Neighborhood

University South, Palo Alto, CA

Neighborhood RatingNeighborhood RatingNeighborhood RatingNeighborhood RatingNeighborhood Rating
3.5 /5

Neighborhood Factors

Market Conditions

  • Neighborhood Factors
    Price
    $4.21M
  • Neighborhood Factors
    Overvalued
    $40k(2)
  • Neighborhood Factors
    Appreciation
    11%(2)

(2) City data used

At a glance

University South is ranked #26 of 27 neighborhoods in Palo Alto with an overall score of 3.5/5. Its standout factors are nearby merchants (4.7/5) and schools (4.7/5, 21st of 27 in Palo Alto), at a median home price of $4.21M, which Houseberry currently rates as overvalued by about $72,000. The trade-off is safety (2.3/5).

Neighborhood Reviews & Questions

Neighborhood Review
Key Words: Urban Energy, Café Culture, Nightlife Spots

The biggest highlight? You're smack-dab next to Downtown Palo Alto. This is huge for anyone who enjoys a vibrant lifestyle. Whether it's the trendy cafés, high-end boutiques, or gourmet restaurants, the best of city life is just a hop, skip, and a jump away. Residentially, you'll find an eclectic mix of home styles, from older Victorian and Craftsman houses to newer condo developments. This blend of the old and the new makes for a vibrant living tapestry, adding layers of complexity to the neighborhood's aesthetic. When it comes to amenities, University South is a treasure trove. Local parks like Heritage Park offer green space for a quick outdoor escape, but it's the bustling cafes, theaters, and art galleries that are the main draw. The neighborhood comes alive with festivals such as the Palo Alto Festival of the Arts and weekly farmers markets, both of which serve as popular gathering spots for locals. The downside? It can get pretty busy, especially around University Avenue, where traffic and limited parking spaces can be an issue. The hustle and bustle might not be everyone's cup of tea, so consider your preference for peace and quiet before setting down roots here. University South serves up a taste of city living while still retaining a neighborhood feel. It's an ideal match for those who crave the hustle and bustle of a downtown environment but don't want to sacrifice a residential atmosphere.

See City Review for: Palo Alto

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Neighborhood Amenities

  • Neighborhood Amenities
    Near good merchants

    4.7

  • Neighborhood Amenities
    Public Spaces

    3.5

  • Neighborhood Amenities
    Curb Appeal

    3.5

Overall Amenities score: 3.7

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.
University South ranks 18th 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
18th of 27
Across the Bay Area
50th 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

Schools serving this Neighborhood

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

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

University South FAQs10 answers

Is University South a good place to live?

University South ranks 26th of 27 neighborhoods in Palo Alto with an overall Houseberry score of 3.5 out of 5. Its strongest factors are nearby merchants (4.7/5) and schools (4.7/5). The trade-off is safety (2.3/5).

Is University South safe?

University South, Palo Alto scores 2.3 out of 5 on Houseberry's Safety Score, ranking 27th of 27 neighborhoods in Palo Alto.

What do homes in University South cost?

The median home price in University South, Palo Alto is $4.21M, compared with $4.44M for Palo Alto as a whole. Houseberry currently rates it overvalued by about $72,000 against comparable neighborhoods.

Are home prices in University South rising or falling?

The median home price in University South, Palo Alto is down about 6.5% over the past 12 months, from $4.5M to $4.21M. The full 12-month history is charted in the Median Price section on this page.

Which schools serve University South?

Schools serving University South, Palo Alto include Addison Elementary (4.5/5), Walter Hays Elementary (4.8/5), Frank S. Greene Jr. Middle (4.6/5) and Palo Alto High (5.0/5).

What is the weather like in University South?

University South, Palo Alto receives 79% of its possible sunshine, 18th 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 University South walkable to shops and restaurants?

University South, Palo Alto scores 4.7 out of 5 for nearby merchants and 3.5 out of 5 for public spaces. Its overall amenities score is 3.7 out of 5, 15th of 27 in Palo Alto.

What is University South known for?

University South, Palo Alto is associated with Urban Energy, Café Culture and Nightlife Spots. Its highest-scoring factors are nearby merchants (4.7/5) and schools (4.7/5).

How does University South compare to other Palo Alto neighborhoods?

University South ranks 26th of 27 neighborhoods in Palo Alto. It ranks 21st of 27 in Palo Alto for schools (4.7/5) and scores lowest on safety (2.3/5). The highest-ranked neighborhoods in Palo Alto are Duveneck - St. Francis and Greenmeadow.

What are the downsides of living in University South?

University South, Palo Alto scores lowest on safety (2.3/5).

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Neighborhood Photos

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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Contact Houseberry's 2026 Agent Pick for University South
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