Neighborhood

Downtown North, Palo Alto, CA

Neighborhood RatingNeighborhood RatingNeighborhood RatingNeighborhood RatingNeighborhood Rating
3.8 /5
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Ranked 23rd /27 in Palo Alto, CA

Neighborhood Factors

Market Conditions

  • Neighborhood Factors
    Price
    $3.61M
  • Neighborhood Factors
    Overvalued
    $40k(2)
  • Neighborhood Factors
    Appreciation
    11%(2)

(2) City data used

At a glance

Downtown North is ranked #23 of 27 neighborhoods in Palo Alto with an overall score of 3.8/5. Its standout factors are nearby merchants (4.9/5) and schools (4.7/5, 22nd of 27 in Palo Alto), at a median home price of $3.61M, which Houseberry currently rates as undervalued by about $36,000. The trade-off is safety (2.7/5), though prices run about 19% below the Palo Alto median.

Neighborhood Reviews & Questions

Neighborhood Review
Key Words: Walkability, Diverse Design, Entertainment Venues

If you're the type who loves to be where the action is, look no further than Downtown North. First things first, this neighborhood is amazingly well-connected. The Palo Alto Caltrain station is right here, making San Francisco and San Jose easily reachable. If you're a commuter or a frequent traveler, this is a massive plus. While residential options here are limited compared to other Palo Alto neighborhoods, what you do find is unique—think lofts over retail spaces, historic apartments, and a fair share of single-family homes mixed in. When it comes to amenities, you're spoilt for choice. University Avenue and it’s myriads of restaurants and shops are just to the South. Lytton Plaza and Cogswell Plaza are popular hangout spots, perfect for those looking to enjoy a bit of outdoor leisure. Johnson Park is another local gem, featuring a playground and basketball courts. As for the events, the neighborhood is within walking distance to many of the city's festivals and cultural happenings. One thing to note is the influx of visitors, especially during the weekends and evenings, which can lead to some parking constraints and increased noise levels. While there are parks in nearby neighborhoods, Downtown North itself is not the best area for sprawling green spaces. But, if you thrive on a bustling atmosphere, these are small trade-offs for the convenience and excitement of living in Downtown North. This is not a sleepy suburban enclave; it’s lively most hours of the day and into the evening. Street fairs, farmers' markets, and other public events are frequent, giving it a constantly buzzing atmosphere.

See City Review for: Palo Alto
Houseberry's TakeLocal InsightsQuestions

Top Neighborhoods in Palo Alto, CA

1st
Neighborhood Iamge
Duveneck - St. Francis, Palo Alto, CA
Overall Score : 4.8
Duveneck - St. Francis is a family-oriented enclave where tree-lined streets ser... See Full Page
2nd
Neighborhood Iamge
Greenmeadow, Palo Alto, CA
Overall Score : 4.8
Greenmeadow in Palo Alto is an exceptional example of what a planned community c... See Full Page
3rd
Neighborhood Iamge
Leland Manor - Embarcadero Oaks - Garland Drive, Palo Alto, CA
Overall Score : 4.7
Leland Manor stands out for its strong family orientation. The neighborhood is h... See Full Page

Neighborhood Amenities

  • Neighborhood Amenities
    Near good merchants

    4.9

  • Neighborhood Amenities
    Public Spaces

    4

  • Neighborhood Amenities
    Curb Appeal

    3.5

Overall Amenities score: 4

Neighborhood Weather

79%
of possible sunshine
Of all the daylight this spot gets in a year, 79% arrives as sunshine - clouds and fog block the rest.
Downtown North ranks 19th of 27 for sunshine in Palo Alto, though it still out-suns about half of the Bay Area. Its warmest month is August, averaging 79° highs, and it gets about 16 inches of rain a year.
Average daily high and low temperature
80°65°50°35°JFMAMJJASONDAug 79°
Avg highAvg low
Rank in Palo Alto
19th of 27
Across the Bay Area
49th percentile
Rain per year
16 in
Warmest month
Aug 79° avg high
Summer day
56° → 78°F
Winter day
43° → 60°F
Sunshine and temperature figures are 30-year climate averages for this neighborhood's location.

