College Terrace is one of Palo Alto’s most walkable and character-rich neighborhoods, located just across the street from Stanford University. With its tree-lined streets, historic homes, and strong sense of community, College Terrace offers a rare combination of small-town charm and world-class location in the heart of Silicon Valley.
Bordered by El Camino Real and Stanford Avenue, the neighborhood blends academic energy with peaceful residential living, making it a top choice for faculty, professionals, and families alike.
College Terrace is known for its collection of early 20th-century homes, including Craftsman, Tudor, and Colonial-style residences. Many properties have been carefully preserved or thoughtfully updated, offering architectural charm with modern conveniences. The neighborhood layout includes a series of small, walkable blocks, each named after a college, lending to its distinctive identity and historic character.
Front porches, mature trees, and neighborly sidewalks give the area a warm, lived-in feel that’s hard to replicate.
College Terrace sits directly adjacent to Stanford University, making it one of the most conveniently located Palo Alto neighborhoods for those affiliated with the campus. Residents can walk or bike to Stanford, Stanford Shopping Center, California Avenue’s restaurants and cafés, and the California Avenue Caltrain Station.
With easy access to El Camino Real, Page Mill Road, and Highway 280, the neighborhood is also ideal for professionals commuting to tech campuses in Menlo Park, Mountain View, and Cupertino.
Homes in College Terrace are highly desirable due to their proximity to Stanford, walkability, and architectural charm. With limited inventory and strong buyer demand, properties here often sell quickly, and sometimes off-market.
Whether you’re buying or selling, working with a seasoned Palo Alto real estate agent is key. The Dana Carmel Group offers deep local insight, strategic marketing, and personalized service to help you navigate this competitive slice of Silicon Valley real estate.
College Terrace is served by the Palo Alto Unified School District, including top-rated schools such as Escondido Elementary, Greene Middle School, and Palo Alto High School. Families are drawn to the educational quality and the neighborhood’s connection to Stanford, which enhances the intellectual and cultural atmosphere of daily life.
From science lectures and concerts to access to Stanford libraries and open spaces, residents benefit from the campus community just steps away.
1,735 people live in College Terrace | Palo Alto, where the median age is 39 and the average individual income is $105,151. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
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There's plenty to do around College Terrace | Palo Alto, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.
Explore popular things to do in the area, including Madsen, Circle K, and JY Fitness.
| Name | Category | Distance | Reviews |
Ratings by
Yelp
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dining | 3.57 miles | 5 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Dining | 3.46 miles | 13 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 0.59 miles | 8 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 0.58 miles | 8 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 2.44 miles | 8 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 2.44 miles | 10 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 4.45 miles | 10 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 4.54 miles | 10 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 0.62 miles | 12 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
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College Terrace | Palo Alto has 677 households, with an average household size of 3. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in College Terrace | Palo Alto do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 1,735 people call College Terrace | Palo Alto home. The population density is 8,802.26 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
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Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.
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From inspections to financing, contingencies can protect your interests, but they also impact your strategy in this competitive market.
Dana Carmel
From schools and neighborhoods to investment potential, here's what luxury buyers prioritize in two of Silicon Valley’s most desirable communities.
Dana Carmel
Dana's extensive hands-on experience in business, marketing, and construction, led her into the world of real estate. Dana uses her strong project management and organizational skills to bring excellent service and a competitive edge to her clients.
