Named for an ancient redwood tree that was a living landmark for late-1700s Spanish explorers, Palo Alto today is a diverse community, a mixture of high-tech and locally owned companies and more than 26,000 homes.
Since incorporation in 1894, Palo Alto has expanded to encompass the area stretching from San Francisquito Creek to the north to San Antonio Road to the south, from the San Francisco Bay to the Skyline Ridge. It is home to nearly 60,000 residents — but during weekdays the population swells to nearly 140,000 with the daily flow and ebb of commuters.
Over time, the demographics of Palo Alto have changed dramatically. What once was a homogeneous, mostly blue-collar community, with an enclave of Stanford University professors, has become a diverse, mostly well-to-do, well-educated, but aging, population.
Despite a median household income of $117,574 in 2000, many are challenged to keep up with the ever-rising median home price — $1,600,000 (from December 2007 through November 2008).
But people continue to flock to Palo Alto, taking pride in its environmental consciousness, city-owned utilities, support of social services and some firsts, including opening a public Children's Library in 1940 and becoming the first U.S. city to have an Internet home page in 1994.
Palo Alto is ever-evolving. If we've missed your neighborhood, or if you have additional tidbits about your neighborhood you'd like to share with the Weekly, please let us know.
PALO ALTO NEIGHBORHOODS:
• Leland Manor, Embarcadero Oaks and Garland Drive
• Midtown
• Ventura
Comments
Another Palo Alto neighborhood
on May 26, 2009 at 5:20 pm
on May 26, 2009 at 5:20 pm
Why is my neighborhood--The Greenhouse--listed in this quasi-article, yet when I want to comment on any article, that same neighborhood doesn't appear in the drop-down list provided?
Palo Alto Orchards
on Jun 3, 2009 at 11:05 am
on Jun 3, 2009 at 11:05 am
A bold, but calamitous choice. Rest in peace, kid.
Midtown
on Aug 15, 2009 at 6:55 pm
on Aug 15, 2009 at 6:55 pm
Wow, this thread has been fun to read... I lived on Alma at Loma Verde. Went to El Carmelo, Wilbur (1976/77) and was in the last freshman class at Cubberly, went to Pali as a sophmore. Regarding teachers at Wilbur, had to mention my favorite, Dr. Cooper, who always had a friendly smile and hello to everyone he came in contact with. Remember "Hey friend!" Ha ha, I think he said that so he didn't have to remember the countless names of the students over the years. Also remember Mr. Hori and Mr. Eraldi... can anyone remember remember the name of the female social studies teacher whose catch phrase was "don't make me give you the hairy eyeball..." Whoo, she could send shivers down your spine with that one... I remember a dance at Wilbur, and being utterly stunned when "Stairway to Heaven" started, and many of the kids I'd grown up with suddenly started slow dancing under the disco ball... WHAT? WHEN DID THIS HAPPEN? I thought to myself... Guess I was behind the curve! I walked from Alma near El Carmelo to Wilbur, then finally to Cubberly through Mitchell Park when it came time to go to high school... Ah, memories! Thanks for putting this thread into action!
Another Palo Alto neighborhood
on Jan 4, 2010 at 9:19 am
on Jan 4, 2010 at 9:19 am
Lee,
FYI, your neighborhood is included in the drop-down: It's alphabetized under "The Greenhouse."
We've also added Greendell/Walnut Grove.
Charleston Gardens
on Jan 4, 2010 at 9:35 am
on Jan 4, 2010 at 9:35 am
Carole--why does "the Greenhouse" neighborhood only include Greenhouse I and not Greenhouse II as well. The real question is why is a condo complex considered to be separate neighborhood? Are any other condo complexes in Palo Alto considered to be a separate neighborhood? Aren't the Greenhouses actually part of Charleston Gardens?