A vibrant mecca for all things tech.
Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, Palo Alto is an affluent city that is the birthplace of a number of young startups and the location of one of the world’s top universities. The town was established by railroad tycoon Leland Stanford when he founded Stanford University in 1885. The town was incorporated in 1894 with the name Palo Alto, which was inspired by the coastal redwood tree “El Palo Alto”.
Palo Alto was incorporated as a charter city; meaning that the residents and the city establish and administer their own laws, instead of adhering to regional and state laws. Offering a more flexible governmental structure, this remains today.
In 1925 voters approved the annexation of Palo Alto from neighboring community Mayfield and the two were consolidated. Because of this, Palo Alto has two downtown areas- one along University Avenue and one along California Avenue. Palo Alto continued to annex more land including the Stanford Shopping Center, Stanford Research Park, large amounts of land west of the Foothill Expressway and much of the marshlands bordering the bay.
A California historical landmark, Palo Alto became home to the Federal Telegraph laboratory site, which recognizes Lee de Forest's 1911 invention of the vacuum tube and electronic oscillator. Another significant landmark of history, the garage that housed the launch of Hewlett Packard is located on Addison Avenue.
Today, Palo Alto is an affluent city that is home to a number of young start ups to include Facebook, Pinterest and Paypal. Palo Alto's booming startup and tech scene can be accredited to Stanford University, which produces talented graduates each year. Google's founders went to Stanford; so did Elon Musk, and the list goes on. Palo Alto is also home to the second oldest opera company in California, the West Bay Opera. The city also maintains a long standing baseball tradition. The Palo Alto Oaks are a collegiate summer baseball club that has been in the Bay Area since 1950, which is 8 years longer than the San Francisco Giants.
One of the most well-rounded cities in Silicon Valley, Palo Alto boasts great weather, a relaxed but engaging atmosphere, attractive streets and a plethora of restaurants and shopping. Downtown serves as a vibrant destination for college students and those that enjoy going out to eat and drink, attracting a crowd of locals from Palo Alto, as well as locals from neighboring cities Mountain View, Los Altos and Menlo Park. A plethora of parks encourage connection with nature and family friendly recreation. Fostering the intellect of the children, the city boasts a highly rated school system.
Home to one of the world’s best Universities
Tech hub
Upscale living
Vibrant Downtown
Eclectic dining scene
The housing market of Palo Alto is reflective of the affluent income of the movers and shakers of the tech industry, with a median home at $3,367,600 million. Most buyers are tech entrepreneurs and international residents, however corporations and private LLCs are purchasing property in Palo Alto at twice the rate of the rest of California. With the market hot, it is common for investors to flip houses in the Palo Alto real estate market as well. Options for housing vary and this diversity in architecture is what gives Palo Alto its historical character. Architectural styles include Queen Anne, Craftsman, Spanish Colonial Revival, Mid-Century Modern to name a few. Smart home technology is often found in the estates of the innovators of the community. The neighborhoods in Palo Alto extend an urban suburban feel with walkable streets to nearby restaurants, coffee shops and parks.
Palo Alto is located in Santa Clara County and is one of the most desirable places to live in the bay area. Residents embrace the spirit of technology and enjoy a relaxed and healthy lifestyle. Neighborhoods are cozy and friendly while downtown is vibrant and full of boutiques, pubs, coffee shops and restaurants for students and tech moguls to unwind. Palo Alto is centered around its downtown and the university campus and hosts a lively and engaging atmosphere for all who call it home. When residents are not studying, working or socializing, they enjoy frequenting the multipurpose trails in one of the 30 parks or spending time connecting with nature. Palo Alto is rated as one of the most bicycle-friendly places to live in the country and there is also a Caltrain station near downtown, making it easy to head to surrounding Silicon Valley cities or North to San Francisco. A family friendly city, Palo Alto nurtures the intellect of its children and boasts a highly rated school system with a number of public schools, as well as private and international schools.
For those who are health-conscious, Sprout Cafe offers made-to-order custom salads via counter service. This deli uses the freshest ingredients and aims to break the stereotype that fast and affordable food is neither healthy nor tasty.
Oren’s Hummus is a cozy Mediterranean eatery that serves housemade hummus with falafel or meats, alongside tasty sides and sauces. A modern and spacious decor makes for a pleasant dining experience.
The Fish Market - Palo Alto is the outpost of a chain specializing in fresh fish and highlighting an oyster bar, cocktail lounge and retail market. Serving only the freshest catches from local waters, “menu masters” are available to offer recommendations and pairings.
Terún is a refined pizzeria with Italian eats and Neapolitan pies. Established in 2013, Terun serves traditional wood-fired pizza along with authentic Italian pasta, steak and fish, all paired with a wine or cocktail. Outdoor dining is available on a patio and veranda.
Feel and taste the flavors of New Orleans at Nola, a 3-floor space reminiscent of the French Quarter that features Creole, Cajun and Latin cuisine. Favorites such as hurricanes, fresh oysters, gumbo and seafood jambalaya are just a few of the classics that you will find.
Tamarine Restaurant & Gallery features modern Vietnamese cuisine that reflects the culinary culture and abundant produce in California. Eats inspired by China, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and France host a journey of senses with exotic flavors and contrast of textures. The restaurant features an art gallery that displays the works of emerging artists from Vietnam.
