Nestled in the heart of Los Altos, Costello Acres is one of those rare neighborhoods where every street seems to whisper stories from the past. For those fortunate enough to reside here—or simply stroll beneath its old, leafy canopies—Costello Acres offers a charming blend of heritage and community spirit that feels uniquely timeless.
The Origins: From Farmland to Family Neighborhood
Costello Acres began its journey long before Los Altos blossomed into the vibrant city it is today. In the early 20th century, the area that now makes up Costello Acres was largely agricultural land, dominated by apricot and cherry orchards. The land was part of a wide expanse owned by a handful of local families, all dedicated to cultivating the region’s famously fertile soil.
The name “Costello Acres” harkens back to the Costello family, Irish immigrants who purchased nearly 15 acres off what is now known as Covington Road in the 1920s. It’s said that John Costello, a railroad engineer by day and avid gardener by night, envisioned a small, close-knit community where families and gardens could flourish side by side. The Costello homestead, a stately farmhouse with a wrap-around porch, once stood at the intersection of Covington Road and Springer Road—a humble cornerstone of what was to become a legendary neighborhood.
Building the Neighborhood: Key Milestones
- 1940s–1950s: Postwar Expansion
With the post-World War II housing boom, the Costello family began selling subdivided lots to returning veterans and young families, drawn by the promise of space and community. Streets like Costello Drive, Springer Road, and Alicia Way saw their first ranch-style homes rise, built with wide lots and deep backyards—perfect for the fruit trees and family gardens that became a local hallmark.
- 1960s: Community Landmarks Take Root
The 1960s brought further transformation as Los Altos expanded. The construction of Covington Elementary School brought educational vibrancy to the neighborhood, making it a magnet for young families. Costello Park, originally just an empty lot, became a beloved gathering spot after dedicated residents petitioned the city for playgrounds and picnic tables. Generations of children have since enjoyed its shade and laughter.
- 1970s–1980s: Embracing Change, Honoring Tradition
As Silicon Valley’s influence grew, Costello Acres saw a new wave of residents—engineers, teachers, and entrepreneurs—each contributing to the area’s evolving identity. While some original homes were renovated or rebuilt, the neighborhood’s leafy streets and friendly ethos remained untouched. Local historical groups successfully lobbied to designate the original Costello farmhouse a heritage site before its unfortunate demolition in the late ’80s; still, a commemorative plaque stands on Springer Road today, honoring the family’s lasting legacy.
Notable Landmarks and Treasured Institutions
Walking through Costello Acres, it’s impossible not to feel a sense of place rooted deeply in community and continuity. Several landmarks stand as quiet witnesses to the decades gone by:
- Costello Park: A hub for neighborhood picnics, youth soccer games, and seasonal festivals, this park is the green heart of Costello Acres.
- Covington Elementary School: Known for its excellent academics and warm atmosphere, the school continues to draw families and is frequently the first introduction many newcomers have to the neighborhood.
- Springer Road’s Heritage Plaque: On the corner where the original Costello farmhouse once stood, a bronze plaque offers a glimpse into the past, reminding passersby of humble beginnings.
- Orchard Remnants: Look for the rows of old cherry and apricot trees that persist in yards along Costello Drive and Alicia Way—living testaments to what once blanketed the entire region.
Evolving Over the Decades: The Costello Acres of Today
While much has changed in and around Costello Acres, a few things remain remarkably constant. The neighborhood maintains its small-town feel: residents organize annual block parties, holiday parades wind along Alicia Way, and neighbors know each other by name. Many homes have been modernized over the years, but the generous lot sizes and mature landscaping preserve the spacious, green environment cherished by early families.
Community involvement is a point of pride. Residents actively participate in Los Altos’ heritage preservation programs and regularly host history walks in partnership with the Los Altos History Museum. You’ll spot little free libraries tucked along Springer Road, reflecting both a love of learning and a desire to share.
Its central location means that Costello Acres is only a short walk or bike ride to downtown Los Altos, making it convenient for shopping at the farmers market or enjoying a local café. At the same time, quiet evenings on Covington Road recall the serenity of a quieter, earlier Los Altos.
Why Costello Acres Endures
What makes Costello Acres truly special isn’t just its rolling lawns or beautiful homes. It’s the sense of belonging that comes from decades of families putting down roots, celebrating local traditions, and honoring the vision of the original Costellos. Here, the past isn't just remembered—it’s lived, every day, in the stories told beneath towering trees, in neighborly smiles, and in the ongoing effort to keep the heritage of this hidden gem alive and thriving.
Whether you’re a lifelong local, new arrival, or curious visitor, a walk through Costello Acres is an invitation to step into Los Altos’ living history—a place where yesterday and today coexist in rare, wonderful harmony.