149 movers in Los Altos

What to know when moving to Los Altos, CA

TL;DR: Los Altos at a Glance

The Vibe:
A highly educated ZIP where 88.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree and only 19.3% rent.
The Major Draw:
Median household income is $250,001, making it one of the wealthiest areas.
The Reality Check:
Median gross rent is $3,501, which is quite high for many budgets.
Commute:
Only 1.6% of residents use public transit.
Top Tip:
Budget for a median home value of $2,000,001 if you're looking to buy.

The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?

Los Altos is a community characterized by its high level of education, with 88.7% of residents holding at least a bachelor's degree. The median household income of $250,001 reflects the affluence of the area, while the 19.3% renter population indicates a preference for homeownership over renting. With only 1.6% of residents relying on public transit, it's a car-dependent area, and budget-conscious movers should take note of the high median gross rent at $3,501.

Probably not your spot if you are looking for affordable housing options or rely heavily on public transportation.

Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot

  • Median gross rent is $3,501, making it essential to budget accordingly.
  • Median owner-occupied home value is $2,000,001, which reflects the area's affluent character.
  • Poverty rate stands at 4.0%, indicating a relatively low level of economic distress.
  • Only 19.3% of residents are renters, suggesting a strong homeownership trend.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.

Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say

Crime data for California shows a downward trend in both violent and property crime rates, which is a positive sign for residents.

  • Violent crime rate is 415.5 per 100,000, which is 27.7% higher than the national average of 325.3.
  • Property crime rate is 1,764 per 100,000, about 14% higher than the national rate of 1,546.9.
  • Notable trends include a 26.1% decrease in property crime since 2022.

Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for California).

Schools & Higher Ed

Access to education in the area is robust, with a total of 22 postsecondary institutions available nearby.

  • Notable institutions include Stanford University, De Anza College, and Foothill College.
  • 19 of these institutions have College Scorecard data, indicating a reliable source for further educational opportunities.

Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES, College Scorecard.

Weather & Getting Outside

Santa Clara County experiences an annual precipitation of 14.2 inches, with 45 rainy days each year. The area features a mild climate with no snowfall, making outdoor activities enjoyable year-round.

  • Parks & outdoor spots worth checking out include:
  • Rancho San Antonio County Park & Open Space Preserve - 4.7 stars (4,484 reviews)
  • Cuesta Park - 4.7 stars (2,663 reviews)
  • Computer History Museum - 4.7 stars (7,520 reviews)

Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.

Jobs & the Local Economy

Santa Clara County, where Los Altos is located, maintains a relatively healthy job market.

  • Unemployment rate is 4.0% as of December 2025.
  • Total employment in the county stands at 990,643.
  • The labor force comprises 1,031,459 individuals.

Source: BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics.

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Who regulates Los Altos interstate movers?

Los Altos moving companies are required to be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) if they perform interstate moves. No matter if it is a moving company or a broker, they should have a valid DOT number. You can look up a mover here.

Agency: United States Department of Transportation
Address: 1200 New Jersey Ave, SE, Washington DC 20590
Phone: (855) 368-4200
Website: www.fmcsa.dot.gov

To see if a specific movers complies with regulations, simply select a company from the list.

Moving within vs moving out of California

Let's see how many people move within California versus those who moved from The Golden State to another state.

Moved Within CA
46%
Moved out of CA
54%

Out of all California household moves, approximately 46% of them have been local ones, with 54% of the people moving to another state in the country.

Despite being the home of the nation’s second- and third-largest urban economies (the Greater Los Angeles Area and the San Francisco Bay Area respectively), the majority of Californians have still chosen to move out of the state.

Who regulates California local movers

When contacting local California moving companies, make sure to check their cal-T number issued by the California Public Utilities Commission.

Household goods moving companies must obtain permits from the PUC after proving financial and safety fitness.

They must also prove that they have adequate insurance and they are subject to criminal background clearance by the California Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Agency: California Public Utilities Commission
Address: SSRS Unit 505, Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94102-3298
Phone: (800) 848-5580
Website: www.cpuc.ca.gov

The CPUC controls privately owned electric, natural gas, telecommunications, water, railroad, rail transit, along with passenger transportation companies.

What do people move within California?

Ever wondered which are the most popular move sizes when people move locally in CA?

Studio (7%)
1 Bedroom (22%)
2 Bedroom (26%)
3 Bedroom (22%)
4 Bedroom (7%)

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How much does it cost to hire movers

As it turns out, the cost to hire professional movers will effectively solve the ever-present dilemma of whether you should hire a mover or do it yourself. The cost depends on a number of important factors, including the type of the move itself (local move or a long distance). See the breakdown.

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