Section Image

Old Palo Alto

Old Palo Alto

Suburban Neighborhood in Palo Alto, California

Santa Clara County 94301, 94303, 94306

$4,029,865 Average Value
$1,922 Average Price per Sq Ft
19 Homes For Sale

Luxury living in Silicon Valley

Located across the street from Stanford University, Old Palo Alto has been a coveted neighborhood for the past century. This neighborhood at the heart of Palo Alto contains luxury homes just 5 miles from Meta’s corporate headquarters and a few miles from other major tech companies like Google and Microsoft. Like all of the South Bay, Old Palo Alto experiences mild, pleasant weather year-round. “It’s got safe, tree-lined streets and sidewalks,” says Steve Niethammer, Realtor/Owner at Zane MacGregor & Co., who was born and raised in Palo Alto. “Shopping is close, and kids can ride bikes to all the schools nearby. And everybody has block parties; thousands come for the Halloween block parties thrown by Larry Page, the co-founder of Google, and Lorraine Jobs, Steve Jobs’ ex-wife." A-plus rated schools, Stanford University Hospital and Michelin-star dining are all within reach from Old Palo Alto.

Tree-lined streets define the tranquil charm of Old Palo Alto's neighborhood vibe.
Tree-lined streets define the tranquil charm of Old Palo Alto's neighborhood vibe.
Live in Old Palo Alto for easy access to Meta headquarters and a classic neighborhood vibe.
Live in Old Palo Alto for easy access to Meta headquarters and a classic neighborhood vibe.
Luxurious homes are surrounded by trees and perfectly landscaped yards.
Luxurious homes are surrounded by trees and perfectly landscaped yards.
1/3

Custom homes and historic landmark estates

Housing prices, ages and styles vary wildly in Old Palo Alto. Some homes are as old as 1920; others are as new as 2024. Famous architects like Birch Clark developed extravagant Victorian and Tudor homes during the 1920s and 1930s. Some of these artistic masterpieces are considered historical landmarks and have regulations preventing modifications. For other homes, however, it’s a different story: “People are either doing a total remodel or tearing the houses down; the value is really in the land due to the location,” Niethammer says. “All the land is so valuable. It’s over $600,000 a foot for just the dirt. It’s not in the flood zone, so people can build basements.” Grand, modern estates with Mediterranean and Craftsman-style inspiration were created by custom designers working closely with their affluent clients. However, the neighborhood is mostly a blend of ranch-style homes, Spanish Colonials and contemporary architecture, selling for $1.8 to $7 million. Homes built in the 21st century with additions like expansive decks, wine cellars and home theaters can cost between $7 million and $12 million. Old Palo Alto is consistently ranked as one of California’s most desirable neighborhoods, and the average home value is double that of the San Jose metro area. Townhouses range from $1.5 million to $1.8 million, while condo units sell for $730,000 to $1.7 million, depending on square footage.

Timeless Mediterranean beauty captures Old Palo Alto's serene vibe.
Timeless Mediterranean beauty captures Old Palo Alto's serene vibe.
Spacious, contemporary living awaits in Old Palo Alto.
Spacious, contemporary living awaits in Old Palo Alto.
A red brick pathway leads to a luxury home that is both regal and charming.
A red brick pathway leads to a luxury home that is both regal and charming.
Detailed cement Pilars create symmetry and style at the entrance of this mansion.
Detailed cement Pilars create symmetry and style at the entrance of this mansion.
1/4

Specialized offerings at A-plus-rated schools

The Palo Alto Unified School District is home to some of the highest-ranked public schools in the state. Students may attend Walter Hays Elementary before advancing to Greene Middle School, which offers after-school homework help and an award-winning Science Olympiad team. Palo Alto High School’s highly rated pathway program provides a core curriculum education and specialized classes in subjects like social justice and the performing arts. All three schools are rated A-plus on Niche. There are several private schools in and around the neighborhood as well, like the A-plus-rated Stratford School for prekindergarten through seventh grade.

Walter Hays Elementary offers top-notch learning in the heart of Old Palo Alto.
Walter Hays Elementary offers top-notch learning in the heart of Old Palo Alto.
Academic excellence at Frank S. Greene Jr. Middle School in Old Palo Alto.
Academic excellence at Frank S. Greene Jr. Middle School in Old Palo Alto.
Palo Alto High School offers rich academics in the heart of Old Palo Alto.
Palo Alto High School offers rich academics in the heart of Old Palo Alto.
1/3

Year-round tranquility at the Gamble Garden

Locals have socialized through the Palo Alto Lawn Bowls Club for nearly a century. Residents can join a league or watch professionals play on the neighborhood’s bowling green. The Elizabeth F. Gamble Garden provides a peaceful place to breathe in floral aromas or attend seasonal events, like Holiday Night with Santa or an autumn garden tour. Peers Park contains basketball and tennis courts. Kids can meet at Bowden Park’s two playgrounds or head to the Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo to explore hands-on exhibits and feed the flamingos. Across El Camino Real, locals can walk and bike around Stanford University’s sprawling campus, which contains open fields, mature trees, a eucalyptus grove and a community garden. Palo Alto Art Center hosts classes for kids and adults, ranging from painting to pottery.

