Relocating to Los Altos should feel exciting, not overwhelming. You are stepping into one of Silicon Valley’s most competitive markets, where speed and preparation can make all the difference. This guide gives you a clear, concierge-style plan for your move, from market realities and taxes to utilities, permits, and school enrollment. Follow the timeline, use the local links, and move in with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Los Altos market at a glance
Los Altos is a premium market with a real-time median list price near 4.35 million and conditions that favor sellers, according to the Altos market report for Los Altos. Local reporting shows fierce bidding, with one in eight homes selling 1 million over list price. Days on market can be short and inventory tight by micro-segment. You should plan for accelerated timelines, strong terms, and clear walk-away rules.
Concierge relocation timeline
8+ weeks before move
- Confirm your closing date and possession terms in writing with your agent and escrow. Start a one-page move plan with deadlines.
- Begin utility planning. Check service availability and schedule turn-ons for electric, gas, water, and internet. Use the City’s utilities guide for providers and contacts.
- If you have children, verify your address and start enrollment with Los Altos School District for TK–8 and Mountain View–Los Altos Union High School District for high school. Review transfer and open-enrollment rules early. See LASD’s enrollment and transfer page and MVLA’s district overview.
- Book your mover and get a binding estimate. Confirm access limits, permitted hours, and insurance.
- If you need a POD or storage, check city rules before reserving. Many cities require a permit for curb placement. When possible, plan to place containers on your driveway.
- Request a pre-move utilities cost estimate and ask about Silicon Valley Clean Energy options for your address.
4 to 6 weeks before move
- Schedule inspections and track contingency dates with your agent.
- Planning an ADU or remodel soon after closing. Contact Los Altos planning and building for permit steps and timelines, since approvals can take months.
- Reserve curb space if you will need a large truck. Many cities require temporary no-parking or curb reservations for move days. Check typical rules and timing using this moving permits overview and confirm the exact process with Los Altos Public Works or Police.
- If you are moving into a condo or HOA, book elevators, confirm move windows, and submit any move-in forms or deposits.
7 to 14 days before move
- Set final utility start dates. File change-of-address with USPS and update banks, insurance, and subscriptions.
- Arrange trash, recycling, and organics service start, plus any bulky-item pickup with the city’s provider. See the City’s trash and recycling page.
- Reconfirm your movers, any parking reservations, and building access. Prepare an essentials box and secure important documents.
Move day and your first week
- Do your final walkthrough. Pick up keys, remotes, and codes.
- Turn on main systems and test smoke and CO alarms. Photograph meter readings and settings.
- In your first 1 to 2 weeks, update voter and vehicle registration, complete school enrollment, and file any HOA move-in paperwork.
Local essentials to set up
Utilities and providers
- Electricity and gas: PG&E provides service. Many addresses have Silicon Valley Clean Energy as the default power supplier.
- Water: California Water Service Company serves Los Altos.
- Garbage and recycling: Mission Trail Waste Systems is the provider. See the City’s utilities page for current contacts and guidance.
- Internet: Comcast/Xfinity and AT&T are common. Confirm fiber or high-speed options early if you work from home.
Schools and enrollment
- Elementary and middle school: Los Altos School District (TK–8) serves most Los Altos addresses. Policies for intradistrict and interdistrict transfers can change by year. Review LASD’s enrollment and transfer guidance and verify your address with the district.
- High school: Mountain View–Los Altos Union High School District serves local high school students. Confirm feeder patterns and any transfer rules with MVLA.
Taxes and closing costs
- Property taxes: A commonly cited median effective property tax rate in Los Altos is about 1.22 percent of market value, though the base rate in California is 1 percent plus local assessments. See the local breakdown at Ownwell’s Los Altos page and confirm with the county assessor and your escrow officer.
- Transfer taxes: The California documentary transfer tax is commonly $1.10 per $1,000 of price at the county level. Some cities add a city transfer tax. Los Altos is not commonly listed among those cities, but verify your address and escrow statement. Review county and city rates with this title company transfer tax summary.
Commute and transit
Los Altos offers short drives to many Silicon Valley employers. The Palo Alto–Los Altos area shows an average travel time near 22 minutes, though your commute will vary by route and time of day. See the commuting profile at DataUSA. Evaluate VTA bus routes, nearby Caltrain stations, and employer shuttles for your routine.
Moving logistics and permits
Street and curb use for trucks
Large moving trucks often need temporary curb reservations or posted no-parking signs. Lead times can range from 24 hours to several business days depending on size and location. Use this moving permits overview as a starting point and call Los Altos Public Works or Police to confirm the current local steps, fees, and posting rules. Do not block hydrants, red curbs, or accessibility zones.
PODs and mobile storage
Many cities prefer PODs on private property and require permits or an encroachment approval for curb placement. Plan for limited on-site days, driveway placement when possible, and clear sidewalks and sightlines. Confirm Los Altos rules with Public Works before scheduling delivery.
Multi-family and HOAs
Condo and apartment buildings often require elevator reservations, move deposits, certificates of insurance, and set move windows. Ask the manager or HOA for the written move policy and forms, then share them with your mover.
Oversized vehicles or overnight parking
Some cities restrict overnight parking for oversized vehicles in residential areas and may require temporary permits. If your mover plans to stage a truck overnight, confirm the rules with the city and your HOA to avoid citations or towing.
Ready to make your move
A smooth relocation comes down to timing, clear steps, and local knowledge. Use this checklist to stay ahead on utilities, permits, and school tasks, and set the tone for a stress-light move. If you want a data-informed purchase plan and guidance tailored to Los Altos, connect with The Grail Group for trusted local advisory.
FAQs
How competitive is the Los Altos market right now
- The market favors sellers, with a real-time median list price near 4.35 million and frequent competitive bidding, including cases of homes selling 1 million over list, based on Altos’ Los Altos report and local reporting.
What property taxes should I budget in Los Altos
- Plan around a median effective rate near 1.22 percent of market value, then confirm exact assessments and proration with escrow and the county; see Ownwell’s Los Altos tax overview.
Do I need a permit to reserve curb space for my moving truck
- Many cities require temporary no-parking signs or a curb reservation for large trucks; use this moving permits guide for typical steps and call Los Altos Public Works or Police to confirm current rules and lead times.
Who handles trash and recycling service in Los Altos
- Mission Trail Waste Systems provides service for Los Altos; review start dates, bin delivery, and bulky-item pickups on the City’s trash and recycling page.
How do I start school enrollment after I buy in Los Altos
- Verify your address and follow district timelines: use LASD’s enrollment and transfer page for TK–8 and contact MVLA for high school details at the district overview.
