Old Palo Alto Homes and Neighborhood Guide
Palo Alto neighborhood guide
Old Palo Alto is the city's grandest neighborhood, with individually built homes from the early 1900s onward in English, Tudor, Spanish Colonial and even Moorish styles, between Embarcadero Road and Oregon Expressway from Alma Street to Middlefield Road.
The Elizabeth F. Gamble Garden, Bowden Park and the Lawn Bowling Green are here, and a tunnel under the Caltrain tracks leads to the California Avenue shops. Palo Alto High School and Stanford are just across the tracks.
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Old Palo Alto is shaded. Borders are approximate, see the Palo Alto map for the full picture.
At a glance
- Embarcadero Road to Oregon Expressway, Alma to Middlefield
- Custom homes from the early 1900s onward
- English, Tudor, Spanish Colonial and Moorish styles
- Elizabeth F. Gamble Garden and Bowden Park
- Tunnel under the tracks to California Avenue
Homes and Streets
Streets like Waverley, Cowper and Bryant carry some of the highest home prices in the country. Lots are large, often a quarter acre or more, and period homes by noted architects sit next to substantial new construction. Many houses have been expanded with basements and guest houses, and the mature street trees give the whole area an established, estate feel.
See current homes for sale in Palo Alto →
Video Tours in Old Palo Alto
Homes in Old Palo Alto I walked through on camera. Press play for a quick look inside.
1800 Waverley St, listed at $7,295,000
Watch on Instagram →
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 California Avenue Caltrain station is reached through the Alma Street tunnel, and the University Avenue station is a mile north. Embarcadero Road and Oregon Expressway lead to US 101, and Oregon continues to Page Mill Road and Interstate 280.
Nearby Neighborhoods
Old Palo Alto FAQ
Where is Old Palo Alto in Palo Alto?
Old Palo Alto is the city's grandest neighborhood, with individually built homes from the early 1900s onward in English, Tudor, Spanish Colonial and even Moorish styles, between Embarcadero Road and Oregon Expressway from Alma Street to Middlefield Road.
What are homes like in Old Palo Alto?
Streets like Waverley, Cowper and Bryant carry some of the highest home prices in the country. Lots are large, often a quarter acre or more, and period homes by noted architects sit next to substantial new construction. Many houses have been expanded with basements and guest houses, and the mature street trees give the whole area an established, estate feel.
What public schools are near Old Palo Alto?
Public schools near Old Palo Alto include Walter Hays 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 Old Palo Alto?
Parks and open space near Old Palo Alto include Elizabeth F. Gamble Garden, Bowden Park, Rinconada Park.
How do I get around from Old Palo Alto?
The California Avenue Caltrain station is reached through the Alma Street tunnel, and the University Avenue station is a mile north. Embarcadero Road and Oregon Expressway lead to US 101, and Oregon continues to Page Mill Road and Interstate 280.
How can I find homes for sale in Old Palo Alto?
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 Old Palo Alto?
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.
See homes for saleWhat is my home worth?Get off-market listingsContact Joseph← Back to the Palo Alto neighborhood guide or browse all Peninsula neighborhoods
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.