Looking to escape at the end of a demanding day in Silicon Valley to a secluded and serene home with incredible vistas and lifestyle amenities? You may find just that kind of retreat for yourself in the Palo Alto Hills neighborhood. This is definitely acreage, pool and tennis court territory. Most of the large homes here have either one or the other, and in many cases both. Should you want even more activity than practicing your serve or taking laps in your pool you can also head over to the Palo Alto Hills Golf and Country Club for a round of golf. In terms of privacy, relaxation and recreation, the Palo Alto Hills neighborhood definitely offers it all, though it comes with a hefty price tag. Palo Alto Hills is one of the city’s most expensive areas.
Most of the 70+ homes in Palo Alto Hills were built in the 1960s on 1-acre or larger lots. Since then, many properties here have been remodeled, updated or rebuilt. While the lots in Palo Alto Hills are much larger than the typical Palo Alto neighborhoods, its still a friendly, connected community. Though the homes are private, neighbors simply have to cross the street to get together, frequently sharing the bounty of their backyards with each other. Residents claim that it’s not uncommon to have a neighbor knock on their door to drop of a basket of fresh fruits or produce, homemade wine, or even a special item just out of the oven.
Neighbors in Palo Alto Hills come to understand that they share their land with animals. Deer, jackrabbits and quail are regular visitors around homes. A few residents have even reported that migrating ducks stop at their swimming pools en route south. However, homeowners are always careful and alert because more aggressive wild animals like mountain lions, rattlesnakes, coyotes and bobcats are frequently spotted roaming about.
The Palo Alto Hills Neighborhood Association works to represent community interests with the city and other Palo Alto neighborhoods. It sponsors programs that often feature guest speakers from the fire department or someone from the community. And, of course, the highlight of the Association’s events calendar is the annual holiday party held at the Palo Alto Hills Golf & Country Club. While many are, residents do not have to be a Club member to come to the neighborhood events. Families here find that their social life also revolves around their children’s schools – Nixon Elementary and Terman Middle and Gunn High Schools.
Palo Alto Hills affords residents a more rural country lifestyle, which means there’s no corner store. When you run short of something you’ll have to drive down to the market in nearby Portola Valley. So, while the neighborhood is relatively removed from everything, it’s also the primary reason people live here.
PALO ALTO HILLS FACTS
LOCATION: off Page Mill Road: Alexis Drive, Country Club Court, Bandera Drive and Laurel Glen Drive
NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION: Palo Alto Hills Neighborhood Association – mark(at)pahna(dotted)org
POST OFFICE: Cambridge, 265 Cambridge Ave.
FIRE STATION: No. 8, Foothills Park, 3300 Page Mill Road (during summer); No. 5, 600 Arastradero Road
LIBRARY: Mitchell Park branch, 3700 Middlefield Road
PUBLIC SCHOOLS: Nixon Elementary School, Terman Middle School, Gunn High School
SHOPPING: Downtown Los Altos, Portola Valley, California Avenue
PARK: Foothills Park
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