Palo Alto

Palo Alto
City
Downtown Palo Alto Downtown Palo Alto
Location in Santa Clara County and the state of California
Coordinates:
Country	United States
State	California
County	Santa Clara
Incorporated	April 23, 1894
Government
• Type	Council–manager
• Mayor	Lydia Kou
Area
• Total	25.8 sq mi (67 km2)
• Land	23.9 sq mi (62 km2)
• Water	1.9 sq mi (5 km2)
Elevation	30 ft (9 m)
Population  (2020)
• Total	68,572
• Density	2,700/sq mi (1,000/km2)
Time zone	UTC-8 (Pacific (PST))
• Summer (DST)	UTC-7 (PDT)
ZIP codes	94301–94306
Area code(s)	650
FIPS code	06-55282
GNIS feature ID	1659754

Palo Alto is a charter city located in the northwest corner of Santa Clara County, California, United States, in the San Francisco Bay Area. Named after a coastal redwood tree known as El Palo Alto, the city is a central economic focal point of Silicon Valley and is home to several high-technology companies, including Tesla, Inc., Hewlett-Packard, VMware, and SpaceX.

History

Palo Alto was established by Leland Stanford when he founded Stanford University following the death of his son, Leland Stanford Jr. The city was incorporated in 1894 and has since grown into a major hub for technology and innovation. The presence of Stanford University has significantly influenced the city's development, contributing to its reputation as a center for research and education.

Geography

Palo Alto covers an area of 25.8 square miles, of which 23.9 square miles is land and 1.9 square miles is water. The city is bordered by Menlo Park to the north, Mountain View to the south, and Los Altos to the southwest. The San Francisco Bay lies to the east, providing a natural boundary.

Economy

Palo Alto is a major economic center, with a strong emphasis on technology and innovation. The city hosts the headquarters of several major companies, including Tesla, Inc., VMware, and Palantir Technologies. The Stanford Research Park is a prominent business district that houses numerous high-tech companies and startups.

Education

Palo Alto is served by the Palo Alto Unified School District, which includes several highly ranked public schools. The city is also home to Stanford University, one of the world's leading research and teaching institutions. The university's presence has a significant impact on the local economy and culture.

Transportation

Palo Alto is well-connected by several major highways, including U.S. Route 101 and California State Route 82. The city is also served by the Caltrain commuter rail service, which provides access to San Francisco and San Jose. Public transportation is further supported by the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) bus services.

Culture and Landmarks

Palo Alto is known for its vibrant cultural scene, with numerous art galleries, theaters, and music venues. The city is home to several historic landmarks, including the Palo Alto Art Center, the Stanford Theatre, and the Hanna-Honeycomb House, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.

Parks and Recreation

The city offers a variety of parks and recreational facilities, including the Baylands Nature Preserve, which is one of the largest tracts of undisturbed marshland remaining in the San Francisco Bay. Other notable parks include Rinconada Park and Foothills Park.

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, Palo Alto had a population of 68,572. The city is known for its diverse and highly educated population, with a significant percentage of residents holding advanced degrees.

Also see

• Stanford University
• Silicon Valley
• San Francisco Bay Area
• Menlo Park, California
• Mountain View, California

Also see

► Healthcare providers in California

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