Silicon Valley is widely considered to be one of the best places to live in the United States, and Palo Alto is at the beating heart of this affluent region. With world-class amenities galore and a reputation for being one of the most educated and innovative cities in America, it’s no wonder that Palo Alto is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live.
If you’re considering moving to Palo Alto, you’ll be happy to know that there are many great neighborhoods to choose from. In this guide, we’ll take a look at some of the best places to live in Palo Alto, CA so that you can make an informed decision about where to live. The locals who call Palo alto home are young professionals, families, retirees, and everyone in between. A great place to raise your family.
Just an FYI. ALL the Palo Alto neighborhoods are wonderful places to live and the following are in no particular order. And not all neighborhoods are included in this article.
The Best Neighborhoods To Live In Palo Alto, CA
VIEW ALL HOMES FOR SALE IN PALO ALTO, CA
From the moment people arrive in Palo Alto, they are usually wowed by the sheer beauty and opulence of the city. Palo Alto is home to some of the country's most stunning architecture and landscaping, and its tree-lined streets are a sight to behold.
But beyond its looks, Palo Alto is also an incredibly livable city with a great selection of neighborhoods to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a quiet residential area or a more vibrant and urban setting, you’ll be able to find it in Palo Alto.
Here are some of the best neighborhoods to live in Palo Alto, CA:
- Barron Park
- Duveneck-Saint Francis
- University South
- Charleston Meadow
- Old Palo Alto
- Crescent Park
- Midtown
- Professorville
Other Great Neighborhoods in Palo Alto:
1. Barron Park
Barron Park is a neighborhood in Palo Alto located on the southeast limit of the city. The neighborhood has a rural atmosphere, with spacious lots and bungalows set back from the street. In recent years, there has been an influx of new Craftsman-style homes popping up, but the appreciation for the older homes remains.
Barron Park is proud of the neighborhood association that has developed and grown over the years. The Barron Park Association works diligently to maintain the quality of life in Barron Park through several programs and activities, including organizing an annual 4th of July celebration and maintaining a neighborhood watch program.
Education Near Barron Park:
- Barron Park Elementary School l 800 Barron Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94306, United States
- Ellen Fletcher Middle School l 655 Arastradero Rd, Palo Alto, CA 94306, United States
- Henry M Gunn High School l 780 Arastradero Rd, Palo Alto, CA 94306, United States
Amenities Near Barron Park:
- Mitchell Park Library
- Cornelis Bol Park
- Celia’s Mexican Restaurant
- Starbucks
2. Duveneck-Saint Francis
The Duveneck-Saint Francis neighborhood is a peaceful oasis in the heart of Palo Alto. The streets are lined with beautiful trees, and the landscape is well-maintained. The homes in the neighborhood are almost all single-family, and they range from newer construction to older homes with character.
Despite its secluded location, the Duveneck-Saint Francis neighborhood is just a short drive from downtown Palo Alto. This makes it the perfect place to call home for those who want to enjoy the best of both worlds - the peace and quiet of a cul-de-sac, and the convenience of being close to all the action.
Education Near Duveneck-Saint Francis:
- Duveneck Elementary School l 705 Alester Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94303, United States
- Greene Middle School l 750 N California Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94303, United States
- Palo Alto High School l 50 Embarcadero Rd, Palo Alto, CA 94301, United States
Amenities Near Duvenck-Saint Francis:
- The Market at Edgewood
- Starbucks
- Edgewood Shopping Plaza
- Palo Alto Art Center
3. University South
The University South neighborhood is one of history and charm. Homes in this area range from single-family homes, townhomes, and condos all of which are within walking or biking distance of Stanford University. This neighborhood is perfect for those who want an easy commute or simply desire to be close to all the action.
This wonderful community is proud of the high-performing schools that surround it and the endless list of things to do. Residents who live in University Park enjoy the luxury of being in one of the most convenient locations in Palo Alto.
Education Near University South:
- Walter Hays Elementary School l 1525 Middlefield Rd, Palo Alto, CA 94301, United States
- Greene Middle School l 750 N California Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94303, United States
- Palo Alto High School l 50 Embarcadero Rd, Palo Alto, CA 94301, United States
Amenities Near University South:
- Salt & Straw
- The Wine Room
- Heritage Park
- Blue Bottle Coffee
4. Charleston Meadow
The Charleston Meadow neighborhood in Palo Alto is a suburban-urban oasis of single-family homes and lovely condos, surrounded by nature. It's an inviting place to call home, with plenty of green space for strolling and suburban comforts just moments away.
The area is also well connected, with major highways and public transit options nearby. Charleston Meadow is worth considering whether you're looking for a peaceful place to start fresh or an established community to age in place.
