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Charleston Meadows

Charleston Meadows

Neighborhood in Palo Alto, California

Santa Clara County 94306

$2,654,484 Average Value
$1,407 Average Price per Sq Ft
4 Homes For Sale

Midcentury modern living in east Palo Alto

In Charleston Meadows, the midcentury modern aesthetic of the 1950s meets the tech-driven culture of Silicon Valley. Located within 3 miles of Tesla and Google on Palo Alto’s southeastern edge, Charleston Meadows is a popular place for families looking to settle down in Palo Alto’s highly rated school district. Most homes here were designed by midcentury modern architect Joseph Eichler, giving the neighborhood a cohesive feel. “For Palo Alto, it's an up-and-coming neighborhood that’s a little more affordable,” says Eric Boyenga, who’s been selling homes in the area for 28 years and is the founder of the Boyenga Team with Compass. “You get a lot for your money, and it’s community-centric. It has easy access to downtown Palo Alto and Los Altos.” The Caltrain track borders the neighborhood’s northeastern edge; while train noise may be an issue for some, the trade-off is being within walking distance of the San Antonio station. El Camino Real to the southwest keeps residents close to some of the area’s most popular restaurants.

Small modernist homes are a feature of Charleston Meadows.
Small modernist homes are a feature of Charleston Meadows.
Traditional builds are also available in Charleston Meadows.
Traditional builds are also available in Charleston Meadows.
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Updated Eichler homes

Charleston Meadows’ cul-de-sacs are lined with mature oaks and sidewalks, and it’s common to see kids riding their bikes past manicured lawns and colorful gardens. The neighborhood’s midcentury modern ranch-style “Eichlers” are characterized by low-pitched or slanted roofs and floor-to-ceiling windows facing the backyard. “Eichlers show great in pictures with the inside/outside living concept,” says Nick French, a broker associate at Christie’s International Real Estate Sereno who’s sold homes here for 23 years, “but day-to-day living has some challenges, such as the lack of central heating and air conditioning.” Boyenga, who specializes in Eichler communities, says that new technologies, including foam roofs and added insulation, make them comfortable, low-maintenance homes. Buyers can also find traditional 1960s and ‘70s ranch-style houses, as well as a private community of multi-story 2010s single-family homes and townhouses that blend 21st-century modern and Craftsman styles. A three-bedroom ranch-style home that borders the Caltrain track can start at $1.8 million, while a four-bedroom ranch-style with a second-story addition can cost $3.4 million. Townhouses start at $1.6 million for a two-bed, while a four-bed can cost $2.4 million. The overall CAP Index Crime Score is 3 out of 10, compared with the national average of 4; violent crime receives a score of 2 out of 10.

Eichler designed ranch homes are popular and coveted in Charleston Meadows.
Eichler designed ranch homes are popular and coveted in Charleston Meadows.
Townhouse living can be found in parts of Charleston Meadows.
Townhouse living can be found in parts of Charleston Meadows.
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Join the Biotechnology Club at Gunn High

Local kids can start at Juana Briones Elementary and then attend Ellen Fletcher Middle; both earn an A-plus from Niche. Henry M. Gunn High also earns an A-plus and is ranked by Niche as the No. 3 best public high school in California. Students here can join over 35 clubs, including Biotechnology Club, which hosts regular guest speakers, and Timewinder, a game development club. Private options include Keys School and Gideon Hausner Jewish Day School; both serve kids from kindergarten through Grade 8 and earn an A-plus from Niche.

Ellen Fletcher Middle school attracts Charleston Meadows students.
Ellen Fletcher Middle school attracts Charleston Meadows students.
Henry M. Gunn High School offers many sports facilities to Charleston Meadows students.
Henry M. Gunn High School offers many sports facilities to Charleston Meadows students.
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Evening strolls in Robles Park

Dog owners can walk their pups in the 5-acre Robles Park in the neighborhood’s center, which is also popular for picnicking on the lawn and playing at the park’s two playgrounds. “There's a priority placed on walking after dinner, or just walking around the block for exercise or conversation,” says Marcie Soderquist, a Realtor with Compass who’s been selling homes for 29 years. “It's to enjoy the neighborhood, the trees, the fresh air.” A half-mile walk northeast ends at the 21-acre Mitchell Park, known for its pickleball courts and the Magical Bridge Playground, an inclusive kids’ area with a wheelchair-accessible playhouse and rubber surfaces. At the Cubberly Community Center, also less than a mile away, kids can join a soccer league, and seniors can sign up for art classes. Movie buffs can catch the latest blockbuster at ShowPlace Icon Theatre & Kitchen. Nearby houses of worship include Congregation Emek Beracha and St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church.

