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Community Center, Palo Alto,CA

Neighborhood Data
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For anyone moving to the vibrant northwest part of Palo Alto, the Community Center is a true neighborhood gem that quickly becomes a hub for social and recreational activities. This welcoming space offers a variety of programs and events tailored for all ages, from youth sports leagues to senior fitness classes. One of the standout features is the beautifully maintained community garden, where residents can nurture their green thumbs and connect with neighbors over shared horticultural interests. The center also boasts multipurpose rooms perfect for workshops, art classes, and local gatherings, making it a lively spot to meet new people and get involved in the community.

Living in this area means you’re never far from the heart of Palo Alto. The Community Center is just a short 10-minute drive from Downtown, where you can enjoy an array of dining options, boutique shopping, and cultural attractions like the Palo Alto Art Center and the Stanford Theatre. The proximity allows residents to easily combine the peaceful, close-knit feel of the neighborhood with the energy and amenities of the city center. Public transportation options are also readily accessible, providing a convenient way to commute or explore other parts of Silicon Valley without hassle.

Beyond its convenient location, the southeast Palo Alto Community Center is renowned for its family-friendly atmosphere and diverse offerings. The playground and sports courts outside are always buzzing with activity, while indoor programs like yoga and cooking classes add variety to the weekly schedule. Seasonal events such as farmers markets and holiday fairs foster a strong sense of community spirit. For newcomers to the city, the center serves as a fantastic starting point to build connections, stay active, and truly feel at home in this welcoming Palo Alto neighborhood.

Community Snapshot

Population 1,556
Density (People/sqml.) 6,921
Median Age 45.4
Married Couples
63%
63% of the population of Community Center aged 16 years and older are married.
Have Kids
39%
39% of the population aged 16 years or older have children.

In Community Center, 39% of residents aged 16 and older are married, which is notably higher than the national average. This could point to a more settled, community-driven neighborhood where long-term residents and homeowners are common. It’s the kind of place where stability, and a close-knit atmosphere make it especially appealing to families and couples looking to put down roots.

39% of people over 16 have children, so you're likely to find a balanced mix of family life and adult-oriented living. The neighborhood tends to feel lively without being overwhelming, with a good blend of young families, professionals, and long-term residents. Parks, playgrounds, and local schools contribute to a friendly community atmosphere, while quieter pockets and mature spaces appeal to those seeking peace and privacy. This balance makes the area welcoming to nearly everyone.

Age Breakdown

Community Center neighborhood age breakdown chart

Community Center demographics offer valuable insights into the character and lifestyle of the neighborhood, helping you understand who lives there and what daily life might feel like. Home to only about 1,556 residents, Community Center is notably smaller than many other Palo Alto neighborhoods, creating a more peaceful and community-oriented atmosphere. Its lower population can translate to quieter streets, a more relaxed pace of life, and easier access to local amenities — all without sacrificing the vibrant urban lifestyle the city is known for.

Boasting a population density of 6,921, Community Center is more densely populated than many other Palo Alto neighborhoods, creating a vibrant and energetic atmosphere. The higher concentration of residents contributes to a lively street scene, a strong sense of community, and convenient access to shops, restaurants, and urban amenities just steps from home.

Home to a population with a higher-than-average age of 45, this area offers a calm and refined atmosphere shaped by experience and tradition. The neighborhood’s more mature demographic fosters a strong sense of community, a relaxed pace of life, and an environment that’s both welcoming and well-established — making it an especially appealing choice for retirees seeking comfort, stability, and connection.

Crime in Community Center

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Total Crime Incidents
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Types of Crime

Community Center neighborhood age breakdown chart

Community Center Crime Map

The Community Center crime map uses detailed block group boundaries from address-based crime data to visualize crime patterns across the neighborhood, highlighting both low-crime zones and areas with higher levels of reported crime. This crime heat map helps paint a clearer picture of local safety trends, showing how crime can vary from one part of the community to another. Keep in mind that areas with higher activity on the map don’t always equate to dangerous conditions — locations near entertainment districts, major roads, or tourist destinations often see more reports simply due to the larger number of people passing through.

Housing

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Home Price $2,000,001
Median Rent $3,397
People/Household 3.0

Home Price Breakdown

Community Center neighborhood home price breakdown chart

Rent vs Own

Rent 18% Own 82%

Year Moved In

Before 2010 72% After 2010 28%

Types of Homes in the Area

Market Trends

Year-over-Year YoY data

 

Housing costs often reflect the desirability and overall character of a neighborhood. In Community Center, home prices come in around $2,000,001, which is higher than many other areas. This elevated pricing points to a sought-after location with strong demand, well-maintained properties, and access to premium amenities that contribute to a higher quality of life. Historical home price trends and appreciation rates in Community Center can serve as a window into the neighborhood’s economic strength and future potential. By understanding how the market has performed in the past, buyers and investors can better evaluate whether the area offers promising opportunities for growth and long-term value.

