$4,029,865Average Value$1,906Average Price per Sq Ft23Homes 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.
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.
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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.
Spacious, contemporary living awaits in Old Palo Alto.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
Enjoy quality sushi at Jin Sho in Old Palo Alto
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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.
Quick rail access from Old Palo Alto’s California Avenue Station to SF and beyond.
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
Nikil Balakrishnan,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Heritage Park
Picnic Area
Playground
Scott Park
Basketball
Picnic Area
Playground
Bowden Park
Peers Park
Rinconada Park
Grills
Picnic Area
Pool
Sarah Wallis Park
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
Old Palo Alto Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Old Palo Alto, Palo Alto sell after 25 days on the market compared to the national average of 48 days. The median sale price for homes in Old Palo Alto, Palo Alto over the last 12 months is $4,300,000, up 1% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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 w/EV chargers, & Caffe Riace on-site. Built in 1997, this 30-unit community is just blocks away from California Ave dining, shops, and cafes. There are a total of 30 units for sale - 2 bed,1 ba & 2
Large lot and a spacious, older home desirably located in North Palo Alto. Centrally located near schools, parks, the Palo Alto Main Library and so much more. An exceptional opportunity for a visionary to refresh or rebuild!
A classic Old Palo Alto home ready for you to make your own! This inviting Colonial-style home has spacious rooms and beautiful hardwood floors throughout. The large living room and the dining room open to a glassed-in sunroom which, in turn, opens to the very generous garden. Off the sunroom, an ensuite bedroom has French doors to the garden. The kitchen/breakfast room completes the ground
Lucy BermanGolden Gate Sotheby's International Realty
Tucked away on a large, private lot, this spacious 4BD/3BA home offers a perfect blend of comfort, style, and functionality. A private setting with a new garage door creates a polished first impression. Inside, enjoy a formal living and a separate dining room that open to an expansive patio, a bright family room, a kitchen with ample storage, and a main-level study with built-ins. Upstairs
Situated on an unusually large lot in one of Palo Alto's most coveted enclaves. Designed for those who appreciate quality and comfort, every detail of this home has been carefully curated. The main level invites effortless gatherings with a gracious formal dining room, expansive living room, chef's kitchen that opens to a family room and two separate offices. Upstairs, four en-suite bedrooms
The Dreyfus GroupGolden Gate Sotheby's International Realty
With a total of ~1,900 square feet, this is California living at its best with an floor open floor plan, abundant natural light and vaulted ceilings. This renovated ~1,366 square foot single story home offers 2 spacious bedrooms with 2 full bathrooms in the main home PLUS a ~534 square foot detached ADU/guest house with living space, a full kitchen, washer & dryer, one bedroom and a full
Jennifer BitterGolden Gate Sotheby's International Realty
Welcome to your dream rental home, a stunning 2500 sqft Mediterranean oasis that epitomizes indoor/outdoor California living. Situated in the heart of Palo Alto, this elegant residence offers unparalleled convenience and luxury. Home was heavily renovated in 2011. This home boasts 4 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms, providing ample space for family and guests. Enjoy both a separate living room and
The advertised rate of $3,810/month is the lowest available price, based on a 2 month(s) and 29 day(s) stay with a move-in date of October 8, 2025. If you’re looking for a 1-year stay, the rate is $4,230/month.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
In the heart of of Old Palo Alto and its tree-lined streets, this classic home is surrounded by verdant, serene yards, its grand rooms ready for entertaining and lifetime memories. On the main level are the living room, library/office, kitchen, family room, and dining room with hardwood flooring throughout. Upstairs are the bedrooms, including an expansive master bedroom with a patio porch
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Nikil Balakrishnan,
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.
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.
