Mountain View–Los Altos Union High School District: Best School Areas & Real Estate Insights

The Mountain View–Los Altos Union High School District (MVLA) is renowned as one of California’s top public school districts, consistently ranking near the very top of Bay Area school ratingsniche.com. Serving communities in Mountain View, Los Altos, and portions of Los Altos Hills, MVLA encompasses two primary comprehensive high schools – Los Altos High School and Mountain View High School – along with an alternative school (Alta Vista). In this blog, we’ll explore what makes MVLA standout (from academic rankings to demographics and school culture), examine the best neighborhoods for families (including top Palo Alto areas for schools), and dive into local real estate trends (home prices, market stats, and the unique mid-century Eichler homes that grace these communities). As Silicon Valley real estate experts – and Eichler home specialists – the Boyenga Team at Compass offers an insider’s perspective on this highly desirable district, its pros and cons, and what it means for homebuyers.

MVLA District Overview and Academic Excellence

Formed as a union high school district, MVLA serves roughly 4,400 students in grades 9–12 across Mountain View and Los Altosniche.com. The district’s stellar reputation is reflected in its “A+” rating on Niche.com and a 2025 ranking as the #2 Best School District in the San Francisco Bay Area, second only to neighboring Palo Alto Unifiedniche.com. This high standing comes from rigorous academics, strong test scores, college readiness, and quality teaching. Both Los Altos High (LAHS) and Mountain View High (MVHS) boast a 10/10 GreatSchools ratinggreatschools.org greatschools.org, placing them among the top-performing high schools in California.

Los Altos High School and Mountain View High School are regularly recognized in state and national rankings. According to Niche’s 2022 analysis, LAHS was rated the 14th best public high school in California, with MVHS close behind at 19th in the state, and the MVLA District overall was named the 4th best school district in Californialahstalon.org. These schools have also earned accolades from publications like Newsweek – for example, Newsweek has ranked MVHS in the top 1% of high schools nationwidemvhs.mvla.net. Such honors underscore the world-class education offered in this district, which features broad Advanced Placement programs, high SAT scores, and nearly 100% graduation and college matriculation rates.

Academic opportunities in MVLA are abundant. Each high school offers dozens of Honors and AP courses (MVHS provides open access to 35 AP/honors classes across disciplinesmvhs.mvla.net), specialized STEM and arts programs, and a rich array of extracurriculars. Students benefit from modern facilities and continual investment – recent bond measures have funded new classroom buildings, STEM labs, and campus upgrades to support 21st-century learningniche.com. Both LAHS and MVHS have undergone major renovations (new STEM wings, theaters, gyms, etc.) to accommodate growing enrollment and maintain state-of-the-art campuses. The district’s student-to-teacher ratioaverages around 19:1, allowing for personalized attention and a range of electives. In short, MVLA provides an academic environment on par with the best prep schools, within a public school framework.

Positives of MVLA Schools and Community

Families are drawn to MVLA not only for its academic excellence, but also for the quality of life in the communities it serves. Key strengths and positives of the district include:

Outstanding Academic Performance: MVLA students consistently score well above state averages on standardized tests; about 69% are proficient in math and 85% in reading according to state assessmentslahstalon.org. Both high schools send large cohorts to top universities annually, reflecting strong college counseling and advanced coursework. LAHS and MVHS have each earned California Distinguished School awards and National Blue Ribbon recognition in past years.
Highly Educated, Engaged Parents: The district benefits from a supportive, well-educated parent community(many are tech professionals, Stanford faculty, etc.), which translates into active PTA participation, fundraising, and volunteerism. Schools enjoy ample foundation support for enrichment programs, and parent involvement helps maintain small class sizes in electives, robust athletics and arts, and well-maintained facilitiesniche.com niche.com.
Modern Facilities and Resources: Recent construction bonds (e.g. Measure E) have enabled MVLA to build new STEM labs, libraries, and classrooms at both high schoolsniche.com. The campuses feature maker spaces, science labs, performing arts centers and athletic facilities that rival many private schools. A current senior at MVLA noted “the whole campus is changing with new modern buildings”, highlighting the district’s commitment to providing cutting-edge learning environmentsniche.com.
Community and Safety: MVLA schools benefit from being in safe, family-friendly suburbs. The cities of Los Altos and Mountain View take pride in their low crime rates and community programs. Students have access to city libraries, sports leagues, and events. Los Altos in particular is known for a close-knit community feel with quiet neighborhoods and a quaint downtown, while Mountain View offers a vibrant mix of suburban and tech-corridor energy. Both cities invest in youth well-being, and surveys indicate around 89% of students feel safe on campuslahstalon.org.
Diversity and Inclusion: Unlike some affluent districts that are homogenous, MVLA is remarkably diverse in student demographics. No single ethnic group forms a majority. For example, Los Altos High’s student body is roughly 36% White, 27% Asian, 27% Hispanic, 8% multiracial, with smaller percentages of Black and otherslahstalon.org. Mountain View High is similarly diverse (about 35% White, 25% Asian, 23% Latino, 11% multiracial, 2% African Americanmvhs.mvla.net). This diversity enriches the learning environment and reflects the broader Silicon Valley community. MVLA also has robust English Learner programs (around 7% of students are English language learnersed-data.org ed-data.org) and support for a range of socio-economic backgrounds, aided by state funding and local foundations.

