$4,381,639Average Value$1,540Average Price per Sq Ft12Homes 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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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
1/3
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.
1/2
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.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Portola Valley, CA sell after 51 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Portola Valley, CA over the last 12 months is $4,250,000, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Exceptional opportunity in Woodside Highlands on over half an acre of private, lush grounds. This light-filled 3-bedroom, 2-bath home is set on a quiet corner lot surrounded by mature trees, gardens, and fruit trees, offering a peaceful retreat in one of Portola Valleys most desirable neighborhoods. The main level features two bedrooms, one bath, hardwood floors, beautiful woodwork, and an
Escape to serenity in this very private 4-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom retreat priced at $3,499,000. Spanning 3,470 square feet on a 25,966 SF lot, this 1988-built residence blends timeless elegance with modern sophistication. The light-filled interior boasts soaring ceilings, large windows, new paint, and lighting throughout, creating an inviting open-concept layout ideal for both grand entertaining
This rare offering truly has it all 2.5 acres in the prestigious Westridge area with complete privacy set back from the street, San Francisco and foothill views, a regulation-size tennis court, resort-style pool with elevated spa and waterfall, and a poolside sauna with an outdoor shower. The well-appointed classic ranch home features bright and light interiors with fine hardwood floors
Discover the perfect blend of nature and modern convenience at 1019 Los Trancos Road in the peaceful Los Trancos Woods neighborhood. This charming home, built in 1930, offers 1,770 SF of versatile living space (per the Seller) in two buildings with freshly painted exteriors. The 1,225 SF main house features three bedrooms and two baths, with vaulted ceilings and skylights that invite abundant
Old world, Spanish, beauty. You will enjoy this large scale, five bedroom 3 baths over 5000 ft. situated on 3+ acres. The upper floor offers four bedrooms with a wrap around deck on two sides around deck on two sides. Multiple patio areas have lovely outlooks of the hills surrounding the home. Attached garage plus a large driveway for numerous carsa wonderful opportunity to update to your liking.
Build your dream home on this approx. 4.2-acre undeveloped country parcel situated adjacent to Portola Valley on Santa Clara County land just up from the Ladera Shopping Center shops and restaurants. The lot is surrounded by open space, Stanford lands and the gently flowing Los Trancos Creek and is in the Palo Alto Unified School District.
Perched on a knolltop within prestigious Blue Oaks, this luxurious estate epitomizes elegance and exclusivity. Set on 2.53 acres of naturally organic beauty, this residence offers unparalleled privacy and breathtaking views of the San Francisco Bay. A true sanctuary, the home seamlessly blends sophisticated design with the tranquility of its natural surroundings. The expansive living room, bathed
Build your dream home on this approx. 4.2-acre undeveloped country parcel situated adjacent to Portola Valley on Santa Clara County land just up from the Ladera Shopping Center shops and restaurants. The lot is surrounded by open space, Stanford lands and the gently flowing Los Trancos Creek and is in the Palo Alto Unified School District.
Contemporary single-level main residence with attached two-story ADU on 1.1+ private acres finished in 2021, offering direct Windy Hill views and walking distance to Portola Valley Town Center, library, restaurants, farmers market, and trailheads. Striking modern architecture features walls of glass, soaring ceilings, skylights, and white oak floors throughout. The dramatic great room opens to
Completed in 2006, this magnificent vineyard estate is the perfect place to escape from the fast daily pace of Silicon Valley. The approximately 41 acres are as peaceful as they are beautiful, with spectacular top-of-the-world San Francisco Bay views. Arriving on the front terrace is as if stepping into the Italian countryside. The scale of the home is destined for grand entertaining spilling out
Mid-Century Modern enthusiasts will delight in this one of a kind architectural gem. Designed by architect Alan Blair, this home boasts three levels of blissful views reaching from San Francisco to Santa Clara. A host's dream! Tucked away from the flats, this stunning retreat is quiet and private. The home boasts three large decks, a hot tub, two gas fireplaces, an expansive remodeled lower level
Exceptional opportunity in Woodside Highlands on over half an acre of private, lush grounds. This light-filled 3-bedroom, 2-bath home is set on a quiet corner lot surrounded by mature trees, gardens, and fruit trees, offering a peaceful retreat in one of Portola Valleys most desirable neighborhoods. The main level features two bedrooms, one bath, hardwood floors, beautiful woodwork, and an
Welcome to this stunning 3-bedroom, 2.5 -bathrooms residence in the serene city of Portola Valley. This home boasts a spacious 3,200 sq. ft. layout situated on an expansive lot of over an acre. The heart of the home is the state-of-the-art kitchen, featuring granite countertops, dual fuel options, a built-in oven range, and an island with a sink. Enjoy meals in the eat-in kitchen or the formal
Private guest room in a detached structure on the property, offering complete separation from the main home and a high level of privacy. Surrounded by a peaceful setting, this space is ideal for a Silicon Valley commuter looking for a quiet, comfortable place to stay. Includes a bedroom and private bathroom. No kitchen or laundry access; mini fridge and microwave available. Square footage is
Located on a cul-de-sac in the charming Ladera community. This 5 bedroom/2 bath boasts an open floor plan, large living room, dining area off the kitchen. Hardwood floors throughout with new carpets in the bedrooms. Tenant may join the Ladera Recreation center that offers swimming/tennis/pickle ball and many activities and events. House is located in the award winning Las Lomitas School District.
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.
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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.
