Overview
Home to an array of prestigious employers and one of the top universities in the world, Palo Alto is considered to be the heartbeat of Silicon Valley. It is centrally located between the metropolises of San Francisco and San Jose, giving it a premier setting imbued with vibrant energy, an extremely well-educated population, and highly acclaimed public schools.
Access & Innovation
The city of Palo Alto is over 120 years old, and comprises a heritage rich with history and innovation. Named after a stately 1000-year-old redwood tree, Palo Alto has long been regarded as a birthplace for advancement. It is the site of Stanford University, and it has fostered many high-tech companies and renowned inventors. In addition, the city’s strategic access to freeways, public transit, and three international airports allow it to be a local and global magnet for business and intellectual concerns.
Prestigious Yet Humble
Although Palo Alto is one of the most expensive communities in the country, one of the reasons that residents cherish their city is its prolific understatement. Most visitors would never think that its tree-shaded neighborhoods shelter many of the most prominent businesspeople in America, or that its quiet business parks and charming plazas host some of the most powerful companies on the globe. The low-key yet immaculate residential areas are an eclectic jumble of architectural styles and demographic compositions—and it would not be a surprise to discover a billionaire tech mogul lives just down the block.
Recreation For Everyone
Enjoying the same temperate climate found throughout much of the Bay Area, the city takes great care to protect its open spaces and parks, dedicating nearly one-third of its 26 square miles to open space. The city also showcases a bustling downtown anchored by University Avenue, with quaint boutiques, popular retailers, and restaurants spanning every culture and budget imaginable. Culture abounds, from the many events featuring world-renowned experts at Stanford University, to art galleries and live theater. The shopping at Stanford Mall is world-class and includes luxury brands like Tiffany & Co., Louis Vuitton, and Burberry, supplemented by a selection of high-end department stores.
Excellent Education
The Palo Alto Unified School District supplies residents with some of the best schools in the nation. Graduates from local high schools attend the most prestigious colleges and universities in the country, with a much larger-than-average number admitted to neighboring Stanford. Abundant bike paths make it easy for most students to bike to school, giving them a sense of independence that is valued by parents and children alike.
***
No city can compare to Palo Alto’s distinguished blend of history, suburban charm, and urban access. The city is every bit as enjoyable a place to live as it is an exciting destination to experience.
Notable Residents—Past and Present
Sergey Brin, co-founder of Google
Tim Cook, CEO of Apple
Dave and James Franco, actor siblings
William Hewlett, co-founder of Hewlett-Packard
Herbert Hoover, 31st President of the United States of America
Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple
Jeremy Lin, NBA player
Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla Motors and SpaceX
David Packard, co-founder of Hewlett-Packard
Larry Page, co-founder and CEO of Google
Condoleezza Rice, former US Secretary of State
Steve Young, NFL Hall-of-Famer and former 49ers quarterback
Mark Zuckerberg, co-founder and CEO of Facebook
Home to Stanford University, venture capitalists, entrepreneurs and technology companies, Palo Alto is considered to be the very heart of Silicon Valley. Centrally located between San Francisco and San Jose, Palo Alto is known for its vibrant energy, extremely well educated population and highly acclaimed public schools.
Explore our neighborhoods – Palo Alto
No one knows our cities as well as we do. Browse our comprehensive neighborhood guides to learn about the most desirable or most up-and-coming places to live across the country.
Average Sales Price
List Price
# of Homes Sold
The public schools are among the best in the nation. Graduates from the local high schools attend the most prestigious colleges and universities in the country, with a much larger than average number admitted to neighboring Stanford. Abundant bike paths make it easy for most students to bike to their local schools, giving them a sense of independence that is valued by parents and children alike.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- 23 miles to San Francisco Airport
- 20 miles to San Jose Airport
- Between Menlo Park, Los Altos, and Mountain View
Important Phone Numbers
& Websites
- City Official Website
- Building/Planning
- City of Palo Alto Utilities — (650) 329-2161
Hospitals
- Stanford Hospital
- Palo Alto Medical Foundation
Shopping
- Stanford Shopping Center
- Town & Country Village
- Downtown Palo Alto
Parks & Recreation
- Destination Palo Alto
- Building/Planning
- Shoreline Lake
- Municipal Golf Course
- The Baylands
Arts & Sciences
- Palo Alto Art Center
- Palo Alto Children’s Theatre
- Junior Museum and Zoo
Explore our neighborhoods – Palo Alto
Browse our comprehensive neighborhood guides to learn about the most desirable or most up-and-coming places to live across the country.