Enjoy a brisk morning walk at Robles Park in Charleston Meadows.
Enjoy a brisk morning walk at Robles Park in Charleston Meadows.
Mitchell Park near Charleston Meadows is home to the Magical Bridge Playground.
Mitchell Park near Charleston Meadows is home to the Magical Bridge Playground.
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A traditional Japanese experience at Fuki Sushi

The busy El Camino Real is home to several local restaurants. The family-owned Fuki Sushi has served traditional sushi since 1978; diners can enjoy sashimi and dragon rolls in the elegant dining room or opt for the full Japanese experience in one of the private tatami rooms. Chef Chu’s to the east has been a local favorite for Chinese food since 1970 and is so popular that reservations are recommended; its specialties include Chinese chicken salad, Beijing duck and Mai Tai cocktails. Local produce is available at the California Avenue Farmers’ Market every Sunday. The San Antonio Center, also to the east, has big-box stores like Walmart and Kohl’s, as well as the grocery stores Safeway and Trader Joe’s.

A popular Japanese restaurant attracts Charleston Meadows residents.
A popular Japanese restaurant attracts Charleston Meadows residents.
Nearby national brands serve Charleston Meadows.
Nearby national brands serve Charleston Meadows.
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Bordered by El Camino Real and the Caltrain track

El Camino Real borders Charleston Meadows to the south, and U.S. Highway 101 is 2 miles north. The Caltrain’s San Antonio station is just east of the neighborhood, connecting to San Francisco, 35 miles away, and downtown San Jose, 16 miles away. The Valley Transportation Authority bus makes several stops in the neighborhood, and 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 2 miles southwest. San José Mineta International Airport is a 14-mile trip.

Live music at the monthly 3rdThursday festival

California Avenue, one of Palo Alto’s two downtowns, is a mile away and hosts the monthly 3rdThursday music festival, where residents can dance in the street to local bands and check out art displays.

On the 500-year floodplain

While living near the Caltrain track means added convenience, train noise may be a problem for some residents. The track crossings at Meadow Drive and Charleston Road also see frequent pedestrian accidents and deaths. Homes in Charleston Meadows are in the 500-year floodplain and have a moderate flooding risk. Residents may also experience reduced air quality during nearby wildfires. The last major wildfires were in 2020 when almost 90,000 acres burned in Santa Cruz County.

Annie Franklin
Written By
Annie Franklin
Anthony Lindsey
Photography Contributed By
Anthony Lindsey
Aiyshanti Green
Video By
Aiyshanti Green

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
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

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Lynn Burnett North, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Norman Y Mineta San Jose International

19 min drive

Bus

El Camino & Dinahs Ct

Bus

On El Camino Real Nb & El Camino Way

Bus

Charleston & Park

Bus

Charleston & Ruthelma

Bus

Arastradero & El Camino

Bus

El Camino & Charleston

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Charleston Meadows US
Homicide 1 4
Sexual Assault 2 4
Assault with Weapon 1 4
Robbery 2 4
Burglary 3 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 3 4
Larceny 3 4
Crime Score 3 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$2,280,000
Median Single Family Price
$2,750,000
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$1,139,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$1,407
Number of Homes for Sale
4
Last 12 months Home Sales
37
Months of Supply
1.30
Median List Price
$1,988,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
-5%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-7%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
602
Median Year Built
1963
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,638
Below the national average
1,937
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,145
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,314
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
696
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
6,534

Open Houses

  • Sunday, May 4
    1:30 - 4:30pm

    4159 El Camino Way Unit E, Palo Alto, CA 94306

    $1,098,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,310 Sq Ft
    • 4159 El Camino Way
    • Unit E
    • New 16 days ago

    In the Palo Alto neighborhood, discover a rare opportunity to own a newly renovated fashion home in the top public school district: Gunn High School, JL Stanford Middle School, and Juana Briones Elementary School. Walking distance to school. Located in the innermost and quietest corner of the gated Hamlet community. This residence features French-style aesthetics with timeless elegance,

    Ying Wei Goodview Financial & Real Estate

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Lynn Burnett North, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
2,539
Median Age
41
Population Density
18 ppl/acre
Population under 18
24.5%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
14.6%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$195,646
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$210,096

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
99.1%
College Graduates
88.1%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
64.3%
Significantly above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
79.1%

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®

96 / 100

Somewhat Walkable

Walk Score®

68 / 100

Some Transit

Transit Score®

45 / 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.

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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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Charleston Meadows