In summary, MVLA offers top-tier academics in a supportive, well-resourced setting. Students benefit from engaged teachers (MVLA’s faculty receive strong marks; Niche grades teacher quality an “A” in the district) and a culture that values innovation and achievement. The district’s strengths have made its attendance area one of the most sought-after for homebuyers in Silicon Valley.

Challenges and Considerations: The “High-Pressure” Environment

No school district is without its challenges, even one as highly regarded as MVLA. Families considering a move here should also be aware of a few potential negatives or trade-offs:

Academic Pressure & Competition: With great opportunity comes high pressure. Much like neighboring Palo Alto’s schools, MVLA high schools can foster a competitive environment that may be stressful for some students. Advanced classes and ambitious peers can lead to an “intensely high expectation” culture, as students juggle multiple APs and extracurriculars. In Palo Alto, student reviews mention “toxic pressure and over-competitiveness” at timesniche.com; MVLA is somewhat smaller and known for a slightly less cutthroat vibe, but stress and workload are still factors. An LAHS alum noted the environment is “very rigorous and can be really competitive at times… it allows students to strive for excellence, but…students will most likely come across both good and bad teachers” and varying class rigor between regular vs. honors trackslahstalon.org lahstalon.org. The district has responded by emphasizing wellness, adding counseling staff and wellness centers on campus, but the academic intensity remains something to monitor for student mental health.
Socio-Economic Diversity & Cost of Living: MVLA serves an affluent area, and the cost of housing (discussed more below) is extremely high. This means the student population, while ethnically diverse, skews toward higher-income families. There are some low-income pockets (e.g. portions of Mountain View’s attendance area include subsidized housingen.wikipedia.org), and the schools do receive transfers and have programs to support disadvantaged youth. However, overall economic diversity is limited, and some students may feel class disparities. Additionally, teacher/staff retention can be a challenge because many educators cannot afford to live nearby and face long commutes. The high cost of living also means fundraising expectations can be high for parents.
Boundary Quirks and Feeder Schools: The MVLA high school district overlays multiple elementary districts (Los Altos School District, Mountain View Whisman School District, and part of Cupertino Union School District). This patchwork can create complexity. For example, some Los Altos families attend Cupertino-run elementary schools and then switch into MVLA for high school, whereas a small portion of Los Altos Hills is actually served by Palo Alto schools (Gunn High) instead of MVLAjulianalee.com. These boundary quirks are generally well-managed but can be confusing for newcomers. It’s important for homebuyers to verify the exact school assignment for a given address, especially near district borders.
Limited School Sites: With only two comprehensive high schools serving the whole area, each campus is large (around 2,100–2,200 students eached-data.org ed-data.org). While still smaller than many urban high schools, some families wish there were a third high school to reduce crowding. That said, MVLA’s class sizes remain reasonable and the campuses were built to handle growth (recent expansions ensure capacity for the foreseeable future). Still, those used to very small school environments might find MVLA’s big-campus feel a bit impersonal at first (though strong school spirit and house/student communities help make a large school feel smaller).

Overall, these challenges are far outweighed by the positives for most families. MVLA continues to refine its student wellness programs and bridge any achievement gaps (for instance, focusing on equity between high-achieving and regular classes, per student feedbacklahstalon.org). The district’s leadership and engaged community are actively addressing these issues. Prospective families should be aware of the high-achieving culture and be prepared to support their student in finding a healthy balance.

Demographics and Lifestyle in MVLA Communities

The MVLA District encompasses the City of Los Altos, most of City of Mountain View, and parts of Los Altos Hills – each with its own character, but all offering excellent quality of life. Understanding the community demographics and lifestyle can help homebuyers pick the area that best fits their needs:

