If anywhere in the Bay Area captures the essence of Silicon Valley innovation, its Palo Alto. Palo Alto is home to several big name technology leaders such as Hewlett-Packard and Tesla Motors. And with venture capitalists prevalent in neighboring Menlo Park, Palo Alto has also been one of the main cities for startups to develop in the Peninsula.

There’s also a little school called Stanford University here. The majority of the school is in the namesake’s city, but a small part lies within Palo Alto’s borders making it Stanford’s college town.

So what’s a Palo Alto resident to do surrounded by high technology and one of the most renowned educational institutions in the world? Easy. Work and play. Palo Alto has a vibrant downtown with bustling University Avenue being the hub. Restaurants, bars, and shops make the area a great place for lunch, happy hours, retail therapy, dinner and more.

Of course, as is to be expected in the Bay Area, living in this city will cost you.

Palo Alto is one of the most expensive cities in the country, with some homes reaching heights of over $40 million. Its residents are also among the most educated and well-to-do professionals, which makes Palo Alto the suburbia for Silicon Valley’s wealthiest families. Homes for sale include older colonial and craftsman styles, as well as classic Eichler designs.

And where homes are pricey, schools are exceptional. The schools in Palo Alto, including high-ranking Gunn High School, are a huge draw for parents who want quality education without the hefty price tag of private school. The public schools continue to be some of the absolute best in the Bay Area and beyond.

Commuting by car can be a bit of a hassle during rush hour, but fortunately, Palo Alto is complete with public transportation extending north and south to San Francisco and San Jose. This convenience makes getting to major companies such as Apple, Google, and Facebook in nearby cities a simple train ride away.

Thinking of making Palo Alto home? Begin your search and find your new home for sale today.