$3,315,387Average Value$1,752Average Price per Sq Ft12Homes For Sale
Historic area in downtown Palo Alto
Before Palo Alto was known as Silicon Valley, it was a college town, and University South’s distinctive architecture, walkability and highly rated schools maintain the city’s college feel. The neighborhood includes Professorville, a historic district named for the Stanford University professors who built their homes here in the early 20th century.
“University South and Professorville are more walkable than any other area in Palo Alto,” says Jennifer Buenrostro, a Realtor with Compass who’s lived in Palo Alto for over 33 years. “It’s walkable to downtown, Town and Country Village, Stanford University and Stanford Shopping Center. There are people who move here and never want to leave because of that.” University South has several Christian houses of worship, including St. Thomas Aquinas Church and All Saints Episcopal Church.
Hamilton Ave in Downtown Palo Alto is just minutes away from University South.
Hoover Tower at Stanford University is a beloved landmark in the University South neighborhood.
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Professorville’s iconic homes
“Professorville has some of the most historic homes in the city,” says Nicholas French, a broker associate at Christie’s International Real Estate Sereno who’s sold homes here for 23 years. “It’s really hard to buy a house and tear it down here, so there are a lot of turn-of-the-century homes with a lot of character.” Professorville is east of Heritage Park; the Craftsman and Colonial Revival homes here often have brown shingle siding and gambrel roofs. The neighborhood’s age can be felt in the tree-lined streets and tall hedges. Late 20th and early 21st century homes become more common near University Avenue, where buyers can also find condos.
In April 2024, the median single-family home price was $5.1 million, 37% higher than Palo Alto’s median. A two-bedroom bungalow can start at $2.4 million, while a six-bedroom Craftsman home can cost $7.6 million. Condos are available close to University Avenue; a two-bedroom can range in price from $1.1 million to $3.9 million.
This Colonial style home is in the University South area.
This beautiful Colonial home in the University South area is an art piece.
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Live theater at Lucie Stern Community Center
Kids can play conductor on the train-themed playground at the 2-acre Heritage Park. The 19-acre Rinconada Park has a redwood grove called the Magic Forest, sports fields and a swimming pool. The Lucie Stern Community Center is home to Palo Alto’s community theater scene; residents can enjoy a professional show from TheatreWorks, and kids can join the fun at the Palo Alto Children’s Theatre. The Stanford Theater downtown “plays old classic movies,” Buenrostro says, “and there’s an organist that comes up on a lift and plays before the shows and during intermissions.”
Stanford Theater in University South overflows with charm with its vintage style and character.
There is a playground in Heritage park located in the University South area.
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Social justice career pathway at Paly
Local kids can start at Addison Elementary, which earns an A-plus from Niche. “Addison Elementary is one of the top schools in Palo Alto,” Buenrostro says. “It has a particularly active group of parents and lots of activities for families and students. I have friends who met when their kids went there 20 years ago, and they still get together.” Kids can then attend Frank S. Greene Middle before advancing to Palo Alto High; both earn an A-plus. At Palo Alto High, also known as Paly, kids can enroll in the social justice career pathway, a three-year program in which students complete self-directed projects to solve real issues in their communities. Stanford University is within walking distance; this top-ranked school enrolls around 17,000 students, and its faculty includes 20 Nobel laureates.
Greene Middle School is one of University South's public middle school options.
The front entrance at Palo Alto High School in University South is flanked by petit palm trees.
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Celebrate spring at the May Fete Parade
The sounds of high school marching bands, local youth groups and cheering neighbors fill University South during the annual May Fete Parade. The parade ends with a fair at Heritage Park, where residents can check out live local music, kids’ games and food trucks. In August, the Palo Alto Festival of the Arts brings over 250 artists, crafters and food vendors to University Boulevard, and chalk artists take over Tasso Street for the Italian Street Painting Expo.
Heritage park is a great place to bring your kids in the University South area.
The Pets in Need Organization was at the May Fete Parade.
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Easy access to the Caltrain
University Avenue and Embarcadero Road are the main roads through University South; both connect to U.S. Highway 101 less than 2 miles north. The regional Caltrain’s Palo Alto station is in the neighborhood’s west. There are three bus options: the Valley Transportation Authority, SamTrams and the free Stanford Marguerite shuttle. With bike lanes and sidewalks, University South is friendly for cyclists and pedestrians. Stanford Medicine is 2 miles southwest, and San José Mineta International Airport is a 16-mile trip.
The Caltrain is the easiest option to get to San Francisco in the University South area.
University Ave in University South is masterfully laid out for easy access in and out.
