Overview of Palo Alto's distinct Neighborhoods

Palo Alto is a vibrant and affluent city located in Santa Clara County, California, at the heart of Silicon Valley. It is known for its highly educated population, excellent public and private schools, world-renowned research institutions, and thriving tech industry. Palo Alto is home to some of the biggest names in tech, including Tesla, Google, Facebook, and Hewlett-Packard, making it a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.

The city is named after the tall trees that line the streets, and its natural beauty is a hallmark of the area. It is situated between the San Francisco Bay to the north and the Santa Cruz Mountains to the south, offering residents a range of outdoor activities, from hiking and biking to water sports.

Palo Alto is a diverse and inclusive city, with a population of approximately 67,000 people. The city’s residents include families, students, and young professionals, and the median household income is $161,000, making it one of the wealthiest cities in the country.

The city is known for its excellent public and private schools, including the highly ranked Palo Alto Unified School District and some of the best private schools in the country. Stanford University, one of the world’s leading research universities, is located in the city and is a major employer and contributor to the community.
Palo Alto has a rich cultural scene, with a variety of arts and entertainment options, including museums, galleries, theaters, and live music venues. The city also has a thriving restaurant and bar scene, with a range of dining options to suit every palate.
Palo Alto is a highly sought-after residential location, with a variety of housing options, from charming historic homes to contemporary luxury properties. The city’s real estate market is known for its high prices, reflecting the city’s desirability and exclusivity.


Palo Alto is a city that is made up of several unique and distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character and charm. In this blog post, I will provide a brief overview of each of the neighborhoods in Palo Alto, including their location, demographics, and amenities.

Barron Park
Barron Park is a neighborhood located in the southern part of Palo Alto, bordered by El Camino Real and Matadero Creek. It is known for its large lots, mature trees, and family-friendly atmosphere. The neighborhood is home to Bol Park, a popular gathering place for residents, as well as several top-rated schools, including Barron Park Elementary School.

Charleston Gardens
Charleston Gardens is a neighborhood located in the southern part of Palo Alto, bordered by Alma Street and El Camino Real. It is a popular neighborhood for families, with a mix of single-family homes and townhomes. The neighborhood is home to Juana Briones Elementary School, as well as several parks and open spaces.

Community Center
Community Center is a neighborhood located in the heart of Palo Alto, adjacent to the city’s downtown area. It is known for its beautiful homes, tree-lined streets, and proximity to the popular Rinconada Park, which features a swimming pool, tennis courts, and a community center. The neighborhood is also home to several top-rated schools, including Addison Elementary School.

Crescent Park
Crescent Park is a neighborhood located in the central part of Palo Alto, bordered by Middlefield Road and Newell Road. It is known for its large homes, tree-lined streets, and proximity to the popular Eleanor Pardee Park, which features a playground, picnic areas, and sports fields. The neighborhood is also home to several top-rated schools, including Duveneck Elementary School.

Downtown North
Downtown North is a neighborhood located in the northern part of Palo Alto, adjacent to the city’s downtown area. It is known for its charming homes, tree-lined streets, and proximity to the popular Johnson Park, which features a playground and sports fields. The neighborhood is also home to several top-rated schools, including Walter Hays Elementary School.

Duveneck/St. Francis
Duveneck/St. Francis is a neighborhood located in the southern part of Palo Alto, bordered by Alma Street and Embarcadero Road. It is known for its charming homes, tree-lined streets, and proximity to several top-rated schools, including Duveneck Elementary School and St. Francis High School. The neighborhood is also home to several parks and open spaces, including Mitchell Park and Greer Park.

Evergreen Park
Evergreen Park is a neighborhood located in the southern part of Palo Alto, bordered by Embarcadero Road and Middlefield Road. It is known for its charming homes, tree-lined streets, and proximity to several top-rated schools, including Duveneck Elementary School and Palo Alto High School. The neighborhood is also home to several parks and open spaces, including Heritage Park and Seale Park.

Green Acres
Green Acres is a neighborhood located in the southern part of Palo Alto, bordered by El Camino Real and Matadero Creek. It is known for its large lots, mature trees, and family-friendly atmosphere. The neighborhood is home to Briones Park, a popular gathering place for residents, as well as several top-rated schools, including Barron Park Elementary School.

Leland Manor/Garland
Leland Manor/Garland is a neighborhood located in the central part of Palo Alto, bordered by Embarcadero Road and Middlefield Road. It is known for its charming homes, tree-lined streets, and proximity to several top-rated schools, including Walter Hays Elementary School and Palo Alto High School.

Midtown
Midtown is a neighborhood located in the central part of Palo Alto, bordered by Middlefield Road and Oregon Expressway. It is known for its diversity, convenience, and family-friendly atmosphere. The neighborhood is home to several top-rated schools, including El Carmelo Elementary School, as well as several parks and open spaces, including Hoover Park and Seale Park.

Old Palo Alto
Old Palo Alto is a neighborhood located in the central part of Palo Alto, adjacent to the Stanford University campus. It is known for its beautiful homes, tree-lined streets, and proximity to the popular Gamble Garden, a public garden and education center. The neighborhood is also home to several top-rated schools, including Walter Hays Elementary School and Palo Alto High School.

Palo Verde
Palo Verde is a neighborhood located in the southern part of Palo Alto, bordered by El Camino Real and Matadero Creek. It is known for its charming homes, tree-lined streets, and family-friendly atmosphere. The neighborhood is home to several top-rated schools, including Palo Verde Elementary School, as well as several parks and open spaces, including Mitchell Park and Greer Park.

Southgate
Southgate is a neighborhood located in the southern part of Palo Alto, bordered by Embarcadero Road and Middlefield Road. It is known for its charming homes, tree-lined streets, and proximity to several top-rated schools, including Walter Hays Elementary School and Palo Alto High School. The neighborhood is also home to several parks and open spaces, including Hoover Park and Seale Park.

Stanford Weekend Acres
Stanford Weekend Acres is a neighborhood located in the southern part of Palo Alto, adjacent to the Stanford University campus. It is known for its charming homes, tree-lined streets, and proximity to the popular Stanford Shopping Center, which features a wide range of shopping and dining options. The neighborhood is also home to several top-rated schools, including Escondido Elementary School and Walter Hays Elementary School.

There are some smaller sub-neighborhoods or subdivisions within the larger neighborhoods of Palo Alto that were not mentioned. While there are no official designations for sub-neighborhoods in Palo Alto, residents and locals refer to certain areas by specific names or subdivisions, like Christmas Tree lane. Examples of smaller sub-neighborhoods within larger neighborhoods might include street blocks or cul-de-sacs that have a distinctive character or unique features.

However, it’s important to note that these smaller sub-neighborhoods are not recognized by everyone in the community, and their boundaries are somewhat fluid. As a result, it’s always a good idea to consult with Eric and Janelle Boyenga of the Boyenga Team to receive a more detailed and accurate understanding of the various neighborhoods and sub-neighborhoods in Palo Alto.

Palo Alto is a city with a diverse array of neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and charm. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly community, a charming downtown area, or a peaceful retreat near nature, Palo Alto has something to offer. As a local real estate team, Janelle and I would be happy to help you find the perfect neighborhood and home to fit your needs and lifestyle.