Education Near Charleston Meadow:
- Juana Briones Elementary School l 4100 Orme Street , Palo Alto, CA 94306, United States
- Ellen Fletcher Middle School l 655 Arastradero Rd, Palo Alto, CA 94306, United States
- Henry M Gunn High School l 780 Arastradero Rd, Palo Alto, CA 94306, United States
Amenities Near Charleston Meadow:
- The Sea by Alexander's
- Robles Park
- The HoneyBaked Ham Co.
5. Old Palo Alto
Old Palo Alto is a reputable and famed neighborhood in Palo Alto known for its stunning architecture and large homes. The average home size in Old Palo Alto is a massive 9,000 square feet, which is nearly double the size of the average American home. The homeowners in Old Palo Alto take great pride in their homes and the neighborhood as a whole.
Living in Palo Alto is the definition of luxury, and Old Palo Alto is the epitome of that. This stately community has and continues to be one of the most desirable and exclusive neighborhoods not only in Palo Alto but the entire Bay Area.
Education Near Old Palo Alto:
- Walter Hays Elementary School l 1525 Middlefield Rd, Palo Alto, CA 94301, United States
- Greene Middle School l 750 N California Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94303, United States
- Palo Alto High School l 50 Embarcadero Rd, Palo Alto, CA 94301, United States
Amenities Near Old Palo Alto:
- Bowden Park
- Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo
- Baylands Golf Links
- The Market at Edgewood
6. Crescent Park
The prestigious Crescent Park neighborhood is one community you will want to be a part of. With its wide streets, enchanting tall trees, and attractive homes, it's no wonder so many people are eager to live here. While there are smaller lots available, Crescent Park is notable for its sprawling estates.
These homes range from Spanish Colonial Revival to historic Victorians to newer contemporary-style homes. However, the one thing that all of these homes have in common is that they are beautiful and well-kept.
Residents who are lucky enough to call this place home enjoy the close proximity to Eleanor Pardee Park. This is where locals like to gather for picnics, sports, and other outdoor activities. There is also a community pool here that residents can use during the hot summer months.
Education Near Crescent Park:
- Duveneck Elementary School l 705 Alester Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94303, United States
- Greene Middle School l 750 N California Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94303, United States
- Palo Alto High School l 50 Embarcadero Rd, Palo Alto, CA 94301, United States
Amenities Near Crescent Park:
- Hopkins Creekside Park
- Palo Alto History Museum
- Stanford Golf Course
- Crepevine Restaurants
7. Midtown
The Midtown neighborhood in Palo Alto is a large, centrally located neighborhood that is attractive to both young families and home developers. The most common property type in the neighborhood is ranch-style homes, but there is also a great deal of architectural diversity. Some of the most popular features of the Midtown neighborhood include its proximity to schools, parks, and shopping centers.
The Midtown Shopping Center is a neighborhood staple as this is where locals can do their grocery shopping, buy clothes, and grab a bite to eat. And for those who enjoy spending time outdoors, there are plenty of parks nearby, such as Greer Park and Herbert Hoover Park.
Education Near Midtown:
- El Carmelo Elementary School l 3024 Bryant St, Palo Alto, CA 94306, United States
- Jane Lathrop Stanford Middle School l 480 E Meadow Dr, Palo Alto, CA 94306, United States
- Henry M Gunn High School l 780 Arastradero Rd, Palo Alto, CA 94306, United States
- Palo Alto High School l 50 Embarcadero Rd, Palo Alto, CA 94301, United States
Amenities Near Midtown:
- Mike's Cafe
- Starbucks
- Safeway
- Como Esta Taqueria
8. Professorville
Professorville is a picturesque neighborhood in Palo Alto, CA that is home to a mix of Craftsman, Queen Anne Victorians, and Colonial Revival homes. The area was established in the late 19th century as a residential community for professors at nearby Stanford University.
While the name Professorville may fall short of describing the diversity of the neighborhood today, it remains an enticing place to live due to its unique history and picturesque setting.
Homes in the area are well-maintained and spacious, with many offering views of the San Francisco Bay. Professorville is just a quick drive from downtown Palo Alto, making it an ideal location for those traveling to and from the city.
Education Near Professorville:
- Walter Hays Elementary School l 1525 Middlefield Rd, Palo Alto, CA 94301, United States
- Greene Middle School l 750 N California Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94303, United States
- Palo Alto High School l 50 Embarcadero Rd, Palo Alto, CA 94301, United States
Amenities Near Professorville:
- Heritage Park
- Rinconada Community Center
- Whole Foods Market
- Chef Julien
Now is the time to start thinking about which Palo Alto neighborhood is the right fit for you. Moving to Silicon Valley can be a big adjustment, but after reading this guide, we hope that you feel better prepared to take on the challenge and can truly see why these are some of the best neighborhoods in Palo Alto. Thanks for reading!
Silicon Valley Real Estate is a team of invested industry professionals ready to help clients through the entire buying and selling process. The local knowledge the Don Orason Real Estate Group has will ensure clients get the results they want and deserve.