Los Altos: An affluent suburban community of about 30,000 residents, Los Altos is known for its quiet, small-town feel. Zoning is almost entirely single-family homes on quarter-acre lots or larger, with a charming downtown of boutiques and eateries. The population is highly educated (over 75% of adults have a bachelor’s or higher) and very wealthy – the median household income in Los Altos exceeds $250,000 per yeardatacommons.stanford.edu(among the highest in the nation). This translates to well-funded schools and city services. The demographic is diverse but majority White and Asian; many residents are tech executives, professionals, or retirees. Families in Los Altos typically feed into Los Altos School District for K-8 (all its elementary and junior high schools are rated 9 or 10 on GreatSchools) and then Los Altos High. Los Altos prides itself on being family-oriented and community-focused – you’ll find kids biking to school, a busy Little League, and events like the Los Altos Art & Wine Festival. It’s a sleepy, safe town (crime rate is very low) ideal for those seeking a close-knit neighborhood vibeand top-notch schools. On the flip side, nightlife is minimal and the cost of entry is steep for homebuyers.
Mountain View: A dynamic city of ~82,000 people, Mountain View offers a mix of traditional neighborhoods and tech-fueled growth. It’s home to Google’s headquarters and numerous tech firms, giving parts of the city a modern, bustling feel (especially near downtown Castro Street and the North Bayshore area). Mountain View’s residents include a large number of tech professionals, and the city is very diverse (roughly 50% of residents are white, 30% Asian, 18% Hispanic, with many international transplants). The median household income is around $165,000bestneighborhood.org, indicating broad affluence though somewhat less uniformly wealthy than Los Altos. Neighborhoods in Mountain View range from historic single-family areas (like Old Mountain View with its walkable streets) to newer condo/townhome developments near transit. Families in Mountain View attend a mix of Mountain View Whisman District or Los Altos District elementary schools (depending on neighborhood) before converging at MVHS or LAHS for high school. The lifestyle here is more urban and youthful than Los Altos – there’s a vibrant downtown with restaurants and nightlife, and the city is known for its parks and bike-friendly infrastructure. For families, Mountain View still offers safety and great schools, but with a bit more density and diversity of housing. The presence of major employers means there’s a tech energy and lots of community resources. It’s a good choice for those who want amenities and a shorter commute to Silicon Valley jobs while still accessing MVLA schools.
Los Altos Hills: An exclusively residential town of about 8,000, Los Altos Hills features estate-style living – nearly all homes are on 1+ acre parcels amid rolling hills and winding roads. It’s one of the wealthiest communities in America (median incomes also $250k+). The appeal is privacy, open space (no commercial zoning in town), and luxurious custom homes. Families here either fall into Los Altos School District/MVLA for high school, or in some northwestern sections, into Palo Alto schools (like Gunn High)julianalee.com. Los Altos Hills has very few school-age children relative to its population (many homes are owned by executives, investors, etc., with fewer young families). Those that do live here enjoy tranquility, trails, and panoramic views, and still benefit from excellent nearby schools. However, daily life is car-dependent and isolated – there’s no walkable town center. Los Altos Hills is ideal for those seeking seclusion and grandeur (and who can afford multi-million-dollar properties), but it’s less of a typical suburban family environment due to the large lots and lower density.
Palo Alto (adjacent): While not part of MVLA, Palo Alto is frequently in the same conversation because of its equally stellar schools and proximity. Many families comparing MVLA also consider Palo Alto Unified School District (PAUSD), which serves Palo Alto city. PAUSD is famously top-ranked (#1 in Bay Area by Nicheniche.com) and similarly high-pressure. Palo Alto’s demographics are akin to Los Altos – very affluent (median income ~$194K), highly educated, with an international flavor (over 40% Asian heritage in the schools). The city offers more urban amenities and jobs (Stanford University, downtown Palo Alto tech firms), commanding premium home prices as well. We will discuss Palo Alto’s best school neighborhoods below, as many buyers interested in MVLA also weigh options in Palo Alto.

In all these communities, education is a central priority – evidenced by the funding for schools, enrichment programs, and the value placed on academic success. Residents enjoy a high quality of life: excellent public services, beautiful parks (e.g. Mountain View’s Shoreline Park, Los Altos’ Rancho San Antonio nearby), and rich cultural amenities across the region. The Silicon Valley lifestyle is evident – there’s a blend of innovation (tech entrepreneurs abound), diverse cultures and cuisines, and a general expectation for safe, clean, family-friendly surroundings.

Real Estate Market Trends in MVLA Area

One of the defining characteristics of the Mountain View/Los Altos area is its premium real estate market. Living in this top-notch school district comes at a high price tag, and understanding the market trends is crucial for prospective buyers. Below, we examine home prices, housing inventory, and trends for the cities within MVLA (and compare with Palo Alto):

Median single-family home prices in July 2025 for Mountain View, Palo Alto, Los Altos, and Los Altos Hills.

