Downtown North originated as homes and amenities for workers during Stanford University’s construction, then became a hub for graduate students and young professionals living on their own. Its long history marks it as one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city. In the past decade, though, it’s seen an influx of young families looking for fast-paced urban living among the sprawl of Palo Alto.

Sectioned off by Alma St, Middlefield Rd, University Ave, and San Francisquito Creek, Downtown North is busy with activity and vibrancy to a level incomparable to any other neighborhood in Palo Alto. Residents are a stone’s throw from the city’s heart, University Ave, where high-end shopping, dining, workspaces, and a theatre attract business all day. The activity comes hand in hand with traffic and parking issues. In recent years, however, the neighborhood has come together to implement traffic circles and other regulations to make streets safe for pedestrians and cyclists. The neighborhood is a quick bike to Stanford’s campus and other offices, and many residents choose to commute without cars. The Caltrain station is also just a few minutes walk away.

Properties in Downtown North are diverse but tend to lean towards the smaller end, ranging from apartments and condominiums to bungalows and cottages. At the center of it all is the city-renovated Johnson Park, which residents consider their beloved center of the community. The neighborhood’s unplanned beginnings make it an exciting, eclectic mix of businesses, coffee shops, and homes. Even so, rocketing housing demand leading to redevelopment and friendly, lively neighbors strengthen Downtown North’s community despite the hubbub.

If you're interested in one of our properties in Downtown North or want to hear more about the neighborhood and community, get in touch with us at homes@boyenga.com!