Welcome to Palo Alto
A family-orientated haven of suburban ease and top-notch academics
One of the best suburbs in the Bay Area, the picturesque town of Palo Alto is an ideal place to call home. This friendly neighborhood offers excellent schools, balmy weather, and plenty of opportunities. Known as the birthplace of Silicon Valley, Palo Alto’s tech industry is on fire, and startups reign supreme.
The name Palo Alto translates to ‘tall tree’ and, in fact, the streets here are lined with thousands of them. With housing options ranging from Queen Anne to Craftsman and Spanish Colonial, there’s something for every taste.
What to Love
- Excellent schools
- Central location
- Lush green spaces
- Mediterranean climate
People & Lifestyle
Residents love Palo Alto for its mix of easy, residential lifestyle and bustling atmosphere. A great spot to raise a family, Palo Alto is home to young professionals in the tech industry and academic field, as well as young families and students.
Locals can usually be found walking or jogging down the leafy streets, and parents love the gorgeous, kid-friendly parks and playgrounds. With lots of green spaces and some of the top schools in the country, including
Stanford University, Palo Alto is one of the best family neighborhoods in the country.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
The tech industry may wear the crown in Palo Alto, but the restaurant scene has some gems as well. The award-winning Ramen Nagi, from Chef Satoshi Ikuta, is known for its fusion broth flavors and perfect noodles. This hip bistro, whose name translates to “a calmness before the waves,” focuses on authentic tonkatsu ramen.
French pastry shop Mademoiselle Colette is made for lounging and sipping. Enjoy a slow morning in this cozy patisserie known for salads, sandwiches, and fancy pastries. Inspired by Parisian cafes, this elegant spot offers breakfast, lunch, aperitifs, and pastries made with organic, local, and seasonal ingredients.
Celebrate all of life’s special moments at The Sea by Alexander's Steakhouse. Chef Yu Min Lin’s premiere seafood restaurant goes all out with special touches like birthday cards and champagne waiting on your table. If you’ve got someone to impress, this is the place to do it.
Kick back at Evvia Estiatorio for classic Greek dishes served up with old-world charm. The intimate setting and rustic fireplace set the mood for date night, and the top-notch cuisine and service will have you coming back for more.
Things to Do
With its variety of creative events, as well as an expanse of green spaces, Palo Alto offers plenty of recreation for outdoor lovers and artists alike. Bird watchers will be thrilled to know that Baylands Nature Preserve is one of the best bird-watching spots on the west coast. You’ll also find walking trails, bike riding, and athletic fields at the Baylands Athletic Center.
Stroll the grounds at the gorgeous Palo Alto Art Center, or head inside to take a drawing class. Mark your calendar for the neighborhood’s favorite event, the Clay and Glass Festival. Held at the art center, the festival puts California’s best clay and glass artwork on display. Meet the artists, learn about their techniques, and maybe find that perfect piece for your new home. Enjoy the gorgeous Palo Alto weather any day of the week with a walk through the Rodin Sculpture Garden at the Cantor Center at nearby Stanford.Schools
Home to Stanford University, it’s no surprise that Palo Alto also offers top-notch academic opportunities, including:
- Ohlone Elementary, K-5, top-rated public school
- Ohlone Elementary Mandarin Immersion, K-5, Mandarin language
- Escondido Elementary Spanish Immersion, K-5, choice immersion program
- Palo Alto High School, 9-12, one of the top high schools in the nation
- Henry M. Gunn High School, 9-12, top-ranked high school
The Bay Area is home to a diverse range of neighborhoods and there’s something for every kind of lifestyle. Let’s chat about which community is the right fit for you!
