$1,916,682Average Value$239Average Price per Sq Ft1Home For Sale
Kid-friendly neighborhood on the edge of Palo Alto
In Charleston Gardens, the sounds of after-school driveway basketball games fill the air. Located less than 2 miles from Googleplex on Palo Alto’s eastern edge, the neighborhood has become a popular place for Silicon Valley’s families to settle down. “Palo Alto is just an unbelievable place to live,” says Marcie Soderquist, a Realtor with Compass who’s been selling homes for 29 years. “It's home to some of the top schools in the country. There's a lot of grandparents who live with their families, and you see them taking the kids back and forth to school."
The Magical Bridge Playground in Mitchell Park is within walking distance, as are the Cubberly Community Center and the Oshman Family Jewish Community Center. Many of the neighborhood’s homes were designed by midcentury modern architect Joseph Eichler, and prices here are lower than in other areas of Palo Alto. “It's a bargain,” says Nick French, a broker associate at Christie’s International Real Estate Sereno who’s sold homes here for 23 years. “The price draws people here, and it has nice streets and trees. It's a great entry-level place to get into Palo Alto and Palo Alto schools.” While prices are still below the area’s average, the neighborhood’s popularity means prices here are up 26% from 2023.
Pet ownership is common in Charleston Gardens.
Your children will enjoy the playground at Wyandotte Park.
Charleston Gardens as seen from above.
The Cubberley Community Center is the recreational heart of the community.
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Eichler midcentury modern homes
Midcentury modern Eichler homes, characterized by low-pitched and slanted roofs, sit side-by-side with traditional ranch styles, some of which have been renovated to add a second story. Eichler homes have a reputation for being high maintenance, but some buyers love their floor-to-ceiling windows and post-and-beam construction. “Some people in Seattle like the fog, and some prefer sun,” Soderquist says. “It's a personal preference. It's the same way with Eichlers. Some people really like midcentury modern, and some prefer a ranch-style home."
Most homes are under 1,500 square feet and sit close together along wide, tree-lined streets where driveway basketball hoops are a common sight. A three-bedroom Eichler with 1,200 square feet can start at $2.1 million, while a three-bed Mediterranean ranch-style home with 1,900 square feet can cost $3.4 million.
The Greenhouse condo community in the east is 15 acres of low-rise condos with a community green space, a pool and tennis courts. A two-bedroom can start at $868,000, while a three-bed can cost $1.2 million, plus homeowners association fees. The overall CAP Index Crime Score is 4 out of 10, on par with the national average; violent crime receives a score of 2 out of 10.
Charleston Gardens enjoys a diverse housing stock.
Charleston Gardens has a plethora of nice houses.
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Math Circle at Henry M. Gunn High
Local kids can start at Fairmeadow Elementary and then attend Jane Lathrop Stanford Middle; both earn an A-plus from Niche. The A-plus-rated Henry M. Gunn High is ranked by Niche as the No. 3 best public high school in California. Students here can join over 35 clubs, including Math Circle, which hosts regular math competitions, and Science Bowl, a STEM-focused club that competes at the National Science Bowl. Private options include the Gideon Hausner Jewish Day School and Kehillah Jewish High School; both earn an A-plus from Niche.
Fairmeadow Elementary School offers students a creative place to learn in the neighborhood.
Greenmeadow
Jane Lathrop Stanford Middle serves students of the neighborhood and surrounding area.
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Inclusive play at the Magical Bridge Playground
The Magical Bridge Playground in the 21-acre Mitchell Park, just west of the neighborhood, is designed for inclusivity; the park’s wheelchair-accessible playhouse, wide slides and climbing ropes are accessible to kids of all abilities. Birdwatching is popular at the 55-acre Stevens Creek Shoreline Nature Study Area to the north, which has a half-mile walking trail along the Bay. At the Cubberly Community Center to the south, residents can play tennis, soccer and baseball on the center’s numerous sports fields, or join the weekly ballroom dance lesson at Cubberley Pavilion. The nearby Oshman Family Jewish Community Center offers fitness classes and events like guest speakers, concerts and volunteer projects. There are also many houses of worship in multiple faiths, including the Central Chinese Christian Church of Palo Alto, the Unitarian Universalist Church of Palo Alto and the Hatemi Mosque.
