Palo Alto | Santa Clara County, CA | Birthplace of Silicon Valley
Browse the latest MLS listings in Palo Alto, NY — updated daily.
Browse All ListingsPopulation: 68,000+
Palo Alto Unified School District is one of the highest-rated districts in California, serving approximately 12,000 students K–12. The district features nationally recognized programs in academics, arts, and athletics, with graduates regularly admitted to top universities.
| School | Level | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Palo Alto High School (Paly) | High | A+ |
| Henry M. Gunn High School | High | A+ |
| Jordan Middle School | Middle | A+ |
| Walter Hays Elementary | Elementary | 10/10 |
The most prestigious residential area, with grand historic homes on tree-canopied streets near Stanford University. Properties regularly exceed $5M.
Elegant neighborhood with spacious lots and stately homes, adjacent to the Palo Alto Baylands Nature Preserve.
Historic neighborhood originally built for Stanford faculty, featuring Victorians and Craftsman homes. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Charming neighborhood adjacent to Stanford with smaller homes and a close-knit community feel. Popular with university affiliates.
Family-oriented neighborhood with mid-century homes, the popular Midtown Shopping Center, and excellent schools including Palo Verde Elementary.
Palo Alto Caltrain station (~35 min to SF, express ~30 min). California Avenue station serves south Palo Alto. Near US-101 and I-280. Stanford Marguerite shuttle system. Extensive bike infrastructure.
University Avenue downtown features upscale dining, cafes, and boutiques. California Avenue is a second vibrant strip with restaurants and a weekly farmers' market. Stanford Shopping Center offers luxury retail. Town & Country Village provides neighborhood convenience.
Baylands Nature Preserve (largest tract of undeveloped marshland in the Bay Area), Foothills Park, Mitchell Park (including the acclaimed Mitchell Park Library), Rinconada Park and Pool, and 36+ neighborhood parks.
Stanford Health Care / Stanford University Medical Center — one of the nation's top-ranked hospitals — is located in Palo Alto. Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford is adjacent.
Palo Alto Festival of the Arts, May Fete Parade (one of the oldest children's parades in the US), Moonlight Run, weekly California Avenue farmers' market, and Stanford campus cultural events.
Hewlett-Packard was founded in a Palo Alto garage in 1939, widely considered the birth of Silicon Valley. The city's proximity to Stanford University has fostered continuous innovation. Today, tech giants and startups alike maintain presence here, and venture capital firms line Sand Hill Road just outside city limits.
Palo Alto Unified School District is rated A+ by Niche and is among the top districts in California. Both high schools (Paly and Gunn) are nationally recognized. The district offers extensive AP courses, arts programs, and college counseling. School assignment is based on home address.
Caltrain provides approximately 35-minute rides from Palo Alto to San Francisco (express ~30 min). Many tech companies run private shuttle buses. Driving via US-101 or I-280 takes 35–55 minutes depending on traffic. Palo Alto is central to the Peninsula, making it convenient for both SF and South Bay jobs.
Effective tax rates in Palo Alto are approximately 1.2–1.3% of assessed value. On a $4M home, expect around $48,000–$52,000 annually. A school parcel tax provides additional funding for the district. High valuations mean substantial property tax revenue supports city services and schools.
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