$4,355,362Average Value$1,536Average Price per Sq Ft18Homes For Sale
A community of high-value homes that emphasize the surrounding nature
Portola Valley, nestled into the wooded hills of the Santa Cruz Mountains on the San Francisco Peninsula, is a picturesque town of spacious, multimillion-dollar homes that is known for its extensive network of protected trails that highlights the community’s natural beauty. “To stop future development and to preserve what many people felt was a very, very special place, the town was incorporated in 1964,” says Hugh Cornish, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Realty and longtime town resident. “It’s an unusual place in the sense that it is one of the richest zip codes in the country, but the wealth is very quiet, very reserved. There’s a big emphasis on the natural environment here. We have a tremendous amount of open space.” The town also has its own school district, which features an array of top-rated schools, both public and private, and it is conveniently located on the doorstep of Silicon Valley, just west of Stanford University and adjacent to Interstate 280.
Midcentury modern designs blend into the natural environment
Quiet and reserved also applies to the town’s housing, at least in relation to surrounding communities that are known for their large, garish homes. Portola Valley features a variety of relatively understated homes on oversized lots, generally priced between $2 million and $9 million. Sleek midcentury modern designs are prominent in both established homes and new constructions. “When the area was first being developed in the 1950s and ‘60s, even before incorporation, there was a focus on contemporary architecture that was ahead of its time. It was avant-garde, but it’s never been ostentatious,” says Cornish. “It’s always been more conservative than surrounding areas because the homes seem to blend in to the natural environment very well.” Foremost among the midcentury-modern designs are Eichler homes, built by famed Bay Area developer Joseph Eichler. Ranch-style homes nestled into the mountains, sprawling contemporary custom homes in dedicated subdivisions and quaint renovations can also be found. The residential aesthetic, like the natural environment, is protected. “There are a number of restrictions in architectural styles and sizes because officials want to keep the town looking like it did 50 years ago,” says Cornish. That means the town’s newest homes can offer modern touches, but they must adhere to the restrictions and can’t stray too far from Portola Valley's signature look. “Even now, if you want to build a home in Portola Valley, the process takes a little longer.”
Portola Valley has very large modern homes.
Ranch style homes are common in Portola Valley.
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Protected trails and a popular community center provide recreation
The trail network is concentrated in the southern half of town, starting just south of Alpine Road, Portola Valley’s main thoroughfare. Part of the town’s development included an agreement with the developer that this section of Portola Valley would be preserved as open space in perpetuity so residents would always have access to the trails, which wind their way through the Coal Mine Ridge Nature Preserve. Hikers are exposed to a variety of native plants and animals along the trails, but they must stay on the designated paths at all times, and bicycles and dogs are not allowed. These rules are strictly enforced to ensure that the tranquility of the preserve is not disturbed. The Alpine Trail also can be accessed in town, and it leads to the adjacent Windy Hill Open Space Preserve. For more contemporary recreation, residents have access to the Alpine Hills Tennis and Swimming Club, which is anchored by 12 tennis courts and three pools of various sizes and includes a clubhouse, fitness center and playground. Portola Valley offers an activity-filled Town Center as well. It provides residents with a library that hosts community events including weekly family storytime, monthly Crafturday sessions and other regular activities such as Lego Club and tai chi class. The center’s community hall offers fitness classes that include yoga, aerobics and jazz dance; and recreational amenities that provide opportunities to play soccer, softball and tennis.
Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve features hiking trails in the neighborhood of
Portola Valley
Portola Valley has a wonderful library.
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A historic eatery anchors the community's dining options
The retail and dining options that can be found in town are concentrated along Alpine Road. Roberts Market offers not only groceries and sundries, but its deli is a popular place to pick up a meal for those on the go. Rossotti’s Alpine Inn is a quaint eatery that serves up comfort food classics and is known not only for its popular beer garden but also for its tavern, whose roots can be traced to 1852.