Home Prices: The MVLA communities rank among the most expensive housing markets in California. As of mid-2025, median sale prices for single-family homes were approximately $2.4 million in Mountain View and $4.2 million in Los Altossanjoserealestatelosgatoshomes.com sanjoserealestatelosgatoshomes.com. Los Altos Hills, with its luxury estates, had a median around $4.7 millionredfin.com. By comparison, Palo Alto’s median house price was about $3.8 million in July 2025redfin.com. These medians reflect slight cooling from the peak in 2022, but also recent upticks – for instance, Palo Alto saw a nearly 19% year-over-year jump in median price by mid-2025redfin.com after a softer 2024, whereas Los Altos prices were down ~8.6% year-over-yearsanjoserealestatelosgatoshomes.com in the same period (high-end markets experienced a dip in late 2024 due to interest rate rises, now stabilizing). Mountain View’s median was up about 2.4% year-over-yearsanjoserealestatelosgatoshomes.com, showing resilience at the more moderate end of the market.

In practical terms, entry-level prices in the MVLA area are still very high: small 3-bedroom homes in Mountain View often start around $1.5–$2 million, while in Los Altos a “starter” 3-bedroom ranch easily tops $2.5–$3 million. The upper end of the market sees new or expanded Los Altos homes selling for $5–6M+, and Los Altos Hills estates frequently $5–10 million (or more for acreage with views). Palo Alto, with its mix of old bungalows and prestige properties, ranges roughly from $2M on the low end (for a fixer-upper or small cottage) to $8M+ for large modern homes in prime areas (with a few estates exceeding $10–20M). Condominiums and townhouses in Mountain View provide a slightly more affordable entry point (many in the $800k to $1.5M range), but within Los Altos and Palo Alto, attached housing is scarce and still often $1.5M+.

Market Trends: Despite periodic fluctuations, the long-term trend in these cities is strong price appreciation driven by high demand and limited supply. Silicon Valley’s robust job market – especially tech companies in Mountain View, Palo Alto, Sunnyvale – keeps a steady stream of well-paid buyers looking to enter these top school districts. Inventory of homes for sale is typically low. For example, Los Altos had only 18 single-family home sales in July 2025 (with about 19 active listings)sanjoserealestatelosgatoshomes.com, indicating how small and tight the market is. Mountain View had ~20 sales that month with just 14 active listings at month-endsanjoserealestatelosgatoshomes.com, a sign of a seller’s market(months of inventory often under 1 month in these areas). Homes tend to sell quickly – median days on market in summer 2025 was ~11 days in Mountain Viewsanjoserealestatelosgatoshomes.com and ~18 days in Los Altossanjoserealestatelosgatoshomes.com, and many well-priced homes still receive multiple offers. The sale-to-list price ratio remains robust (often 104–106%, meaning homes sell 4-6% over asking on averagesanjoserealestatelosgatoshomes.com sanjoserealestatelosgatoshomes.com).

It’s worth noting that higher interest rates in 2023-2024 did cool the frenzy compared to 2021’s peak. Buyers became more cautious at price points above $4M, so ultra-high-end markets (like Los Altos Hills) saw some price corrections – e.g. Los Altos Hills’ median fell ~26% YOY by mid-2025 to $4.7Mredfin.com (though that is partly due to mix of properties sold). However, by 2025 the market showed signs of recovery as inventory stayed low. Palo Alto’s surge in early 2025 (up nearly 19% YoY)redfin.com suggests renewed competition for quality homes in prime school areas. Mountain View’s more moderately priced segment experienced less volatility and remains in constant demand, buoyed by first-time high-income buyers and those looking for relatively better “value” in the school district.

In national context, Palo Alto Unified School District was identified as the most expensive school district in the entire country to buy into – one analysis estimated a family needs an income over $600k/year to afford the median home therefinance.yahoo.com. The MVLA area is not far behind. Los Altos and Los Altos Hills regularly rank among the top 5 highest-income small cities in Californiadatacommons.stanford.edu datacommons.stanford.edu, correlating with home values. For families prioritizing education, “investing” in a house here is investing in a top school district, and the market reflects that premium.

Housing Styles: The housing stock in MVLA communities varies from mid-century ranch homes to modern rebuilds and luxury mansions. In Mountain View, neighborhoods like Waverly Park and Blossom Valley feature 1960s–70s ranchers (often 1,800–2,500 sq ft on 8,000 sq ft lots) that now sell in the $2–3M range, some beautifully remodeled. Old Mountain View and Downtown North areas have smaller lots with 1920s bungalows or newer craftsman-style infill homes, appealing for walkability. Los Altos predominantly offers larger lot single-story ranch homes from the 1950s–1970s (many around 2,000–3,000 sq ft, often expanded or rebuilt into 4,000+ sq ft modern houses). North Los Altos has prestigious new builds and many properties valued for land (1/3 acre parcels near downtown can fetch $4M+ even if the house is tear-down). Los Altos Hills features custom estates – gated Mediterranean villas, contemporary architectural masterpieces, equestrian properties – each unique, typically 4,000–8,000+ sq ft homes on rolling acreage.

