In 1769, Spanish soldier and explorer, Don Gaspar de Portolà discovered the stretch of land that led to the development of one of the nation’s most industrious and enterprising cities. Palo Alto was granted its name from a majestic 1,000-year-old coast redwood tree, El Palo Alto, which still grows along the banks of San Francisquito Creek. The blend of business and residential areas anchored by a vibrant downtown perfectly defines Palo Alto’s prosperous and dynamic character. Nicknamed appropriately the “land of the tall trees,” Palo Alto’s tree-lined streets and historic buildings reflect its rich California heritage.
Palo Alto is also recognized worldwide as the leader in cutting-edge technology development. Currently, Palo Alto is the corporate headquarters to a number of high-tech companies, such as Hewlett-Packard, VMware, Tesla Motors, and Skype. Palo Alto also serves as an incubator to several other such popular companies, such as Apple Inc., Google, Facebook, Sun Microsystems, Pinterest, and PayPal. Many international law firms have also established offices in this city, lured by the abundance of start-up businesses and tech-based companies.
Today, Palo Alto is one of the most expensive cities in the United States, and its residents are among the most educated in the country. Over three-quarters of the adults in this community have advanced degrees. From elementary to high school, Palo Alto’s public school system is ranked among the top in the nation. This fact is not surprising considering the close ties to Stanford University, a leading academic research university that produced many Nobel Prize winners, Silicon Valley CEOs, leading scholars, and famous politicians.
Other than enjoying a convenient location to nearby businesses and access to quality public schools, Palo Alto residents have an amazing array of activities and amenities. Winding throughout Palo Alto are running paths for joggers and walkers. On weekends, residents can be seen playing in the parks, walking in the foothills, attending cultural activities, shopping in the outdoor malls, and dining at ethnically diverse restaurants.
For a neighborhood-specific analysis, or further information, call an Illuminate Properties specialist today.
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