Portola Valley

Incorporated in 1964, Portola Valley began as an affordable location for artists and progressive academics looking for close proximity to Stanford and Palo Alto. Today, the region is constantly listed in the top 20 wealthiest places to live in the US. Despite that recognition, Portola Valley successfully maintains its simple, rural charm that makes everyone feel welcome and at home.

In Portola Valley, the stresses of big city life, like parking tickets and traffic congestion largely fall away. Other regions of the San Francisco Bay may offer similar amenities and sprawling natural surroundings, but being just 30 minutes away from Palo Alto and Menlo Park, Portola Valley is near the center of it all.

Portola Valley offers a town experience unique to the Silicon Valley. Its public libraries, parks and recreational trails are numerous and well-supported by the communities. The outdoors is a central part of Portola Valley life. Residents fiercely protect their open space. Portola Valley has embraced its local businesses, giving the town a unified, self-sustaining character. Close to the bustle but far from the noise, Portola Valley is a wonderful community to call home.

Residents of Portola Valley consider their town trail system as the very heart of their community. With miles of trails, the system provides not just hiking, biking and equestrian opportunities for the town’s citizens, but it is also an important walking tie to neighbors, shopping and city schools. The Windy Hill Open Space Preserve supplements the town trail system by offering additional backcountry access and incredible scenic viewing opportunities. Horses and equestrian activity are an important part of Portola Valley’s character. Multiple boarding and riding clubs can be found throughout the town. Horse trails traverse the community and extend well into portions of mid-peninsula open space district. Camping enthusiasts enjoy overnight camping at nearby Portola Redwood State Park. Youth and adult sports are actively supported through a pair of town fields and local swimming and tennis clubs.

While some neighboring affluent communities on the westside of Interstate 280 have restricted commercial enterprises for fear of corporate intrusion, Portola Valley gracefully supports local establishments to serve resident needs. The unobtrusive town center is anchored by the locally owned Robert's Grocery store. Here both residents and cycling visitors gather to "fuel up" on groceries, prepared gourmet meals and of course, coffee. A gas station, hardware store, several restaurants and professional services offices round out the local town center.

Portola Valley is a great combination of seclusion, outdoor living, natural environment and convenience. It’s a place that ought to be hundreds of mile away, but lies only a couple of minutes from everything on the peninsula. Its secluded, peninsula outdoor lifestyle offers sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of the Valley.