Downtown North Homes and Neighborhood Guide
Palo Alto neighborhood guide
Downtown North is one of Palo Alto's oldest residential areas, tucked between San Francisquito Creek and University Avenue from Alma Street over to Middlefield Road. Cottages on 50 foot lots sit alongside duplexes and small apartment buildings, so the streets feel more varied and more urban than most of the city.
The big draw is location. The University Avenue shops and restaurants are a short walk, the downtown Caltrain station is at the Alma Street end of University, and Menlo Park is just across the creek. Johnson Park, Cogswell Plaza, El Camino Park and Hopkins Creekside Park all sit within a few blocks.
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Downtown North is shaded. Borders are approximate, see the Palo Alto map for the full picture.
At a glance
- Between San Francisquito Creek and University Avenue
- Alma Street to Middlefield Road
- Cottages on 50 foot lots plus duplexes and apartments
- Walk to University Avenue and the downtown Caltrain station
- Johnson Park, Cogswell Plaza and El Camino Park nearby
Homes and Streets
Expect a mix. Early 1900s cottages and bungalows share blocks with 1950s and 1960s multifamily buildings and newer condos, and lots are small by Palo Alto standards. That mix keeps a range of price points in play, from condos and duplex units to fully rebuilt single family homes, and it makes Downtown North one of the few parts of town where you can live without needing the car every day.
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Video Tours
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Parks and Open Space
Public Schools Nearby
School assignments follow district attendance boundaries, which can split a neighborhood and change over time. Always confirm the school for a specific address with the district, for example the Palo Alto Unified School District.
Getting Around
The Palo Alto Caltrain station on University Avenue is at the edge of the neighborhood, with express trains to San Francisco and San Jose. Alma Street, El Camino Real and University Avenue are the main routes, and US 101 is a few minutes east via University Avenue.
Nearby Neighborhoods
Downtown North FAQ
Where is Downtown North in Palo Alto?
Downtown North is one of Palo Alto's oldest residential areas, tucked between San Francisquito Creek and University Avenue from Alma Street over to Middlefield Road. Cottages on 50 foot lots sit alongside duplexes and small apartment buildings, so the streets feel more varied and more urban than most of the city.
What are homes like in Downtown North?
Expect a mix. Early 1900s cottages and bungalows share blocks with 1950s and 1960s multifamily buildings and newer condos, and lots are small by Palo Alto standards. That mix keeps a range of price points in play, from condos and duplex units to fully rebuilt single family homes, and it makes Downtown North one of the few parts of town where you can live without needing the car every day.
What public schools are near Downtown North?
Public schools near Downtown North include Addison Elementary School, Greene Middle School, Palo Alto High School. School assignments follow district attendance boundaries and can change, so confirm the school for a specific address with the district.
What parks are near Downtown North?
Parks and open space near Downtown North include Johnson Park, Cogswell Plaza, El Camino Park, Hopkins Creekside Park.
How do I get around from Downtown North?
The Palo Alto Caltrain station on University Avenue is at the edge of the neighborhood, with express trains to San Francisco and San Jose. Alma Street, El Camino Real and University Avenue are the main routes, and US 101 is a few minutes east via University Avenue.
How can I find homes for sale in Downtown North?
Browse current listings in Palo Alto on Joseph Suarez's site, or join his off-market list to hear about homes before they are listed publicly. Thinking of selling? Request a free home valuation for a local estimate based on recent nearby sales.
Thinking about Downtown North?
Whether you are buying or selling, Joseph Suarez can walk you through recent sales, street by street pricing and what is coming up before it hits the market.
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Updated October 2026 by Joseph Suarez, Realtor with Coldwell Banker in Burlingame, DRE 02085594.
Sources: City of Palo Alto neighborhoods, Palo Alto Unified School District, Wikipedia: Palo Alto, California. Information is believed accurate but not guaranteed.