch call, deputies took a lost property report for a possible theft of a license plate from a pull trailer near Sears Ranch Rd (La Honda area).	Sears Ranch Rd, La Honda, CA 94020	Theft Report
Jul 10, 2026	As discussed during the dispatch call, deputies received a lost property report about a possible theft of a license plate from a pull trailer near Sears Ranch Road in La Honda.	Sears Ranch Rd, La Honda, CA 94020	Theft Report

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Median Home Price

$6,433,989

Average Rent

$5,760

Vacancy Rate

15.4%

Nearby neighborhoods

Palo Alto Hills Overview

Palo Alto Hills is a rural, affluent neighborhood in Los Altos Hills, California, known for large single-family homes and a highly educated population.

The median home price is $6,433,989, making it one of the most expensive neighborhoods in California and the U.S.

RuralAffluentRetiree-Friendly

Quick Facts

Advanced Degree Holders	54.3%

Housing market and real estate character

Palo Alto Hills features mostly large, detached single-family homes built between 1940 and 1999, with high owner occupancy.

Detached Single-Family Homes	98.2%
Large Homes (4+ bedrooms)	Among top 0.7% in US neighborhoods
Owner Occupied Rate	Majority owner occupied

What buyers will notice right away

Predominantly large, detached homes with high owner occupancy.

Significant seasonal vacancy rate (9.1%) indicating some homes may be vacation properties.

Families & Lifestyle

Palo Alto Hills is highly educated, wealthy, and retiree-friendly, with a strong executive and professional workforce.

Retiree-Friendly — More retiree-friendly than 99.2% of California neighborhoods, offering peace and safety.

Advanced Degree Holders	54.3%
Work From Home Rate	37.2%

Demographics

Executive, Management & Professional Share	82.5%
Advanced Degree Holders	54.3%
Asian Ancestry	51.2%
Iranian Ancestry	3.3%
Foreign Born	37.3%
Languages Spoken	English (61.1%), Chinese, Indian languages, Persian, Korean