To get a pulse on the happenings in Silicon Valley, there is no better place to go than downtown Palo Alto. The main shopping street, University Avenue, runs right into the center of Stanford University. The downtown appears to be a sophisticated shopping and dining area with a tinge of college atmosphere, but a close look and sharp ear reveals a thriving business community that is the center of the Silicon Valleys’ technology culture. Venture firms, bankers and startups make their home above and among the downtown shops. Many of the valley’s top hot companies started with an office in downtown Palo Alto, and many leave only as result of success and the need for space. This mix of cutting edge business, staid financiers, college kids and local residents makes downtown Palo Alto a stimulating spot to visit day or night.

On both sides of University Avenue, streets hold a mix of bungalows, apartments and condos, making this a diverse neighborhood. The lots on the north side of University tend to be smaller that the lots on the south side of University. The south side of University has undergone a major transformation, with many new homes and condominiums built on the old Palo Alto Medical Foundation site. Palo Alto Heritage Park, a new 2 acre park, was also created. Additional condos were developed on High Street. Residents are able to walk to all the 800 shops, restaurants, theatres, parks and other amenities in downtown Palo Alto.

Palo Alto's downtown area is bounded by Middlefield and Alma, the San Francisquito Creek and the Professorville neighborhood. Downtown was developed when Palo Alto was originally founded in 1890.