Amenities
A wealth of amenities, such as restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores, parks and fitness facilities, are all conveniently located within walking distance.
Commute
An elevated score in the commute category points to excellent public transit accessibility and shorter-than-average work commute times in this area.
Employment
Higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates are seen in this area. The result is a high score in the employment category.
Health & Safety
Good air quality as well as nearby health facilities like hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, fire and police stations all contribute to a higher than average health and safety score.
Schools
The schools category earns a high score due to factors like exceptional test scores, strong education levels and the close proximity of elementary and high schools in this area.
Cost Of Living
Living in this region comes with a high cost of living, translating to elevated costs for homes, goods and services, groceries, utilities, health care and transportation.
Palo Alto, California is a medium-sized city with a population of 67,973 people. Individuals of White (56%) and Asian (33%) backgrounds make up a significant portion of the population of Palo Alto. Long travel times to work can be one of the most frustrating things in the world - right behind housework! If you decide that living in Palo Alto is the right fit for you, your one way commute time will average 25 minutes, which is about average when compared to the national commute time of 26 minutes.
Are you trying to figure out if living in Palo Alto is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a positive experience before relocating to any new city in California, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. To help you find the best places to live in and around Palo Alto, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like amenities, health & safety, education, employment, housing and more.
Palo Alto has a livability score of 83/100 and is ranked #23 in California and #648 in the USA. Pack your bags! This is a very high score in comparison to other US cities. Living in Palo Alto could be a great choice! This city is also ranked in the top 10 percentile of all cities across the USA. There are nine total categories that create the livability score. Palo Alto ranks well for amenities (A+), crime (B) and education (A+) Palo Alto does not score well for the following: cost of living (F) and housing (D). It might be a smart idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.
Palo Alto has many conveniently situated amenities and captivating attractions that adds to the continuous enjoyment of your everyday life. Having the assurance of abundant conveniences and a wide array of activities ensures your easy access to nearby grocery stores, restaurants, bars, fitness facilities, coffee shops and exciting entertainment options. This not only simplifies daily routines but also fosters a vibrant and dynamic lifestyle within the community. With a wealth of resources at your fingertips, you can savor the convenience and variety that Palo Alto has to offer, making it a desirable destination for those seeking both accessibility and enjoyment in their daily lives. Among the enticing options for fun and exploration in Palo Alto are: The Stanford Shopping Center, Hoover Tower, and Palo Alto Baylands Nature Preserve.
The unemployment rate in Palo Alto has consistently declined over the years and currently stands well below the national average at 2.11%. This downward trend holds the potential to reduce poverty and inequality within the region, promote higher wage levels and stimulate greater economic growth. Such positive indicators signal the overall robust health of the local economy, offering a promising outlook for its residents and fostering an environment of financial well-being and prosperity.
Standardized school test scores offer a valuable benchmark for assessing the quality of educational programs, instructional methods, and curriculum effectiveness. Recognizing that Palo Alto schools excel in test scores is a crucial consideration when determining the suitability of this area for residence. The local schools boast an impressive average test score of 81%, significantly higher than the national average. This stellar academic performance not only attests to the excellence of the educational system but also underscores the area's commitment to providing a high-quality education, making Palo Alto an appealing choice for those prioritizing their children's educational prospects.
Palo Alto real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Palo Alto. Median real estate prices in Palo Alto come in at $2,000,001, which is 388.6% higher than the California average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Palo Alto, the home price to income ratio is 11.5, which is 79.7% higher than the California average.
| Statistic | Palo Alto | California | National |
| Average one way commute | 25min | 28min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 57.7% | 73.5% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 5.8% | 10.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 5.6% | 5.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 8.7% | 1.1% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 4.6% | 2.7% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 16.1% | 5.4% | 4.6% |
Here are the best places to live in California
These are the 10 cheapest cities in California
Safest States In The US
Safest Cities In The US