An intellectual paradise, Palo Alto is a fascinating city pulsating with creative energy so infectious, most residents have chosen this address in order to enjoy that perfect mix of privacy, seclusion and a very inspired atmosphere. 

Commonly known as the birthplace of Silicon Valley, Palo Alto is world-famous for its innovation, research and contributions to technology, telecommunications, biotechnology and social media. Palo Alto is where cutting edge ideas become a reality –that’s why this exciting city is brimming with company headquarters, startups, foundations and arts and humanities venues.

Palo Alto boasts 4,500 acres of parkland and 28 neighborhood parks to enjoy, whether for relaxation or for fun outdoor activities –such as picnics, soccer games, or a stroll around the sprawling open spaces. Other amenities include children’s playgrounds, playing fields, basketball and tennis courts, skate bowls, nature preserves and community gardens, par courses and dog exercise areas.

The Museum of American Heritage exhibits America’s inventions in a century-old house and garden, while Stanford University is home to Cantor Arts Center –an art museum that showcases one of the largest collections of Auguste Rodin sculptures –200 works in all, for public viewing. 

For children, the fun and interactive Palo Alto Jr. Museum will engage their curiosity in nature and science through creative exhibits. The first of its kind, the Magical Bridge Playground is designed to be a socially inclusive playground for children of varying physical and cognitive abilities, innovatively addressing the unique play needs of the many children in the community. Swimming or skating can be on one’s itinerary too. The Rinconada Pool is a public outdoor pool with areas for laps, recreation, and wading, as well as fountains for kids, while the Winter Lodge is the only permanent outdoor ice rink west of the Sierras.

For some nature excursions, visitors can explore the largest tract of undisturbed marshland remaining in the San Francisco Bay at Baylands Nature Preserve. It also has a duck pond where one can take a picturesque stroll around the quaint space. 

With that wonderful mix of small-town charm with a cosmopolitan ambiance, Downtown Palo Alto is a vibrant yet cozy destination –with help from the plethora of lovely outdoor cafés, bookstores, mom-and-pop specialty stores, art galleries, movie theaters and plenty of restaurants.

A place such as Palo Alto –emblem of human progress and innovation– will without a doubt have an excellent school system that will nurture the future businessmen, scientists, artists and inventors of the world. Top-rated institutions include: Addison, Barron Park, Duveneck, El Carmelo, Escondido, Fairmeadow, Herbert Hoover, Juana Briones, Lucille M. Nixon, Ohlone, Palo Verde and Walter Hays Elementary Schools, Jordan, Jane Lathrop Stanford and Terman Middle Schools and Gunn and Palo Alto High Schools.