Lafayette was incorporated in 1968 for the preservation and enhancement of the semi-rural character of the community. Lafayette is located on 15 square miles in Contra Costa County and is noted for its high quality of life with top rated schools, low crime rate, small town downtown, clean air, mild climate and oak tree-studded hills. Its location between Berkeley and Walnut Creek, bordering Orinda, provides easy access to Oakland, San Francisco, and the East Bay business center, Walnut Creek.