Lafayette's school districts are described as highly rated. (Reddit, Reddit)
The Lafayette Reservoir is listed among the best hiking spots near Lafayette. (yelp.com)
Families relocating from denser cities like San Francisco and Oakland often weigh moving to Lafayette when considering schools. (Reddit, Reddit)
Housing costs are high, with per square foot prices estimated in the 600 to 800 dollar range by one resident. (Reddit)
“the views and serenity are really worth it” (a resident)
Who tends to love Lafayette, CA
Hikers and nature lovers: Trails and parks offer views, serenity, and dog walking spots.
Food and drink fans: Local spots like McGraw's, Nine Irish, and Lafayette Brewing are popular.
New residents weighing costs: One resident felt moving there was worth it despite high costs.
Outdoors and trails
The Lafayette Ridge Trail is not very long but offers views and serenity worth the trip. The trail itself isn't super long but the views and serenity are really worth it...(Reddit)
A new resident from Nevada was still getting oriented to the area's nearby nature trails and hikes. I just moved here from Nevada, I’m a big outdoors person and being so new to the area I’m kind of in the dark on(Reddit)
One resident new to Lafayette has visited parks like Happy Hollow and Celery Bog while walking their dog. I've been to several parks like Happy Hollow and Celery Bog walking my dog(Reddit)
Getting around
One resident said BART from Lafayette to Embarcadero takes about 32 to 35 minutes, with Civic Center adding another 3 minutes, and trains run about every 15 minutes during peak times. BART from lafayette to Embarcadero is about 32-35 min, and civic center adds another 3 min(Reddit)
One resident estimated the BART ride from Lafayette station to Embarcadero at about 35 to 40 minutes and considered that reasonable. it's about 35-40 minutes on BART from Lafayette station to Embarcadero, which seems reasonable(Reddit)
One resident said public transport is less convenient than in Chicago but still adequate, requiring more planning. won't be nearly as convenient as Chicago, but it's adequate(Reddit)
One resident noted that seats are usually available at Fremont and Lafayette, though the transfer train may be standing room only at first. There should always be plenty of seats available at Fremont and Lafayette(Reddit)
Community feel
One resident said the community is very family friendly with walking and biking trails and summer school programs at Lafayette Reservoir. very family friendly overall with plenty of walking/biking trails, summer school programs at Lafayette Reservoir(Reddit)
Wish I knew
One resident said moving near Lafayette was a good decision despite high home and insurance costs. Proved to be an excellent move. A little better in Lafayette. Homes are expensive(Reddit)
Food and coffee
One resident mentioned McGraw's, Nine Irish, Lafayette Brewing Company, and Brewco as good options. The Lafayette Brewing Company is great, Brewco has always been good honestly(Reddit)
One resident noted that everyone recommends local restaurants like DT Kirby's and Maru Sushi. Everyone knows about DT Kirby's, Maru Sushi, etc(Reddit)
Nightlife and social
One resident recommends Digbys or The Spot for their patios, and mentions People's Brewing or Teays River as outdoor options with People's being dog friendly. Digbys or The Spot are good options for their patios(Reddit)
Jobs and work
One resident noted that Matchbox Coworking Studio is not free but offers free trial days and 24/7 access. Matchbox Coworking Studio is not free, but they do have free days(Reddit)
Dating
One resident said they have met partners through activities like geocaching, being complimented by a stranger at a club, and chatting with people at various groups met partners through geocaching, having a stranger compliment my outfit at a club(Reddit)
One resident said they get along with coworkers but struggle to expand their social circle beyond professional relationships I get along with people at work but nothing beyond professional relationships(Reddit)
What Lafayette, CA is known for
Lafayette Art & Wine Festival (September): Large festival with art, crafts, food, wine and music
Trick or Treat Street (October): Community Halloween event
Rock the Plaza Concert Series: Free live music series in Lafayette Plaza Park
It's a Wonderful Life in Lafayette Holiday Celebration (December): Holiday celebration event
More on Lafayette, CA
The full Varro guide adds rent and home prices, local taxes, schools, healthcare, getting around, weather by month, and a quiz that shows how Lafayette, CA fits what you want.