Neighborhood Photos

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Schools serving this Neighborhood

School NameTypeGradesHouseberry School Score
Addison Elementary PrimaryK-5
4.5/5
Frank S. Greene Jr. Middle Middle6-8
4.6/5
Palo Alto High High9-12
5/5

Click links for school listing

info at GreatSchools.org

Houseberry School Score Data

from CA Dept. of Education

Houseberry recommends using these scores as only a starting point, and conducting your own investigation into what schools fit best for your preferences. School boundaries are not guaranteed and may change. It is important to contact the appropriate school district to confirm enrollment eligibility before making any decision to move to a neighborhood.

Median Price

Downtown North FAQs10 answers

Is Downtown North a good place to live?

Downtown North ranks 23rd of 27 neighborhoods in Palo Alto with an overall Houseberry score of 3.8 out of 5. Its strongest factors are nearby merchants (4.9/5) and schools (4.7/5). The trade-off is safety (2.7/5).

Is Downtown North safe?

Downtown North, Palo Alto scores 2.7 out of 5 on Houseberry's Safety Score, ranking 26th of 27 neighborhoods in Palo Alto.

What do homes in Downtown North cost?

The median home price in Downtown North, Palo Alto is $3.61M, compared with $4.44M for Palo Alto as a whole. Houseberry currently rates it undervalued by about $36,000 against comparable neighborhoods.

Are home prices in Downtown North rising or falling?

The median home price in Downtown North, Palo Alto is up about 27.7% over the past 12 months, from $2.83M to $3.61M. The full 12-month history is charted in the Median Price section on this page.

Which schools serve Downtown North?

Schools serving Downtown North, Palo Alto include Addison Elementary (4.5/5), Frank S. Greene Jr. Middle (4.6/5) and Palo Alto High (5.0/5).

What is the weather like in Downtown North?

Downtown North, Palo Alto receives 79% of its possible sunshine, 19th of 27 in Palo Alto. Summer days run 56° to 78°F and winter days 43° to 60°F, August is the warmest month and rainfall averages about 16 inches a year.

Is Downtown North walkable to shops and restaurants?

Downtown North, Palo Alto scores 4.9 out of 5 for nearby merchants and 4.0 out of 5 for public spaces. Its overall amenities score is 4.0 out of 5, 8th of 27 in Palo Alto.

What is Downtown North known for?

Downtown North, Palo Alto is associated with Walkability, Diverse Design and Entertainment Venues. Its highest-scoring factors are nearby merchants (4.9/5) and schools (4.7/5).

How does Downtown North compare to other Palo Alto neighborhoods?

Downtown North ranks 23rd of 27 neighborhoods in Palo Alto. It ranks 22nd of 27 in Palo Alto for schools (4.7/5) and scores lowest on safety (2.7/5). The highest-ranked neighborhoods in Palo Alto are Duveneck - St. Francis and Greenmeadow.

What are the downsides of living in Downtown North?

Downtown North, Palo Alto scores lowest on safety (2.7/5).

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Top Neighborhoods in Palo Alto, CA

1st
Neighborhood Iamge
Duveneck - St. Francis, Palo Alto, CA
Overall Score : 4.8
Duveneck - St. Francis is a family-oriented enclave where tree-lined streets ser... See Full Page
2nd
Neighborhood Iamge
Greenmeadow, Palo Alto, CA
Overall Score : 4.8
Greenmeadow in Palo Alto is an exceptional example of what a planned community c... See Full Page
3rd
Neighborhood Iamge
Leland Manor - Embarcadero Oaks - Garland Drive, Palo Alto, CA
Overall Score : 4.7
Leland Manor stands out for its strong family orientation. The neighborhood is h... See Full Page

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All information provided on this website including but not limited to - school ratings, safety, amenities, user opinions, and property data - is for general informational purposes only. We do not guarantee its reliability, accuracy, or completeness. Users should independently verify information and consult appropriate professionals as needed. By using this website, you agree Houseberry is not responsible for actions, decisions, or consequences arising from reliance on the information provided

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Bay East ©2025. CCAR ©2025. bridgeMLS ©2025. Information Deemed Reliable But Not Guaranteed. This information is being provided by the Bay East MLS, or CCAR MLS, or bridgeMLS. The listings presented here may or may not be listed by the Broker/Agent operating this website. This information is intended for the personal use of consumers and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. Data last updated at August 14, 2026 12:00 AM

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