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Michelin restaurants within walking distance
Downtown Palo Alto is a short walk away. At Tamarine, residents can savor Vietnamese-influenced dishes, including shaking beef and curried long beans, in a chic dining room that doubles as an art gallery. Evvia Estiatorio is a local staple that serves traditional Greek cuisine like lamb meatballs and moussaka in a rustic atmosphere. “These two restaurants anchor downtown,” Buenrostro says; both are included in the Michelin Guide.
Residents can also walk to upscale shopping areas and grocery stores. Town & Country Village includes national retailers like Sur La Table and Faherty. Stanford Shopping Center has more options, including Anthropologie and Burberry. Local produce is available at the weekly Downtown Palo Alto Farmers Market; other grocery options include Whole Foods Market and Trader Joe’s.
Trader Joe's is a great place to get your weekly grocery in the University South area.
Whole Foods Market is a great place to get fresh produce in the University South area.
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Wildfires in the Santa Cruz Mountains
University South is at low risk for wildfires, but residents may experience reduced air quality from fires in nearby high-risk areas, including the Santa Cruz Mountains to the south and the Diablo Range to the east. The last major wildfires 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
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Anne Moran,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Heritage Park
Picnic Area
Playground
Scott Park
Basketball
Picnic Area
Playground
Cogswell Plaza
Picnic Area
Lytton Plaza
Picnic Area
Seminary Oaks Park
Trails
Playground
Multi-Purpose Field
Rinconada Park
Grills
Picnic Area
Pool
Transit
Airport
Norman Y Mineta San Jose International
22 min drive
Bus
Channing & Webster
Bus
Middlefield & Addison
Bus
Hamilton & High
Bus
Webster & Hamilton
Bus
Channing House
Bus
Embarcadero & Waverley
Bus
Hamilton & Ramona
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
University South
US
Homicide
2
4
Sexual Assault
3
4
Assault with Weapon
2
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
5
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
5
4
Larceny
5
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
University South Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in University South, Palo Alto sell after 27 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in University South, Palo Alto over the last 12 months is $2,875,000, up 20% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to your ideal urban retreat at 185 Forest Avenue, Unit 4C, in the heart of dynamic Palo Alto! This modern, single-level condo offers a blend of style and convenience, perfect for those seeking a vibrant lifestyle close to all that downtown has to offer, including easy access to CalTrain and the renowned Stanford campus. Step inside to discover a thoughtfully designed 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom
STATE-OF-THE-ART LIVING IN PROFESSORVILLE | Completed in February 2025, this new bi-level solar residence merges an exclusive Professorville address with coveted centrality and spectacular contemporary luxury. Visionary local firm Kohler Architects conceived this masterpiece as a showcase of elegance and versatility, complete with one-of-a-kind entertaining amenities, premier craftsmanship, and
This is a collection of three residential condos APNs 120-73-001, 120-73-002, and 120-73-003 connected by a private common area and sold together as a compound. Perched above the city with sweeping views from downtown Palo Alto to the Santa Cruz Mountains, this architectural triumph known as "The Castle in the Sky" is a true one-of-one. Designed in 2012 by Bellomo Architects as the architect's
Just blocks from the heart of downtown Palo Alto, this well-maintained triplex offers a rare chance to build long-term wealth in one of the country's most desirable cities. The property includes three distinct units: a 1-bedroom/1-bath, a 2-bedroom/1.5-bath two-story, and a studio with a full bath, each offering its own appeal. The two larger units feature updated kitchens, while the studio
Ideally situated in downtown Palo Alto, California, The Marc, Palo Alto places you right where you want to be close to flavorful restaurants, buzzing cafes, and convenient grocery stores.Our high-rise apartment building features fully appointed one, two, and three-bedroom homes. Open-concept floor plans boast desirable features like floor to ceiling windows, and a private patio or balcony.
The advertised rate of $4,540/month is the lowest available price, based on a 12 month(s) and 0 day(s) stay with a move-in date of June 13, 2025. Rates vary depending on the duration of stay, season, and other parameters. For exact pricing, please visit our website and enter your desired move-in and move-out dates.Additional pricing info: (1) price quoted is for rent only, (2) this rate
The advertised rate of $6,290/month is the lowest available price, based on a 12 month(s) and 0 day(s) stay with a move-in date of July 15, 2026. Rates vary depending on the duration of stay, season, and other parameters. For exact pricing, please visit our website and enter your desired move-in and move-out dates.Additional pricing info: (1) price quoted is for rent only, (2) this rate
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Anne Moran,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
4,625
Median Age
44
Population Density
15 ppl/acre
Population under 18
19%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
22.9%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$170,077
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$186,891
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
95.7%
College Graduates
84.8%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
52.3%
Significantly above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
62.9%
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®
98/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
85/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
49/ 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.
