Before the emergence of Stanford University, Palo Alto is simply a sleepy college town at the northwest corner of Santa Clara County, in the San Francisco Bay Area of California. The advent of Stanford as a leading academic institution and high-technology research center in America led to a handful of start-up businesses. Palo Alto then became known as the birthplace of Silicon Valley. This reputation attracted engineers and tech savvies all over the world to pursue their dreams either in Stanford or at the new techno hubs that grew around it.
Any visit to Palo Alto should also treat you to a walk or drive through the tree-lined residential neighborhoods, a walk in the foothills or baylands and some great shopping and eating in several business districts. The city is rich of choices on this regard.
The Stanford campus itself is a marvel. Visitors could easily grind a day or even longer exploring the glorious campus. The visit should include stops at the Hoover Tower, Memorial Church, Cantor Arts Center, Rodin Sculpture Garden and a central campus which is ever bustling with activity.
Vicinities and Go-tos
Kids will enjoy the Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo, the small Museum of American Heritage in downtown Palo Alto and the Hiller Aviation Museum in San Carlos,. Or for a fun family activity between October and April, one may go ice skating at the Winter Lodge, an outdoor spot in the Midtown Palo Alto shopping district.
Art lovers shouldn’t miss the many galleries around town or the Palo Alto Art Center, a popular venue for Bay Area and local artists. Or at the Allied Arts Guild, a collection of shops in nearby Menlo Park. Science enthusiast may find a visit at the Stanford Linear Accelerator, a particle physics research facility operated for the government by Stanford, fascinating. Or perhaps a detour at Stanford Research Park, home to many high technology companies.
When a day worn you out, Palo Alto can unwind you by simply enticing you to get out and take advantage of one of the area’s many recreational opportunities.
The Community
Palo Alto is known for its topnotch academic institutions. Not entirely surprising considering the obvious influence Stanford has on it and the fact that more than 75% of the its adults have advanced degrees.
Whether you are visiting for business or pleasure or to attend an event at Stanford University, you will quickly discover and become amazed at the unusual blend of intellect, innovation, culture and natural beauty that makes Palo Alto so special. It is home to Nobel prize laureattes, Silicon Valley CEOs, venture-capital firms, not to mention HP, Facebook and one of the most renowned universities and medical centers in the world.
While Palo Alto is home to some wealthy Americans, it also has a reputation of being generous to the needy. It is home to several shelter and social intervention centers, like for example the Opportunity Center found at 33 Encina Way. Such a reputation puts heart in all the technological buzzle that the city’s image have been made of.
So if you ever dream of staying in a place that, while giving you access to quality education for your children, provides a cozy and healthy environment for your family and yourself, you should consider settling in Palo Alto. It has a diverse community that hastens the pursuit of opportunity while staying aware of its connection with society. Whether you are looking to pursue your passion, or out to express your passion to the world, or simply want to raise a family in an environment that offers access to most things that life need, Palo Alto City, California is the place to be.
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