Old Palo Alto

Old Palo Alto is Crescent Park's sibling — a similarly historic, similarly prestigious neighborhood developed in the early 20th century with comparable architectural character (Tudor, Spanish Revival, Colonial) and comparable school assignments. The neighborhood sits south of University Avenue, immediately adjacent to downtown Palo Alto and within walking distance of the Stanford campus. The streets are some of the most beautiful in the Bay Area — wide, tree-lined, and pedestrian-friendly, with mature gardens and well-maintained estate homes.

The neighborhood is home to a who's-who of Silicon Valley executives, longtime Stanford faculty, and venture capitalists. Steve Jobs lived here for years; Larry Page and other tech founders have owned homes in the neighborhood. The character is quiet, residential, and intellectual — Stanford's influence permeates the area, and many residents have ties to the university.

Schools are the same top-tier feeders as Crescent Park: Walter Hays Elementary or Addison Elementary, Greene Middle School, and Palo Alto High School — all rated 9-10/10. Pricing is comparable or slightly more accessible than Crescent Park, with median around $5M-$5.5M for typical homes; estate properties on larger lots regularly exceed $10M. Trade-offs are essentially the same: extreme cost, tight inventory, and an established quiet that suits some buyers better than others. For families and tech executives who want the best of Palo Alto with downtown walkability, Old Palo Alto is the most natural choice.