Portola Valley's Alpine Inn is a great place to go grab lunch..
Alpine Inn is a great place to grab a beer in Portola Valley.
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Students have access to highly rated public and private schooling
Portola Valley’s public school district includes Ormondale Elementary, an A-rated school by Niche, and Corte Madera, a middle school given an A-plus by Niche. Nearby Woodside High School is part of the Sequoia Union district, but don’t worry, it’s A-rated as well. For those interested in private school, the town is home to Woodside Priory, a co-ed college preparatory school for students in sixth through 12th grades, and Woodland School, an independent day school that serves special needs students in preschool through eighth grade.
Ormondale Elementary School provides education in the neighborhood of
Portola Valley
The front of Woodside High School Oak Knoll.
Woodside Priory provides private education in the neighborhood of
Portola Valley
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Main roadways provides easy work commutes to Silicon Valley
Portola Valley is just minutes from the heart of Silicon Valley and Stanford University, which results in an eclectic group of residents. “There’s an interesting mix of people and professions,” says Cornish. “Nearby is 3000 Sand Hill, known as the venture headquarters of the world, so you have residents working in venture capital, high tech, biotech. And with Stanford University nearby, there are a lot of professors and doctors. It’s a large cross-section.” Alpine Road becomes Sand Hill Road just north of town, providing convenient access to the many venture capital and tech jobs in the area. Additionally convenient is that Interstate 280 can be accessed even closer to town via Alpine Road, allowing for travel north toward San Francisco or east to San Jose.
Electric car charging is easy accessible in Portola Valley.
Cyclists and cars share the roads in Portola Valley.
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Written By
Matt Pallister
Photography Contributed By
Sean Viray
Video By
Tyler Hall
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Shirin Zehtabfard,
an experienced agent in this area.
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.
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On average, homes in Portola Valley, CA sell after 63 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Portola Valley, CA over the last 12 months is $4,250,000, up 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Tucked among mature oaks in the coveted Woodside Highlands, 9 Russell Avenue offers a rare blend of privacy, character, and opportunity on nearly one-third of an acre in prestigious Portola Valley. The home captures the essence of California living with expansive decks, filtered sunlight, and serene hillside views. The main level features a generous living room anchored by a remarkable stone
Set on a rare, relatively flat .28-acre cul-de-sac lot in the heart of Ladera, this 4BD/3BA home offers an ideal blend of location, layout, and everyday livability. Quiet, safe, and incredibly convenient, it's just a short stroll to the Recreation Center with pool, tennis, and more, as well as the Ladera Shopping Centers restaurants, cafés, and grocery, with easy access to Highway 280. The home
Rarely available estate, located in the highly sought-after Westridge neighborhood of Portola Valley. This lovely home is set on 3.86 serene acres w/ majestic oaks and offers a panoramic view of the SF Bay from Stanford to Mount Diablo. Enjoy a picturesque vista from the main home and newly built, stunning ADU. A gated driveway escorts you to a light-filled home highlighted by an open concept
Tucked among mature oaks in the coveted Woodside Highlands, 9 Russell Avenue offers a rare blend of privacy, character, and opportunity on nearly one-third of an acre in prestigious Portola Valley. The home captures the essence of California living with expansive decks, filtered sunlight, and serene hillside views. The main level features a generous living room anchored by a remarkable stone
Set on a rare, relatively flat .28-acre cul-de-sac lot in the heart of Ladera, this 4BD/3BA home offers an ideal blend of location, layout, and everyday livability. Quiet, safe, and incredibly convenient, it's just a short stroll to the Recreation Center with pool, tennis, and more, as well as the Ladera Shopping Centers restaurants, cafés, and grocery, with easy access to Highway 280. The home
