Palo Alto

Welcome to Palo Alto

Discover Palo Alto, the heartbeat of Silicon Valley and a city synonymous with innovation, education, and an exceptional quality of life. With its rich history, world-class amenities, and dynamic community, Palo Alto blends cutting-edge technology with tree-lined neighborhoods, open-space preserves, and an inviting small-town feel. 

Palo Alto is nestled between East Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Mountain View, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Portola Valley, and the census-designated place of Stanford.

In 2024, Palo Alto was ranked as the safest suburb in California by personal finance company SmartAsset.com.

Palo Alto’s legacy as a hub for technology and entrepreneurship is deeply rooted in its history. In 1939, Stanford graduates Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard founded Hewlett-Packard in a small garage on Addison Avenue, considered by many to be the birthplace of Silicon Valley. Since then, Palo Alto has remained at the forefront of the tech revolution, serving as the launchpad for countless startups and industry leaders. A few of the influential companies that are headquartered or formerly headquartered in Palo Alto include Meta, Google, Tesla, Netscape, VMware, Palantir Technologies, PARC, and many, many more!

Named after a historic coastal redwood tree, life in Palo Alto is a mix of historic charm and modern innovation. The city’s vibrant commercial centers, excellent schools, and green spaces make it one of the most desirable places to live in the Bay Area.

Downtown Palo Alto, centered around University Avenue, is a bustling destination filled with high-end boutiques, renowned restaurants, and tech offices. California Avenue offers a more laid-back but equally lively atmosphere, with farmers markets, coffee shops, and local businesses that contribute to the city’s tight-knit community feel.

Whether you're on University Avenue or California Avenue, you'll find no shortage of amazing dining options! Palo Alto is known throughout Silicon Valley as a hub for exceptional culinary experiences. Some of my favorite local restaurants are in Palo Alto, and I've featured them on my Susan Selects page, where I share top dining recommendations.

Residents of Palo Alto enjoy an engaged and civic-minded community that values sustainability, education, and cultural enrichment. The city’s extensive network of bike-friendly streets, parks, and walking trails encourages an active lifestyle, while its well-connected Caltrain station makes commuting to San Francisco or San Jose seamless.

Palo Alto is also home to some of the region’s top-rated public schools within the Palo Alto Unified School District, consistently ranked among the best in California. Palo Alto High School and Gunn High School are both highly regarded for their academic excellence.

Stanford University, one of the world’s premier educational institutions, is an integral part of Palo Alto’s identity. Palo Alto was founded in conjunction with Stanford University in 1894. The university’s presence enriches the city with its cultural, academic, and athletic events, as well as its scenic campus, which offers residents access to iconic landmarks like the Stanford Dish hiking trail, the Rodin Sculpture Garden, and the Cantor Arts Center.

Palo Alto is also known for its abundant green spaces and commitment to preserving nature. The city maintains over 30 parks, including the sprawling Baylands Nature Preserve, where residents can enjoy miles of trails, birdwatching, and stunning waterfront views. The nearby Foothills Nature Preserve offers a peaceful retreat with hiking trails and panoramic vistas of the Bay Area.

With its prime location, world-class amenities, and a culture of innovation, Palo Alto, California stands out as one of the most sought-after communities in Silicon Valley. Whether you're drawn by its tech-driven economy, top-tier education, or picturesque neighborhoods, Palo Alto offers an unparalleled lifestyle in the heart of the Bay Area.

Explore current Palo Alto real estate listings on my Palo Alto home search page!