One unique selling point in this area is the presence of Joseph Eichler–designed mid-century modern homes, which we’ll explore next. These Eichler homes are highly sought after by design enthusiasts and are a niche the Boyenga Team specializes in. Overall, whether you’re looking at a quaint cottage or a palatial estate, real estate in the MVLA district is a high-end market defined by low supply and high demand. Buyers should be prepared for competitive bidding, and many take advantage of Compass Concierge programs or similar to make their offers more attractive. Working with knowledgeable local agents (like the Boyenga Team) is crucial to navigate this fast-paced market.

Eichler Homes: Mid-Century Modern Gems in MVLA and Palo Alto

One distinctive aspect of local real estate is the prevalence of Eichler homes – iconic mid-century modern houses known for their open-air atriums, floor-to-ceiling glass, and post-and-beam construction. Eric and Janelle Boyenga are widely recognized as Eichler home experts, and many MVLA neighborhoods feature these architectural treasures.

A classic Eichler mid-century modern home in Mountain View, characterized by clean lines, A-frame roof, glass walls, and seamless indoor-outdoor design.

What are Eichler homes? They are a style of modernist tract housing developed by Joseph Eichler in the 1950s–1960s, emphasizing indoor-outdoor living, simple modern design, and accessibility to the middle class. Eichlers typically have open floor plans, exposed beams, central courtyards or atriums, and extensive use of glass to “bring the outside in.” In the MVLA area (and nearby Palo Alto), Eichler homes have been lovingly preserved and have a cult following among architecture buffs and young tech buyers alike.

Mountain View is home to two main Eichler tracts: Monta Loma (the Fairview tract) and Bell Meadows. Monta Loma, at Mountain View’s northeast edge, contains roughly 185–200 Eichler homes built in the early 1950sboyengarealestateteam.com boyengarealestateteam.com, while the later Bell Meadows tract (early 1970s) includes several dozen Eichlers – in total, Mountain View has around 238 Eichler homes across these neighborhoodsboyengarealestateteam.com. Monta Loma Eichlers are modest (around 1,100–1,400 sq ft, mostly 3 bed/2 bath) and exemplify Eichler’s original vision of affordable modern livingboyengarealestateteam.com boyengarealestateteam.com. Bell Meadows Eichlers are slightly larger and reflect some later-era design tweaks by architect Claude Oaklandboyengarealestateteam.com. Monta Loma has become a very popular neighborhood for young families and tech professionals; it retains a strong community spirit – neighbors host block parties and even have a Monta Loma Neighborhood Association dating back to the 1970sboyengarealestateteam.com. It’s often compared to Palo Alto’s famed Greenmeadow Eichler tract in terms of camaraderieboyengarealestateteam.com. Importantly for families, Monta Loma feeds into Los Altos High School, making it a relatively affordable entry point (by local standards) to both an Eichler home and the top-ranked MVLA schoolsboyengarealestateteam.com.

Los Altos also has Eichler homes, though fewer in number (approximately 50 Eichlers in total are scattered in Los Altos)eichlerforsale.com. The most notable concentration is the Fallen Leaf Park neighborhood in south Los Altos, where 28 Eichler homes were built in the late 1960s. These are prized for being some of the best-preserved late Eichlerson the Peninsula – large models on generous lots, with atriums and high-end mid-century features. Eichler homes in Los Altos rarely come on the market; when they do, they command a premium (often $3–4M given their combination of design pedigree and Los Altos address). Nevertheless, they offer buyers a chance to own a piece of architectural history in a quiet, prestige suburb.

Palo Alto contains the largest collection of Eichler homes in the area, as Eichler built extensively in south Palo Alto during the 1950s. Neighborhoods like Greenmeadow, Fairmeadow (“The Circles”), Meadow Park, Charleston Meadows, and Barron Park feature entire tracts of Eichler homes. Palo Alto’s Eichler neighborhoods are beloved for their community-oriented layouts (Greenmeadow, for example, has a community pool and community center as part of the original Eichler plan). These areas feed into Palo Alto’s top schools (usually Gunn High School), making them extremely attractive to families. In fact, the Eichler lifestyle – with community swim clubs, walkable cul-de-sacs, and mid-century charm – is often cited as a reason families choose south Palo Alto over other towns. Eric and Janelle Boyenga have helped many clients buy and renovate Eichlers in Palo Alto, and they emphasize understanding the unique aspects of these homes (such as original Philippine mahogany paneling, in-floor radiant heating, and post-and-beam roofs) in order to preserve their value.

For Eichler enthusiasts, working with a knowledgeable agent is key. The Boyenga Team notes that owning an Eichler is “acquiring a unique lifestyle” that only select agents and homeowners truly appreciateeichlerhomesforsale.com. They guide clients on everything from finding off-market Eichlers, to navigating historical or design guidelines, to connecting with specialized contractors for Eichler renovations. Eichler homes, while beautiful, can have quirks (flat roofs, Eichler-specific maintenance needs), but with proper care they are architectural gems that continue to appreciate in value due to their scarcity and iconic status.