Rarely available estate, located in the highly sought-after Westridge neighborhood of Portola Valley. This lovely home is set on 3.86 serene acres w/ majestic oaks and offers a panoramic view of the SF Bay from Stanford to Mount Diablo. Enjoy a picturesque vista from the main home and newly built, stunning ADU. A gated driveway escorts you to a light-filled home highlighted by an open concept
Vintage home, circa 1956, situated on a 1/3 acre parcel in a quiet corner of Portola Valley. This cozy, uncomplicated home could become your haven away from the hustle and bustle of Silicon Valley life -- or, it could become the site of your dream home. Reimage this cottage or create something completely new! Nearby is Robert's Market (groceries,etc.) a hardware store, the fire department, a
A Hilltop Home Shaped by Light, Landscape and Contemporary Architecture-Designed as a sanctuary for the senses, this 4885 sq ft, 2007 contemporary masterpiece rises from the crest of central Portola Valley. the custom architecture was crafted to invite tranquility, framing soft, filtered views of the surrounding landscape . Here, the rare luxury of expansive, level grounds that breathes in rhythm
Peter CowperthwaiteGolden Gate Sotheby's International Realty
Peaceful Updated Country Living on Nearly 1.5 Acres . Beautifully updated and framed by sun-swept open meadows and majestic trees, this property spans nearly 1.5 acres at the end of a lane. An inviting front porch takes in the tranquil surroundings and sounds of nature. Stepping inside, the ambiance is bright and inviting with refinished hardwood floors, crisp white woodwork, and expansive
With 5 bed /4 baths, this home has space & options. The 1.14+/- ac. gated prop. enjoys level lawn, pool & mature privacy trees. The home is welcomingthey say the kitchen is the heart of the home & this space embodies that. Amenities include quality appliances & extras: 6-burner Wolf range, 2 ovens, microwave & warming drawers, 2 dishwashers-one for dishes/one for pots & pans. Exceptional storage
Peter CowperthwaiteGolden Gate Sotheby's International Realty
TRI-LEVEL ESTATE OFFERS POOL HOUSE, 3+ ACRES | Transport yourself to the East Coast in this incomparable custom estate. Gated acreage framed by California oaks reveals an exquisite Shingle-style home surrounded by bridges, enchanting gardens, a three-car garage, and fully functional pool house with pool and spa. Faced by a circular gravel drive, the tri-level main residence built in 2010 has been
Spectacular VIEWS are the backdrop for this outstanding remodeled mid-century home located on a quiet, close in cul-de-sac in prime Westridge. Expand this lovely home or BUILD NEW on this spectacular 2.57 acre property featuring incredible views, peaceful gardens & gorgeous Oak studded knolls. Dramatic vaulted ceiling living room features built-in bar & floor to ceiling windows showcasing the
Tucked at the end of a serene cul-de-sac, this designer Eichler embodies the essence of mid-century modern architecture with clean lines, post-and-beam construction, and a seamless connection to nature. The front yard is framed by stone pavers and lush greenery. A two-car carport sits to the left, while two generous workshop areas offer exceptional flexibility for hobbies, storage, or additional
On the market for the first time, this exceptional Craftsman home is located in prestigious Blue Oaks, an enclave of estate homes surrounded by 285 acres of open space & trails. Built by Chessler Construction in 2003, the home showcases timeless architecture, exquisite woodwork, & a flexible multi-level floor plan designed for today's lifestyle. Set on approx. 1.29 acres, the property enjoys a
Sunlit Gem on Nearly One-Half Acre with Plans to Expand. Fresh, inviting, and completely sophisticated, this retreat has been transformed into a light-filled setting. Easily accessed via wide streets, the property spans nearly one-half acre of predominantly level grounds and includes approved plans for a future expansion. The current home, with 2 bedrooms and 2 baths, offers a streamlined scale
Luxury Furnished Studio Spacious 400+ sq ft luxury studio with private entrance and patio, overlooking beautiful multimillion-dollar views. Attached to the main home yet fully private and soundproof. Features include walk-in closet, high-end finishes, private indoor laundry, and easy street parking on a private court. Fully furnished with all utilities included.
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