Flowers of all colors beautify the outdoor space at Rinconada Community Garden.
Flowers of all colors beautify the outdoor space at Rinconada Community Garden.
Locals enjoy a game of tennis on muted blue and green tennis courts at Rinconada Cultural Park.
Locals enjoy a game of tennis on muted blue and green tennis courts at Rinconada Cultural Park.
Memorial Court is striking with its red roofs and round arches in yellow plaster.
Memorial Court is striking with its red roofs and round arches in yellow plaster.
1/3

Fine dining on California Avenue

Independent retailers like Summit Bicycles and highly-rated restaurants like Protégé line California Avenue and El Camino Real. At Protégé, a one-star rated Michelin restaurant, guests may dine à la carte or enjoy a seven-course feast. This upscale yet casual restaurant is known for its extensive wine list and New American cuisine. Alternatively, locals can order take-out from Pizza Boulevard, grab coffee from Backyard Brew or enjoy Sunday brunch at Joanie’s Café. Shoppers can pick up organic groceries at Mollie Stone’s Markets and various items, including halal ingredients, at Real Produce International Market.

Country Sun Natural Foods is a health food store located in Old Palo Alto.
Country Sun Natural Foods is a health food store located in Old Palo Alto.
Enjoy quality sushi at Jin Sho in Old Palo Alto
Enjoy quality sushi at Jin Sho in Old Palo Alto
1/2

Top-rated medical care at Stanford Hospital

Car commuters can take Embarcadero Road to Highway 101 to the San Francisco International Airport, 22 miles northwest. Alternatively, San Jose Mineta International Airport is 16 miles away. The Caltrain stops at the Stanford and California Avenue train stations, transporting passengers to San Francisco and San Jose. At Stanford Hospital and Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital, both just 3 miles from Old Palo Alto, locals have access to some of the best medical care in the country.

Embarcadero Road links Old Palo Alto to Highway 101 for swift SFO access.
Embarcadero Road links Old Palo Alto to Highway 101 for swift SFO access.
Quick rail access from Old Palo Alto’s California Avenue Station to SF and beyond.
Quick rail access from Old Palo Alto’s California Avenue Station to SF and beyond.
1/2
Laura Copan
Written By
Laura Copan
Elie Karam
Photography Contributed By
Elie Karam
Maurice McNeil
Video By
Maurice McNeil

Agents Specializing in this Area

See All Agents

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 Betzahire Pelayo, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Norman Y Mineta San Jose International

21 min drive

Train

California Avenue

Bus

Jordan

Bus

On El Camino Real Nb & California Avenue

Bus

On El Camino Real Sb & California Avenue

Bus

On El Camino Real Nb & Park Avenue

Bus

El Camino & Stanford

Bus

Newell & Northampton

Bus

On El Camino Real Nb & Oregon Expressway

Crime and Safety

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

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$4,300,000
Median Single Family Price
$4,850,000
Median Townhouse Price
$3,793,000
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$1,075,000
Median 1 Bedroom Price
$730,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$1,922
Number of Homes for Sale
19
Last 12 months Home Sales
159
Months of Supply
1.40
Median List Price
$3,998,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
1%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
2,413
Median Year Built
1947
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,337
Above the national average
1,936
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,828
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,206
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
760
Average Studio Size Sq Ft
624
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
7,405

Open Houses

  • Friday, May 2
    10am - 1pm

    200 Sheridan Ave Unit 103, Palo Alto, CA 94306

    $2,425,100

    • 3 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • 1,827 Sq Ft
    • 200 Sheridan Ave
    • Unit 103
    • New 7 days ago

    Mediterranean elegance meets modern living at Provence Condominiums in Palo Alto. This luxury 4-story building offers resort-style amenities including a pool, hot tub, secure 2-level parking garage with EV chargers, and Caffe Riace on-site. Built in 1997 and updated over time, this 30-unit community is just blocks away from California Ave dining, shops, and cafes. Units feature high ceilings and

    Eleni Giotinis Coldwell Banker Realty

    Section Image
  • Friday, May 2
    10am - 1pm

    200 Sheridan Ave Unit 307, Palo Alto, CA 94306

    $1,293,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 1 Bath
    • 1,193 Sq Ft
    • 200 Sheridan Ave
    • Unit 307
    • New 7 days ago

    Mediterranean elegance meets modern living at Provence Condominiums in Palo Alto. This luxury 4-story building offers resort-style amenities including a pool, hot tub, secure 2-level parking garage with EV chargers, and Caffe Riace on-site. Built in 1997 and updated over time, this 30-unit community is just blocks away from California Ave dining, shops, and cafes. Units feature high ceilings and

    Eleni Giotinis Coldwell Banker Realty

    Section Image
  • Saturday, May 3
    2 - 4pm

    455 Grant Ave Unit 8, Palo Alto, CA 94306

    $1,398,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,362 Sq Ft
    • 455 Grant Ave
    • Unit 8

    Fantastic downtown California Avenue location. This is an updated one level condo on the second floor with 3 BR, 2 BA 1,362sf located in a highly sought-after community designed by the renowned Joseph Eichler. Conveniently situated within two blocks to the vibrant downtown CA Avenue. Freshly painted, hardwood floors throughout. Remodeled kitchen with white cabinets, lots of storage with a pantry.

    Carol Li Compass

    Section Image

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Betzahire Pelayo, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
8,374
Median Age
45
Population Density
11 ppl/acre
Population under 18
20.9%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
23.8%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$234,058
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$216,797

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
97.4%
College Graduates
85.8%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
54.3%
Significantly above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
65.4%

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®

100 / 100

Somewhat Walkable

Walk Score®

67 / 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.

Nearby Neighborhoods

Reviews

Are you familiar with the Old Palo Alto neighborhood? to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
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
Old Palo Alto