In summary, Eichler homes represent a special segment of the MVLA and Palo Alto housing market – one that the Boyenga Team has particular expertise in. These mid-century modern havens offer a contrast to the larger new constructions, appealing to buyers who value design, community, and a bit of nostalgia. If you’re interested in Eichler living, neighborhoods like Monta Loma (Mountain View), Fallen Leaf Park (Los Altos), or Greenmeadow (Palo Alto) should be high on your list.

Best Neighborhoods for Top Schools in MVLA and Palo Alto

When choosing a home with education in mind, it’s not just the city but the specific neighborhood that can shape your experience. Fortunately, within MVLA (and neighboring Palo Alto), most neighborhoods will grant access to excellent schools, but some stand out for their extra appeal – whether it’s community feel, walkability to schools, or other family-friendly amenities. Here we highlight a few of the best areas to live for top-notch schools:

Mountain View & Los Altos (MVLA District Neighborhoods)

Monta Loma (Mountain View): As discussed, Monta Loma is an Eichler-filled neighborhood prized for its strong community and proximity to Google. Beyond its architectural charm, families love that Monta Loma Elementary is right inside the neighborhood (kids walk to school) and that it feeds to Los Altos High Schoolboyengarealestateteam.com. The area has parks and a friendly vibe, making it ideal for young families seeking a relatively more affordable entry to MVLA.
Waverly Park (Mountain View): Located in west Mountain View, Waverly Park is known for its large lots and top schools. Homes here are typically ranch-style on quiet streets; many have been updated or rebuilt. It’s served by Huff Elementary (10/10) and Mountain View High School (10/10), a combination that draws many families. The neighborhood is also adjacent to Cooper Park and has a close-knit community that holds block parties. Real estate in Waverly Park is competitive – a 2,500 sq ft home can easily exceed $3M – but you get a suburban feel and walking distance to MVHS.
Downtown Los Altos / North Los Altos: This area offers beautiful tree-lined streets and a walkable villageatmosphere. It’s near Los Altos High School (LAHS is actually located just over the border in NW Mountain View, but accessible to North Los Altos residents) and within Los Altos School District for elementary (Covington, Santa Rita, etc., all highly rated). North Los Altos is one of the most expensive areas (many homes $4M+), but it provides the convenience of being able to stroll to downtown shops, the library, and even bike to LAHS. It’s perfect for families seeking an upscale, yet family-friendly environment – safe streets, block gatherings, and a very short commute for teens to high school.
South Los Altos: The southern end of Los Altos (around Cupertino border) is sometimes overlooked, but it’s fantastic for schools. Many homes here are zoned to top-rated Cupertino Union elementary/middle schools (such as Montclaire Elementary, Cupertino Middle) while still feeding into Los Altos High for 9-12. This “best of both worlds” combination means kids get stellar K-8 and then join LAHS, which is a big draw. Neighborhoods like Woodland Acres/The Highlands or Grant Park in south Los Altos offer larger mid-century homes, a bit more distance from the highway noise, and parks like Rancho San Antonio nearby. Home prices are slightly lower than north Los Altos (with some in the high $2M – $3M range for ~2,000 sq ft homes), making it a relative value for the area.
Los Altos Hills (central/south): For those desiring privacy and nature, parts of Los Altos Hills that are within MVLA (generally south of Moody Road) can be great – children here typically attend Gardner Bullis Elementary (a small, well-regarded K-6) and then Los Altos High. While Los Altos Hills lacks sidewalks and streetlights, it offers a unique rural upscale lifestyle just minutes from town. Families who choose LAH often enjoy having space for gardens, pools, and even farm animals, while still plugging into LAHS for high school. Just note the Northwestern Los Altos Hills areas go to Palo Alto schools (Gunn HS)julianalee.com, so if MVLA is your goal, focus on LAH homes in the south and east parts of town.

Across Mountain View and Los Altos, truly every neighborhood served by MVLA has great school access. The differences come down to lifestyle: Mountain View neighborhoods offer more diversity of housing and closer proximity to tech employment (and renters, urban amenities), whereas Los Altos neighborhoods offer quieter exclusively-residential atmospheres. Either way, MVLA families uniformly praise the high schools – whether your child goes to LAHS or MVHS is usually just a matter of zoning, and both schools are comparable in quality and opportunities. Some families prefer LAHS for its slightly smaller size and perhaps more intimate feel, while others prefer MVHS for certain programs or its location. But there is no bad choice academically.

