Palo Alto, CA, is a key city in the San Francisco Bay Area and the Silicon Valley. The trees and classic suburban architecture give Palo Alto a hometown look, but the city is also home to a thriving technology industry, headquartering major tech corporations like Hewlett-Packard. And Stanford University, one of the country’s elite educational institutions, is adjacent to Palo Alto as well.
Palo Alto, Calif., is famous for its location in the heart of Silicon Valley. If you are looking for homes for sale in Palo Alto, it will do you good to be advised that there is a price to pay for the culturally oriented community that breathes life into this city.
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| Population 58,598 | Median Age 40.2 yrs | Household Size: 2.30 |
| Avg Home Value: $811,800 | July High: 78.8°F | January Low: 40.4°F |
For Sale in Palo Alto
Palo Alto, Calif., is home to a little bit of Bohemia, a little bit of old world flair, and plenty of exquisite architecture. When looking at homes for sale in Palo Alto, you must keep in mind both your monetary budget as well as the atmosphere that would suit you best. In September 2005, the median price of a home was $1,360,000. However, the community rewards you well for every dollar spent. Also, if you are looking to work in the area, you can probably expect an income around the median $117,574.
The Different Atmospheres
Palo Alto is heavily influenced by neighboring Stanford, home to the prestigious Stanford University. In the early 1900s, when Stanford was just a fledgling university with young professors, before Palo Alto blossomed, the professors needed a place to stay, creating the aptly named neighborhood of Professorville. It is a historical locality forbidding the demolition of any building constructed before 1940. Older couples populate this area, having bought their homes in the 50s and 60s when the price of a home was less. However, as downtown Palo Alto has flourished adjacent to Professorville, the prices have increased proportionally. Nowadays, a home in Professorville will cost around $2,850,000. Even if you cannot afford to make this section of Palo Alto your home, it is an enjoyable place to walk through.
Despite the seemingly unaffordable prices of Palo Alto housing, there are areas nearby, such as Ventura, that offer homes for a more affordable median price of $845,000. Ventura offers more diversity than the old-flair neighborhoods, as well as the sense of a close-knit community. Many of the residents have been there for prolonged periods of time, and even though many are aging, younger families are also moving in. Many of the older families offer testaments to the feeling of community that pervades throughout Ventura. Whether you are looking for affordability and diversity or extravagance, Palo Alto offers it all.
If you are looking for a beautiful location in sunny California, then Palo Alto is the place to be. This location will prove especially advantageous if you have a child that is looking to attend a local college. With Stanford University practically next door, it will offer the dual advantages of acquiring a good education and remaining close to home. Homes for sale in Palo Alto come in all varieties, from Tudor style to Spanish style, so there is a little bit of something for everyone. Above all, Palo Alto is a tourist location, with a population known to swell from 96,000 to nearly 140,000 during the day with commuters and visitors. This is important to keep in mind, especially if you are looking for a quiet, removed locale. Overall, Palo Alto will offer a rewarding community experience and is sure to earn your heart’s favor and convince you to stay and grow with the city.
By Jessi LaRocco
A REALTOR® is a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS®