Palo Alto
🏙️ About This City
Palo Alto, incorporated in 1894, is a renowned city located in the heart of Silicon Valley, within Santa Clara County. As of 2025, the city has an estimated population of around 68,000. Internationally recognized as a hub for innovation and education, Palo Alto is home to Stanford University and the headquarters of many major tech companies and startups.
Despite its global prominence, Palo Alto retains a strong community feel with leafy streets, vibrant neighborhoods, and a deep commitment to sustainability, public art, and education. The city blends historic charm with cutting-edge development, making it one of the most desirable places to live in the Bay Area.
🗺️ Neighborhood
Palo Alto features a rich variety of neighborhoods, each with its own distinct character:
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Old Palo Alto – A prestigious area with wide streets, historic homes, and a central location.
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Professorville – A charming, tree-lined district with early-20th-century homes and architectural significance.
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Downtown North & South – Urban living near restaurants, boutiques, and Caltrain. Highly walkable.
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Crescent Park – Known for its large estates, scenic trees, and proximity to downtown.
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Midtown – A family-friendly neighborhood with parks, schools, and convenient shopping.
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Barron Park – A relaxed, semi-rural area with unique homes and access to Bol Park and the bike path.
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Duveneck / St. Francis – Offers a suburban feel with excellent schools and a strong sense of community.
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Greenmeadow & Green Acres – Mid-century modern neighborhoods known for Eichler homes and cohesive design.
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Ventura – An evolving area with a mix of housing, close to amenities and transport corridors.
🎓 Schools
🏫 Elementary Schools
Palo Alto Unified School District (PAUSD):
PAUSD operates several neighborhood-based elementary schools across the city. These include:
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Addison Elementary
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Duveneck Elementary
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Walter Hays Elementary
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Escondido Elementary
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Palo Verde Elementary
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Fairmeadow Elementary
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El Carmelo Elementary
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Juana Briones Elementary
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Barron Park Elementary
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Nixon Elementary (serves the Stanford area)
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Ohlone Elementary (alternative progressive program, lottery-based)
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Hoover Elementary (structured program, lottery-based or neighborhood-assigned)
To determine the specific elementary school assigned to a property, use the PAUSD School Locator Tool:
📍 https://locator.pea.powerschool.com/?StudyID=171992
🏫 Middle Schools
Palo Alto Unified School District (PAUSD):
PAUSD operates three middle schools, with assignments based on residential zones:
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Greene Middle School – Serves the northern part of Palo Alto (Addison, Duveneck, Walter Hays, Palo Verde)
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J.L. Stanford (JLS) Middle School – Serves central areas (El Carmelo, Fairmeadow, Hoover)
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Fletcher Middle School – Serves southern areas (Juana Briones, Barron Park, Nixon)
Use the PAUSD School Locator for accurate school assignment:
📍 https://locator.pea.powerschool.com/?StudyID=171992
🏫 High Schools
Palo Alto Unified School District (PAUSD):
High school attendance is divided primarily along Oregon Expressway:
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Palo Alto High School (Paly) – Serves students living north of Oregon Expressway
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Henry M. Gunn High School – Serves students living south of Oregon Expressway
Final assignment can depend on exact residential address and available capacity.
Confirm assignments using the PAUSD boundary maps and locator:
📍 https://locator.pea.powerschool.com/?StudyID=171992
📍 Determine Your Assigned Schools
To verify the public schools assigned to a specific property in Palo Alto:
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PAUSD School Locator Tool – Input an address for official school assignment results:
📍https://locator.pea.powerschool.com/?StudyID=171992
📈 Market Trends
Palo Alto is one of the most competitive and expensive real estate markets in the country, fueled by its tech economy, school quality, and enduring prestige:
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Median Home Price (2025): Approximately $3.8 million
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Price per Square Foot: Around $2,100
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Average Time on Market: 7–10 days
Homes in Old Palo Alto, Crescent Park, and Professorville regularly command premium prices, while more accessible options can be found in Ventura and South Palo Alto. Demand remains high across all segments.