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Armond King grew up in Los Altos and he and his wife Marjorie live in the Cherry Avenue home built in 1913 they purchased from his parents in 1968, right in the heart of North Los Altos, roughly bounded by Foothill Expressway, El Monte Road, El Camino Real and Adobe Creek. King remembers the orchards that once covered the 10 acres — five on each side of the street — that once belonged to his grandparents.

His grandfather's story, along with the rest of the area's history, can be found at the Los Altos History Museum, located next to the library on S. San Antonio Road. The grounds include the J. Gilbert Smith House, originally built in 1905 and restored to replicate a 1930s farmhouse, complete with surrounding apricot orchards.

Recently, North Los Altos has experienced a major building boom as people tear down the older homes. "There are seven new houses on my side of the street in the last three years," King said. "This is not a tract home area. They're all different," he said, pointing to the Georgian-style home next door to his Craftsman style.

Dalice Whatley feels that she has the best of both worlds with her condo in a new building on Second Street.

"I'm on a beautiful tree-lined street and I have a two-minute walk to work," she said. Whatley is the owner of V Space Design and DWD Limited & Interiors in Los Altos. Living close to the freeway also provides easy access to her clients.

Whatley appreciates the community spirit and activities. "There's a Friday movie night in the summer on Main Street," she said. "The street is closed to traffic and folding chairs are arranged facing a big screen."

Alan and Linda Cyron and their four school-age children have lived in their circa 1970 ranch-style home on Pine Lane since 2001. Alan said he's resided in several U.S. cities and finds their current "unique little haven" his favorite by far.

"There's a wonderful mix of families and empty nesters," he said. "Everyone walks and children play in the front yard, so it's easy to meet people. The residents at Pilgrim Haven senior community across the street are very much part of the neighborhood."

The Cyrons live within easy walking distance of Santa Rita School. "The schools are critical in the Los Altos experience," he said, "and there's a lot of parent volunteerism."

The Cyron family participates in the annual Festival of Lights, a parade with floats and marching bands that takes place on the Sunday after Thanksgiving. "The streets are packed," he said. The Pet Parade and the Arts and Wine Festival are also family favorites.

Armond King remembers the good old days when Los Altos was truly rural. However, the neighborhood still manages to maintain what Cyron describes as a "sleepy town feel," despite being at the center of Silicon Valley.


FACTS


CHILDCARE AND PRESCHOOLS: Children's Corner, 97 Hillview Ave.; Children's Creative Learning Center, 700 Los Altos Ave.; Los Altos Parents Preschool, 199 Almond Ave.; Tiny Tots Preschool, 647 S. San Antonio Road

FIRE STATION: No. 15, 10 Almond Ave.

LIBRARY: 13 S. San Antonio Road

PARKS: Village Park, Edith Avenue at San Antonio Road; Shoup Park, 400 University Ave.; Lincoln Park, University at Lincoln Avenue

POST OFFICE: 100 First St.

PRIVATE SCHOOLS: Los Altos Christian School, 625 Magdalena Ave.; Canterbury Christian School, 101 N. El Monte Ave.

PUBLIC SCHOOLS: Los Altos School District — Santa Rita or Almond elementary schools, Egan Intermediate School

Mtn. View-Los Altos Union High School District — Los Altos High School

SHOPPING: Downtown Los Altos, Los Altos Village Court and San Antonio Center

MEDIAN 2008 HOME PRICE: $1,910,000 ($1,065,000-$4,050,000)

HOMES SOLD: 83

MEDIAN 2008 CONDO PRICE: $859,500 ($485,000-$1,075,000)

CONDOS SOLD: 32

— Susan Golovin