El Palo Alto (2024)

El Palo Alto simply means “the tall tree” in Spanish. The name is believed to originate with the 1769 expedition of Gaspar de Portola (1716-1786), later governor of the Spanish territories in California. During their exploration of San Francisco Bay, de Portola and his men camped under the giant tree, which served as a landmark and was visible for miles.

Governor Leland Stanford purchased 650 acres of territory near the San Francisquito for his country estate and stock farm in 1876. After the death of his son Leland Stanford Jr., some of this property was dedicated as Stanford University. Governor Stanford also led the foundation of the city of Palo Alto in 1894 as a temperance town in which alcohol was banned — in reaction to the nearby town of Mayfield, which refused to close its thirteen saloons. Mayfield was incorporated into Palo Alto in 1925.

Despite several health scares caused by pollution and drought over the years, this long-lived coastal redwood tree thrives on the banks of the San Francisquito Creek. It continues to serve as the heart of the Stanford University seal and the Block “S” emblems, not only because of its historical significance but also because it stands as a symbol of strength, independence, and endurance.

El Palo Alto (1)

Palo Alto tree -- twin trunk

El Palo Alto (2)

Palo Alto tree -- twin trunk

El Palo Alto (3)

Palo Alto tree -- single trunk

El Palo Alto (4)

Palo Alto tree -- single trunk

El Palo Alto (5)

Palo Alto tree -- single trunk

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El Palo Alto (2024)

FAQs

Is East Palo Alto still sketchy? ›

The crime rate in East Palo Alto is considerably higher than the national average across all communities in America from the largest to the smallest, although at 29 crimes per one thousand residents, it is not among the communities with the very highest crime rate.

Why is Palo Alto so famous? ›

Palo Alto is recognized as a global leader in cutting-edge technological development and is known as the "Birthplace of Silicon Valley.” This exciting mix of tradition and innovation makes Palo Alto an extraordinary destination for visitors.

Why is Palo Alto so nice? ›

Beautiful green spaces

Palo Alto takes pride in its lush parks and green spaces. The city offers an abundance of well-maintained parks and nature areas, including the iconic Stanford Dish Loop Trail, a popular hiking trail promising panoramic views.

Is it worth going to Palo Alto? ›

Palo Alto, California is a vibrant city that offers a variety of attractions for all to enjoy! With its ideal location in the heart of Silicon Valley, Palo Alto is a unique community with lots to do from shopping and dining, to hiking, parks and gardens to world-class museums and family fun for all ages.

Is Palo Alto rich or poor? ›

Median household income in Palo Alto, CA is $194,782. In 2021, the place with the highest median household income in Palo Alto, CA was Census Tract 5112 with a value of $250,001, followed by Census Tract 5114 and Census Tract 5111, with respective values of $250,001 and $246,953.

Is Palo Alto safe at night? ›

Palo Alto is an extremely safe community, and other than taking obvious precautions when out at night, visitors should feel comfortable freely exploring the city. Use common sense and extra care when using the pedestrian tunnels at the train stations, and avoid walking alone at night.

Why is Palo Alto falling? ›

Palo Alto stock fell after the company lowered guidance as part of a strategy shift. Former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi reportedly made an investment in the company shortly after the stock plunged. Despite its recent price decline, the stock is still not cheap.

Is Palo Alto an expensive area? ›

In Santa Clara County, the top five most expensive ZIP codes are Los Altos ranking in 12th and 13th place, Saratoga at 16th, Palo Alto at 19th, and Los Gatos at 23rd – all with median sale prices of more than $3 million.

Is Palo Alto fun to live in? ›

Palo Alto is a lovely city in Silicon Valley with its own waterfront, acre upon acre of green space, and world-class education options, including Stanford University. Roughly 70,000 residents live in Palo Alto, making it slightly larger than most cities around San Jose.

Are people in Palo Alto friendly? ›

I like the family friendly activities that are available in Palo Alto. There are excellent schools, shops, and restaurants. The people are very friendly and the weather in the Bay Area is amazing year-round!

Which part of Palo Alto is best? ›

4 Best Neighborhoods to Live in Palo Alto
  • Old Palo Alto: Where Tradition Meets Elegance. ...
  • Professorville: A Haven for Intellectual Souls. ...
  • Barron Park: A Suburban Oasis with a Community Spirit. ...
  • Greenmeadow: Mid-Century Modern Living.
Jan 10, 2024

Why do people move to Palo Alto? ›

Palo Alto offers a unique blend of urban culture with a small-town feel, making it an attractive place for various people to live. Residents can enjoy access to top-notch restaurants and entertainment while being close enough to outdoor activities such as hiking trails or kayaking in the bay.

What is the average income in Palo Alto CA? ›

Average Salary in Palo Alto, CA
Annual SalaryMonthly Pay
Top Earners$128,259$10,688
75th Percentile$125,462$10,455
Average$96,909$8,075
25th Percentile$68,355$5,696

Does Palo Alto pay well? ›

The average remote employee at Palo Alto Networks can expect to earn between $55k and $564k, with a median base pay of $226k. Additional pay could include bonus, stock, commission, profit sharing, tips, and employee benefits.

How do I spend a day in Palo Alto? ›

Other Top Attractions around Palo Alto
  1. 2023. Alcatraz Island. 56,204. 30 mi away. ...
  2. Golden Gate Bridge. 49,838. 31 mi away. ...
  3. Cable Cars. 25,559. 28 mi away. ...
  4. Pier 39. 22,969. 29 mi away. ...
  5. Oracle Park. 7,159. 26 mi away. ...
  6. Lombard Street. 18,399. 28 mi away. ...
  7. Golden Gate Park. 9,629. 29 mi away. ...
  8. Muir Woods National Monument. 7,049. 38 mi away.

Is East Palo Alto being gentrified? ›

In addition, those thousands of new office workers will all be looking for someplace to live nearby. This will cause gentrification and displacement of existing East Palo Alto residents. When more people are trying to find housing, rents go up until only highly paid tech workers can afford to live there.

Is East Palo Alto a good area to live in? ›

Living in East Palo Alto offers residents an urban suburban mix feel and most residents rent their homes. In East Palo Alto there are a lot of coffee shops and parks. Many families live in East Palo Alto and residents tend to be liberal. The public schools in East Palo Alto are highly rated.

What is the difference between Palo Alto and East Palo Alto? ›

East Palo Alto is located in San Mateo County. Despite its name, it lies almost entirely north, and not east of Palo Alto. It is bordered on the west by Menlo Park, to the south by Palo Alto, and to the east by the San Francisco Bay. The San Francisquito Creek defines its southern edge.

What are the health issues in East Palo Alto? ›

East Palo Alto's leading causes of death are roughly similar to San Mateo County's. The top three causes – heart disease, Alzheimer's, and stroke – have some of the same risk factors, including poor diet and lack of physical activity.

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