With an average rent price of $3,397, rental rates in Community Center are higher than many other neighborhoods. This reflects the area’s desirability and strong demand, often accompanied by well-maintained properties, premium amenities, and a high quality of life.

Walkability & Lifestyle

Coffee Shops

Joe & The Juice
Coffee Shop
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Blue Bottle Coffee
Coffee Shop
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Entertainment

Children's Theater
Theatre Arts
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Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo
Museum
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Food & Drink

Cream
Sweets
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Peninsula Creamery
Fast Food
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Groceries

SOS Fine Foods
Grocery Store
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Whole Foods Market
Grocery Store
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Parks

Rinconada Park Playground
Playground
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Playground
Playground
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Shops

President Barber Shop
Hairdresser
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Parasol
Beauty
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Getting Around

Transit Stops

Middlefield Road & Melville Avenue
Bus Stop
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Middlefield Road & Melville Avenue
Bus Stop
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Transit Stations

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Health & Safety

Medical Facilities

LabCorp
Clinic
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CVS Pharmacy
Pharmacy
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Health Care

Lesley Samuels
Dentist
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Palo Alto Orthodontics
Dentist
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Safety

Palo Alto Fire Station 3
Fire Station
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Palo Alto Police Department
Police
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Top Neighborhood Schools

Name Category Grades Rating
Stratford School - Palo Alto
870 N California Ave, Palo Alto, CA
Elementary School PK - 5 School Score
David Starr Jordan Middle
750 N. California Ave., Palo Alto, CA
Elementary School 6 - 8 School Score
East Palo Alto Academy
1050 Myrtle St., East Palo Alto, CA
High School 9 - 12 School Score
Tru School
1295 Middlefield Rd, Palo Alto, CA
Elementary School KG - 5 School Score
Duveneck Elementary
705 Alester Ave., Palo Alto, CA
Elementary School KG - 5 School Score
Alto International School
475 Pope St, Menlo Park, CA
High School PK - 10 School Score
Addison Elementary
650 Addison Ave., Palo Alto, CA
Elementary School KG - 5 School Score

Education Level Achieved

School quality plays an important role in shaping the overall appeal of a neighborhood like Community Center. Ratings based on student achievement, graduation rates, and standardized tests — supported by national benchmarks like the NAEP (National Assessment of Educational Progress) — help paint a clearer picture of how local schools perform. Additionally, understanding the education levels of residents in Community Center offers valuable context about the community’s emphasis on learning and opportunity, helping families make confident decisions about where to settle and invest in their children’s future.

Economy

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Income Per Capita $133,628
Household Income $250,001
Unemployment 1.6%

Income Breakdown

Community Center Income breakdown chart

Employment by Industry

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The economic makeup of a neighborhood often tells a deeper story about its lifestyle, opportunities, and overall character. In Community Center, median household incomes average $250,001, which is higher than many surrounding neighborhoods. This elevated earning power helps support a more upscale environment, offering residents access to premium amenities, well-maintained surroundings, and a standard of living that emphasizes comfort and quality.

The strength of a neighborhood’s local economy is often reflected in its employment landscape, shaping daily life and long-term stability for residents. In Community Center, the unemployment rate is just 2%, indicating a strong and resilient community with steady economic growth, active local businesses, and a high quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the overall lifestyle like?

Community Center in Palo Alto offers a vibrant and active lifestyle with a blend of residential comfort and cultural engagement. Residents enjoy easy access to numerous parks such as the Rinconada Park and the Mitchell Park Library, which hosts various community programs. The neighborhood is ideal for families, professionals, and students, providing a balanced mix of outdoor activities, shopping, dining, and educational opportunities.

Are there any community events or local gatherings throughout the year?

Yes, the Community Center area hosts several events annually including the Palo Alto Art Center workshops, seasonal farmers markets at the nearby California Avenue, and the popular Palo Alto Festival of the Arts. These events foster local engagement and provide opportunities for residents to connect and celebrate the neighborhood's creativity and diversity.

Are there major highways or transit lines nearby?

Community Center is conveniently located near major transit options, including the Caltrain station at Palo Alto, which offers direct service to San Francisco and San Jose. It is also close to Highway 101 and Interstate 280, facilitating easy commutes throughout the Silicon Valley region. Public bus lines run regularly, making it accessible without a car.

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