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Named after "El Palo Alto," a landmark tree on the banks of the San Francisquito Creek, the city of Palo Alto is situated on the San Francisco peninsula, approximately 35 mile south of San Francisco and 14 miles north of San Jose. Palo Alto is bordered by Stanford University to the west, Mountain View, Los Altos, and Los Altos Hills to the south and southwest, Menlo Park/Atherton and Portola Valley to the north and northwest. All of these communities are considered highly desireable, with excellent, top ranking public and private schools, fantastic employment opportnities, proximity to Stanford University, and easy access to San Francisco, San Jose, and the east bay areas.
For general information on area history, visit the Palo Alto Historical Association Guy Miller Archives, which are housed at the Main Library, 1213 Newell Road. The Association maintains an office in the Museum of American Heritage (the Williams House), 351 Homer Avenue, Palo Alto. You can also visit their website at www.pahistory.org
Palo Alto Housing:
Palo Alto is noted for its excellent schools and people are willing to pay a premium to live here. The housing stock varies from larger, custom built homes (primarily in the north end of the city) to smaller tract homes, primarily south of Oregon Expressway but also in the Green Gable area in north Palo Alto. Tract homes include traditional ranch style homes, usually with a raised foundation, hardwood floors, and attached garage, Eichler homes build by Joseph Eichler with their distinctive indoor-outdoor look and feel, and coastwise and Barrett and Hilp homes that are a mix of slab construction with a ranch look. There are many other home styles that could be added here, but most take their cue from these basic styles. Custom homes include many Victorian and Craftsman style homes, found primarily in downtown and Professorville areas of Palo Alto. In addition, many of the smaller, older homes throughout the city are being torn down and replaced with larger custom homes in a variety of styles.
Palo Alto real estate values have continued to increase despite the 2000/2001 dot.com meltdown and the current sub prime mortgage crisis. For details go to Palo Alto Real Estate Sales, 1998 through 2007. For monthly updates go to Santa Clara County and click on Palo Alto.
Palo Alto Neighborhoods:
Palo Alto neighborhoods are diverse in character, each one boasting of its own customs, unique architectural styles, and community atmosphere. This area is still under construction. I will be adding neighborhoods as time permits. Here are two of my favorites. If you have questions or would like additonal information, do not hesitate to contact me: Lmercer@Lmercer.com or 650-752-0756.
| Community Center Area | |
| Downtown Palo Alto |