Ladera is a neighborhood in high demand. Like much of Portola Valley, it is steeped in nature and offers views that extend to the foothills, the bay, and, in some cases, even San Francisco. The one distinct difference is that Ladera is generally more walkable than the rest of Portola Valley. There are 535 houses in the community, occupying lots that range from a quarter-acre to two acres in size. About half the present homes date to the original founding, but even newer homes tend to follow modest, Ranch-style designs. Ladera Recreation Center is the center of the neighborhood, both literally and figuratively, and students in the area have access to the highly acclaimed Las Lomitas School District.

When asked why they prefer Ladera, most residents cite the strong, friendly sense of community. This isn’t very surprising since Ladera was founded in the 1940s as experimental cooperative housing. Today, the spirit of a cohesive, supportive community persists; many children participate in the local swim team and adults plan seasonal activities together. The Ladera Community Association was founded in 1951 to make “Ladera a pleasant, progressive, and useful community through the collective action of its members.” Most residents agree that Ladera has succeeded in that mission.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Created as cooperative housing
• Access to Las Lomitas School District
• Pervasive sense of community inclusion
• Higher walkability than other Portola Valley communities