Greenmeadow
Greenmeadow
Mitchell Park is home to the Magical Bridge Playground.
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Saffron pistachio ice cream at Rick’s Ice Cream
Charleston Gardens is surrounded by local restaurants and big-box retailers. The locally owned Donhatsuten Ramen & Tapas is a popular casual lunch spot that serves Nagoya-style ramen, including vegetarian ramen and their signature Dohatsuten Ramen with spicy pork. Rick’s Ice Cream has been the place to go for a sweet treat since 1956; their 48 ice cream flavors include black raspberry crunch and saffron pistachio. Gardeners can pick up supplies at SummerWinds Nursery, and stores like Ace Hardware, Michaels and PetSmart add extra convenience. Grocery options include Piazza’s Fine Foods and Costco Wholesale.
Ricks ice cream is a great place to cool off in Charleston Gardens.
Ricks ice cream offers fresh made waffle cones.
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Less than a mile from Highway 101
Charleston Garden’s main road is San Antonio Road on its eastern edge, which connects to U.S. Highway 101 less than a mile north and El Camino Real just over a mile south. The Caltrain’s San Antonio station is a mile south, connecting to San Francisco, 35 miles away, and downtown San Jose, 15 miles away. The Valley Transportation Authority bus makes several stops along East Charleston and Middlefield Roads. Dedicated bike lanes and sidewalks make the area bike- and pedestrian-friendly. Stanford Medical Center is 5 miles west, and Palo Alto VA Medical Center is 3 miles southwest. San José Mineta International Airport is a 12-mile trip.
The Caltrans station offers a way to get all over the bay area.
Charleston Gardens as seen from above.
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Independence Day with the San Francisco Symphony
The Shoreline Amphitheatre, 2 miles east, is known for the annual Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular with the San Francisco Symphony. Each Independence Day, residents can walk or bike to the venue to listen to patriotic tunes and watch the fireworks show. The amphitheater also hosts regular music festivals and concerts by world-renowned acts like The Black Keys and Willie Nelson.
Moderate flood risk
Homes here are located on the 500-year flood plain and have a moderate flooding risk. Residents may also experience the effects of nearby wildfires, including reduced air quality. The last major wildfires in the area were in 2020 when almost 90,000 acres burned in Santa Cruz County to the south.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
NEAR TOP TECH COMPANIES + PRIZED SCHOOL | Popular, recently-updated gorgeous 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom condo is conveniently located near top tech companies and prized schools within a tranquil setting. Interior is bright and airy featuring wood flooring, upgraded double-pane windows and sliding doors, and a cozy balcony with storage closet. Efficient kitchen has with wood cabinetry, granite
This top-floor, beautifully refreshed 2-bedroom, 2-bath condo in Greenhouse 2 blends comfort, convenience, and tranquility while keeping you connected to Silicon Valleys vibrant lifestyle. Offering 1,030 sqft, the home features an open layout, abundant natural light, and hardwood flooring throughout. The spacious living room flows seamlessly into a distinct dining space. A private balcony with
Palo Alto Condo - Seller Buydown available - Stylishly Renovated & Move-In Ready! Don't miss this beautifully updated condo in a peaceful, well-maintained Palo Alto community. This Turnkey home features a modern kitchen with premium soft-close cabinetry, brand-new stainless steel appliances, elegant quartz countertops, and a dedicated dining area that flows into a spacious living room. Step onto
Located in one of Palo Alto's best communities with lots of mature trees and picturesque landscaping. This bright top floor with balcony view of garden and pool is a quiet and peaceful place to call home. Spacious Master bedroom with walk-in closet. Master Bath with stall shower and second full bathroom with shower over the tub. Large double width hall closet. New washer/dryer is in the unit. One
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
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an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
1,081
Median Age
44
Population Density
16 ppl/acre
Population under 18
25.2%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
17.8%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$167,079
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$180,906
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
95%
College Graduates
83.5%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
53.8%
Significantly above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
62.3%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
14''
Average Winter Low Temperature
39°F
Average Summer High Temperature
80°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Biker's Paradise
Bike Score®
99/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
81/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
30/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