Palo Alto Neighborhoods (Top Areas in PAUSD)

If you’re also considering Palo Alto for its schools (PAUSD), it’s hard to go wrong – the entire city is covered by highly rated schools (all elementary schools in Palo Alto are 8/10 or above, the two high schools Gunn and Palo Alto High are among the top in California). That said, some Palo Alto neighborhoods combine great schools with especially attractive community features:

Barron Park: A unique Palo Alto neighborhood with a semi-rural charm (some streets without sidewalks, a community donkeys mascot in Bol Park!). Barron Park is in the southwest Palo Alto area and feeds into Barron Park Elementary, Fletcher Middle, and Gunn High Schoolsiliconvalleyrealestateteam.com. Families love the slightly quieter, almost country feel plus the benefit of Gunn – which is often ranked the #1 public high school in California. Barron Park has a strong neighborhood association and events (like an annual 4th of July parade)siliconvalleyrealestateteam.com. Homes range from older cottages to new Craftsman builds; prices ~ $3M for typical 3-4BR.
Duveneck/St. Francis: A desirable North Palo Alto neighborhood known for its leafy streets and top-notch schools. It is served by Duveneck Elementary, Greene Middle, and Palo Alto High (Paly)siliconvalleyrealestateteam.com. Duveneck Elementary is one of Palo Alto’s highest-rated elementaries, and Paly High (across town near Stanford) offers excellent academics with slightly less pressure-cooker reputation than Gunn. The neighborhood itself is quiet, with a mix of post-war ranch homes and newer rebuilds. It’s conveniently close to the Edgewood Shopping Center and a short drive to downtown. Many say Duveneck/St. Francis offers the quintessential Palo Alto family experience – safe streets for biking, a strong sense of community, and walking groups for schoolchildren. Homes here often start around $3.5M and go upward.
Old Palo Alto: Perhaps Palo Alto’s most prestigious address, Old Palo Alto is not an official school boundary differentiator (it feeds to Walter Hays Elementary, Greene Middle, and Paly), but it’s worth mentioning due to its cachet. This neighborhood, with its mansion-lined streets (where the likes of Steve Jobs once lived), is centrally located and features exquisite homes. Families here enjoy being equidistant to both northern and southern attractions, and children attend some of the best schools without leaving the neighborhood. Old Palo Alto’s central location also means a short bike ride to Palo Alto High and Stanford. If budget permits (expect $5M+ prices), this area offers top schools plus Palo Alto’s most beautiful architecture and landscaping.
Greenmeadow / Charleston Meadow: These adjacent South Palo Alto neighborhoods are famous for Eichler homes and a tight-knit community. Greenmeadow in particular was designed as an Eichler community with a private community center and pool that remains a hub for families. These areas feed into Fairmeadow or Hoover Elementary, JLS Middle, and Gunn High (or some parts of Charleston Meadow go to Fletcher Middle) – all top-ranked. What sets them apart is the strong community network; events like ice cream socials, swim team meets, and holiday parades are common, echoing Monta Loma’s vibe in Mountain Viewboyengarealestateteam.com. Many families specifically seek out Greenmeadow for its neighborhood feel where kids can play freely. Homes are mostly mid-century modern (with many tasteful updates) in the $2M–$4M range.
Crescent Park: A North Palo Alto neighborhood known for grand homes and a prime location. It feeds into Addison Elementary, Greene Middle, and Paly High. Crescent Park is walking distance to downtown Palo Alto and the Palo Alto Main Library, and is filled with historic Tudor and Colonial revival homes on large lots. Families here enjoy the proximity to city amenities combined with a serene residential atmosphere along the San Francisquito Creek. It’s one of the most expensive parts of Palo Alto (estates here can exceed $6M easily), but offers prestige and convenience. Education-wise, Addison is a top elementary, and being on the north side means Paly High which has strong ties to the community (students sometimes intern at Stanford nearby, etc.).

In Palo Alto, one major consideration is Gunn vs. Paly high school. Both are outstanding (each often in the top 20 in California), but families sometimes have a preference. Gunn (serving south/west PA) has a history of slightly higher test scores and a very math/science-oriented student body; it’s located by the hills with more space. Paly (serving north PA) is across from Stanford and has a bit more of a liberal arts and journalism emphasis (e.g. an award-winning student newspaper, The Campanile). The stress level at both is high, but Gunn in the past had notable student mental health crises, leading to city-wide interventions. Both schools now have extensive wellness programs. From a real estate perspective, areas in south Palo Alto (Gunn) tend to have more mid-century and modest homes (more affordable, relatively speaking) whereas north Palo Alto (Paly) has the oldest, often largest homes and thus higher prices on average. But again, you truly cannot go wrong – all Palo Alto neighborhoods provide superb education, so choosing will depend more on the style of home, neighborhood ambiance, and budget.

To summarize: The best areas for schools in this region include anywhere in Los Altos or Mountain View served by MVLA, with popular picks like Waverly Park, Monta Loma, North Los Altos, etc., and in Palo Alto, family favorites like Barron Park, Duveneck/St. Francis, and Greenmeadow. Each offers something unique – be it community spirit, walkability, or luxurious surroundings – but all share the common thread of access to some of California’s best public schools.

