Potential job at packard childrens, places to live. (Mountain View, Palo Alto: homes, neighborhoods)

[skraj011]

My wife and I are considering jobs at packard children's hospital. We will be well paid and are considering areas to live. We have two school-age kids, so excellent public schools are an absolute must.

We, like everyone else, want a short commute (~15-20 minutes at most by car during rush hour). We'd either consider city-type living (walk to shops, etc) or a more bucolic setting with some more space.

Any other areas to consider besides palo alto itself? Portola valley seems very nice.

Let's leave cost aside for the moment. I know how expensive the area is.

thanks.

[easybay]

If price isn't a concern, find your school for your kids first, and then decide where to live. How old are your kids?

[StandingRoomOnly]

Do you want close neighbors or do you not mind having neighbors very spread apart (that you just may not see often)? I think it's best to get specifics from those who actually live or lived in those cities, but I can say, anywhere west of 280 you will have the large unique beautiful homes set in the hills with large lots and views (not as close to your neighbor), and east of 280 and near Stanford you can find some very quaint beautiful tree lined streets with older completely remodeled full-of-character homes. In these neighborhoods, you may have a better chance getting to know your neighbors and to actually be able to comfortably walk around the neighborhood. Public schools are going to be excellent in all of these areas as far as I'm concerned, so it is a matter of deciding what kind of neighborhood you want to live in. Driving around to get a feel for these areas (Los Altos/Los Altos Hills, Portola Valley, Woodside, Palo Alto) should be a must on your list.

[never-more]

Perhaps consider adding Mountain View as an option. Doesn't have the prestige or price tag of the other mentioned towns, but it can be just as livable, and you could spend the extra money on savings, private school (Based on your budget, Mountain View schools may not be good enough) or other expenses. Menlo Park & Atherton is also worth considering, though the latter town is even more expensive then Palo Alto.

[skraj011]

Originally Posted by easybay

If price isn't a concern, find your school for your kids first, and then decide where to live. How old are your kids?

6 and 3 years old

[silverkris]

Originally Posted by never-more

Perhaps consider adding Mountain View as an option. Doesn't have the prestige or price tag of the other mentioned towns, but it can be just as livable, and you could spend the extra money on savings, private school (Based on your budget, Mountain View schools may not be good enough) or other expenses. Menlo Park & Atherton is also worth considering, though the latter town is even more expensive then Palo Alto.

Mountain View can be a good option, and depending on where you live, the public schools will vary. Generally speaking, the neighborhoods south and west of El Camino Real have the higher performing schools based on demographics (read higher income) and the housing is priced accordingly (zip code 94040. for example, bordering Los Altos).

Elementary Schools that are very good - Springer (in the Los Altos Elementary School District), Frank Huff, and Benjamin Bubb.

[charmed59]

Los Altos is a easy commute (down Foothill Expressway) to Lucille Packard and has great schools. I raised my children in a Los Altos neighborhood where you could walk to school (all the way through high school), the library, parks, and the quaint downtown. There were weeks we didn't take the car out at all.

Menlo Park would also be a short commute and has really good schools.

[skraj011]

Originally Posted by charmed59

Los Altos is a easy commute (down Foothill Expressway) to Lucille Packard and has great schools. I raised my children in a Los Altos neighborhood where you could walk to school (all the way through high school), the library, parks, and the quaint downtown. There were weeks we didn't take the car out at all.

Menlo Park would also be a short commute and has really good schools.

sounds awesome

[skraj011]

so it seems we should consider these?

1. palo alto
2. los altos
3. los altos hills
4. mountain view
5. menlo park
6. woodside
7. portola valley
8. atherton

are there others?
seems like 6 & 7 have the most "country" feel and the others are all suburban in character?

[skraj011]

Originally Posted by StandingRoomOnly

Do you want close neighbors or do you not mind having neighbors very spread apart (that you just may not see often)? I think it's best to get specifics from those who actually live or lived in those cities, but I can say, anywhere west of 280 you will have the large unique beautiful homes set in the hills with large lots and views (not as close to your neighbor), and east of 280 and near Stanford you can find some very quaint beautiful tree lined streets with older completely remodeled full-of-character homes. In these neighborhoods, you may have a better chance getting to know your neighbors and to actually be able to comfortably walk around the neighborhood. Public schools are going to be excellent in all of these areas as far as I'm concerned, so it is a matter of deciding what kind of neighborhood you want to live in. Driving around to get a feel for these areas (Los Altos/Los Altos Hills, Portola Valley, Woodside, Palo Alto) should be a must on your list.

great info. thanks