P alo Alto, California is a university town near the San Francisco Bay, in beautiful Santa Clara County. It is situated on the San Francisco Peninsula, just thirty miles south of the bustling city of San Francisco, and fifteen miles north of San Jose. It is ideally installed amidst a wealth of scenic beauty. Starting at the shore of the San Francisco Bay, the town extends inland to the Coast Range Mountains. In the midst of this, the San Francisco Creek meanders through the city. Palo Alto experiences a mild temperature throughout the year, ranging from about 39 degrees at their coldest to approximately 77 degrees at their warmest.

This town has a unique place in recent history. It is the place where Debbie Fields started her cookie empire. And in a garage on Addison Avenue--now a museum--William Hewlett and David Packard started the technology boom. This area has always drawn a number of diverse and successful individuals. From railroad magnate Leland Stanford, founder of Stanford University, to President Herbert Hoover, to Grateful Dead band members Bill Kreutzmann and Jerry Garcia, it seems that Palo Alto residents are passionate, educated and focused.

Palo Alto is home to approximately 60,000 residents, whose median age is 40 years old. The annual household income in the area far exceeds the national average, coming in at around $95,000 per year. Home values reflect the desirability of the region, as well as the higher incomes of its residents. With Palo Alto's strong history of entrepreneurial endeavors, it is not surprising that nearly a quarter of its residents work in the fields of professional services, technology and the sciences. Nearly twenty percent of them work in manufacturing.

Of course, Palo Alto is home to one of the most prestigious universities in the nation. As an elite school, Stanford University only admits approximately 1,600 incoming freshmen, and a mere 80 transfer students each year. In terms of size, it is one of the largest universities in the nation at over 8,100 acres, and maintains a huge presence in the community. Its architecture and landscaping are renowned, creating a peaceful place for a stroll. There are numerous arts and cultural events offered throughout the year. And the school's Cardinal football team are local heroes, especially when playing against arch-rivals Berkeley--a rivalry that dates back to the early 1920's.

Downtown Palo Alto is a hub that draws together students, families, singles and seniors. It is a serene area with an academic feel, chock full of bookstores and bistros. Whether studying or enjoying a leisurely newspaper, this is the place where residents come to sit for hours over coffees and meals. Residents also converge for the Saturday morning Farmer's Markets, picking up locally grown produce and specialty items for the week. On Thursdays, the city delights its residents by sponsoring the free Brown Bag Concert series at Cogswell Plaza.

In the fall and winter months, residents take part in a long-standing Palo Alto tradition. The Winter Lodge is the first outdoor ice skating rink west of the Sierra Mountain range. The Lodge and its skating school open in September and is available through the middle of April. It's a popular activity in Palo Alto to ice skate under the stars, then take the party into the clubhouse to warm up beside a roaring fire. Fall is also the time for the celebrated Black and White Ball. This is one of the region's premier charitable and social events, held on behalf of the Palo Alto Recreation Foundation. The theme changes each year, ensuring that the event remains exciting for its guests. But some things remain the same eachyear. This is a chance to dress to the nines while listening to great live music and sampling innovative gourmet cuisine.

Palo Alto is a community of unparalleled scenic beauty with a diverse, well-educated population. The town's architecture and impeccable landscaping add to the already astounding setting of ocean and mountains. If you are considering moving to Palo Alto, California, be sure to request our free relocation packet today!