Known for its milkshakes, Palo Alto Creamery is a retro-style diner that serves a full menu of classic American fare. This establishment has been open since 1923 and has historically been a local favorite. All meals are made from scratch with the freshest ingredients and they make some of the finest pies and croissants.
Enjoy Cuban fare, cigars and rum cocktails in a colorful atmosphere at La Bodeguita del Medio. This friendly destination has served as a refuge for locals and travelers alike offering exceptional hospitality with vibrant flavors.
*This is a partial list of restaurants. If you are a local restaurant and would like to be listed, please reach out to collaborate.
Functional Lifestyles offers personalized fitness instruction through small group training and individualized nutrition planning. Coaches help their clients to learn proper technique, achieve fitness goals and celebrate success.
Established 25 years ago, YogaSource was one of the first yoga studios in the Bay Area. Yoga instructors are talented, caring and energetic and their years of devotion and experience is translated through the spirit of the studio. YogaSource’s weekly schedule offers over 71 classes including vinyasa, power, yin, restorative, hot 26, sculpt, barre and hot pilates.
For a Barre workout in an upscale fitness studio, visit The Bar Method Palo Alto. This signature method uses your own body weight, the ballet bar and a few props to create a transformative workout. Highly-trained instructors welcome students of all levels and assist them in channeling their inner strength to leave class feeling stronger than ever.k
SoulCycle Palo Alto is an immersive and intense full-body workout in which instructors guide riders through a class filled with music and vivacious energy. One’s body will be challenged and one’s soul will be recharged, making participants inspired when leaving their bike.
PerformanceGaines is a fitness facility that offers personal training and group classes using TRX straps, weights and kettlebells. This studio values curiosity, community and clarity and uses these principals as a foundation to evolve from together as a group. Dedicated and ambitious coaches draw focus to the innate potential that we have to positively impact our lives and develop a healthy, lasting positive relationship with our bodies.
Boasting a mega-watt sound system and custom playlists, Rumble Boxing purveys positive and inclusive vibes. Find professional or amateur fighters next to first time boxers, all developing the courage, determination, focus and stamina that it takes to be a fighter.
*This is a partial list of health and fitness related businesses. If you are a local health and fitness related business and would like to be listed, please reach out to collaborate.
Local farmers offer fresh, locally produced food to the community at the Downtown Palo Alto Farmers Market. An engaging and social gathering full of live music and shopping, the Market is a favorite event of the residents. The Palo Alto Farmers Market donates its proceeds to local community groups.
An annual celebration, the Palo Alto Festival of the Arts is hosted by the Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce and attracts people from all of the state of California and the West Coast. The festival commences on tree-lined University avenue and hosts 300 fine artists and crafters display their booths to exhibitors. Vendors offer food and beverage and an interactive craft station will be available for children.
The Palo Alto Art Center offers a diverse range of programs to approximately 150,000 people every year. Funded by the Palo Alto Art Center Foundation, the art center is able to fulfill their vision to embed art in the community to make it a part of everyday life. This organization aims to activate creativity, enhance individuals and community vitality and advocate the transformative effects that making art provides.
S’more Studio is a small venue for meeting and also a space for family and friend time, kids’ playdate, girls’ night out and more. This arts and crafts studio offers a professional, yet playful environment that features classes on baking, jewelry crafting, home accessory crafting and more.
Established in 1985, Gamble Gardens, is a 2 ½ acre garden in the heart of Palo Alto that features a rose and herb garden, a historic home, a carriage house and a tea room. Gamble Gardens serves as a beautiful and intimate venue for weddings, receptions and special events.
*This is a partial list of events and arts. If you host a local event or art production and would like to be listed, please reach out to collaborate.
Arizona Garden- A historical garden that is home to a myriad of unusual plants. Also known as the Cactus Garden, during the early years of Stanford University, this location is historically known as the meeting place for many students.
The Dish- Stanford Foothills- Serving many purposes, the Dish is a radio telescope that was built in 1961 by the Stanford Research Institute and is still in use. Also a habitat conservation site that is a popular destination for hiking and jogging, the dish is open to the public from sunrise to sunset throughout the year.
Baylands Nature Preserve- One of the largest undisturbed marshlands remaining in the San Francisco Bay, this 1,940-acre nature preserve offers 15 miles of multi-use trails that provide access to a unique mixture of tidal and freshwater habitats. This area is considered to be one of the best bird watching areas on the coast. Also featuring a sailing station, an Art Park, an airport, Municipal golf course and the Baylands Athletic Center.
Mitchell Park- A grassy park with tennis/handball courts, horseshoe pits, playgrounds, a splash pad for children to play in & a fenced dog run. BBQ grills and picnic tables are available for gatherings.
Cornelis Bol Park- A 13.8 acre city park that features multi-use trails, a playground and a native plant garden. Bordered by Matadero Creek and shaded under a canopy of redwood and oak trees, patrons enjoy a connection to nature.
Heritage Park- A small, but open space that is perfect for relaxing. Featuring a kids playground with a train and a climbing rock.
Palo Alto is served by the Palo Alto Unified School District and the school system is highly rated.
Whether you are a first-time buyer or an experienced investor, David Bergman is the best person to have on your side.
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