The Boyenga Team: Your Palo Alto & MVLA Real Estate Experts

The Boyenga Team at Compass, led by Eric and Janelle Boyenga, stands out as the authority in Palo Alto/Mountain View/Los Altos real estate – especially when it comes to leveraging school districts and specialty homes like Eichlers. With over 20 years of experience in Silicon Valley real estateeichlerhomesforsale.com, the Boyenga Team has earned a reputation for unparalleled client service and deep local knowledge. In fact, they are the #1 Compass real estate team in Silicon Valley, with offices in Palo Alto, Los Altos, and surrounding areaseichlerhomesforsale.com eichlerhomesforsale.com.

Why choose the Boyenga Team? For one, they are known as the “Eichler Home Experts”compass.com – not only do they passionately market mid-century modern homes, but they also possess specialized knowledge in the design, restoration, and value of Eichlers and other unique properties. Eric and Janelle Boyenga have backgrounds in design, construction, and marketingboyenga.com, which they put to work for their clients: whether it’s preparing a home for sale with Compass Concierge or advising buyers on remodeling potential, they provide a full-service, data-driven approach. It’s no surprise Zillow branded them “Next Generation” agents and they’re affectionately known as “Property Nerds” in the industryeichlerhomesforsale.com for their analytical approach to pricing and trends.

The Boyenga Team’s philosophy is simple: “We always do what is best for our clients.”eichlerhomesforsale.com This client-first mentality has led to hundreds of satisfied families. With a team of skilled agents and support staff (over a dozen team members with a century of combined experienceeichlerhomesforsale.com), they cover every aspect of the transaction. They have successfully closed 2,100+ home sales (over $2.1 Billion in volume)eichlerhomesforsale.com, ranging from starter homes to luxury estates. Importantly for families focused on schools, the Boyenga Team members are well-versed in school boundary nuances, enrollment processes, and neighborhood reputations – they often help clients compare districts (MVLA vs. Palo Alto vs. Cupertino, for example) and even specific streets if it affects school assignment. Their expertise in the Palo Alto and MVLA area means they can identify which home will best suit a client’s lifestyle and education needs.

As founding partners of Compass Silicon Valley, Eric and Janelle leverage Compass’s technology and global reach to benefit their clientseichlerhomesforsale.com. From innovative digital marketing (they set a modern standard for luxury home marketing using social media and targeted campaignseichlerhomesforsale.com) to strong negotiation skills, the Boyengas ensure their clients achieve the best outcomes – whether that’s securing a dream home in a competitive bidding war or selling a property for top dollar. They also have extensive experience with family trusts, estate sales, and transitionseichlerhomesforsale.com, which is valuable in this region where many long-time owners pass properties to the next generation.

When it comes to Eichler and mid-century homes, the Boyenga Team’s track record is unmatched. They understand that selling an Eichler means highlighting its unique lifestyle appeal – open atriums, connection with nature – and often attracting a niche buyer pool. Through their dedicated platform (EichlerForSale) and network of mid-century aficionados, they help sellers maximize their home’s value. For buyers, they can pinpoint off-market opportunities and advise on maintenance of these architectural gems.

In short, the Boyenga Team offers expert guidance, local insight, and hands-on dedication for clients in Palo Alto, Los Altos, Mountain View and beyond. They treat each client as a long-term relationship – many testimonials speak of how they “helped us sell our Eichler and buy a new home, all while making us feel taken care of every step”. Real estate in a high-stakes market like Silicon Valley’s “school belt” requires the negotiation savvy and knowledge that the Boyenga Team provides.

Finding Your Dream Home with the Boyenga Team

Education is often the foundation of choosing a home – and the Mountain View–Los Altos and Palo Alto areas offer an unbeatable combination of top schools and vibrant communities. If you’re considering a move to take advantage of MVLA’s top-ranked schools or looking to sell your property in this coveted district, the Boyenga Team is here to help. As longtime Palo Alto area specialists and Eichler home experts, Eric & Janelle Boyenga and their team will ensure you have the best information, representation, and support throughout your real estate journey.

Ready to explore homes in the MVLA High School District or Palo Alto? Contact the Boyenga Team for a personalized consultation. We can provide detailed market analysis, private listings access, and a strategic plan to find your ideal home or maximize your home sale. With the Boyenga Team’s proven expertise and client-first approach, you can move forward with confidence in one of the most important decisions for your family’s future.

Get in touch with the Boyenga Team at Compass – your trusted partners in Silicon Valley real estate – and let our experience guide you to success in the Mountain View, Los Altos & Palo Alto housing market. Your dream home and top-tier education for your children await in this exceptional community. Let us help you make it a reality!