Thinking of moving to East Palo Alto, CA? East Palo Alto (often called E.P.A.) is a diverse and evolving city that was officially incorporated in 1983 after many years as an unincorporated community. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, this once-overlooked city is now attracting more people in the tech industry for its relative affordability and proximity to San Francisco and San Jose.
For the most part, East Palo Alto is known for its rich history and community diversity, which add to the appeal of the city to newcomers. Thanks to revitalization efforts, East Palo Alto is gradually becoming a nice place to live for both individuals and families.
The name “East Palo Alto” comes from its position east of the city of Palo Alto. “Palo Alto” means “tall stick” in Spanish and refers to the historic El Palo Alto redwood tree, which still stands today and is estimated to be around 1,000 years old.
Where Is East Palo Alto?
East Palo Alto is a city in San Mateo County, situated on the San Francisco Bay Peninsula, about halfway between San Francisco and San Jose. It borders the cities of Palo Alto and Menlo Park.
Nearby mountains offer ample hiking opportunities, and the San Francisco Bay is a great spot for water activities and bird-watching. It is about 20 miles from East Palo Alto to San Jose.
Transit is available for those living in East Palo Alto, and includes the local bus system, SamTrans. Regional transit between San Jose and San Francisco is provided by Caltrain and departs from the nearby Palo Alto station. The Dumbarton Express bus also stops at the Palo Alto station and provides transit to the East Bay and the BART system.
East Palo Alto Population & Demographics
As of the 2020 U.S. census, the population of East Palo Alto, CA, is 30,034 with a population density of 11,000 per square mile. The city’s population has seen respectable growth since 2010, with a 6.68% increase, and there is a large number of Hispanic residents living in East Palo Alto.
Notable people from East Palo Alto or associated with the city include retired Superior Court of California judge LaDoris Cordell.
Demographics
- 48.4% men vs 51.6% women
- Median age: 34.2 years
- The racial and ethnic composition of East Palo Alto, CA is 23.4% White (12.4% white, non-Hispanic), Asian 5.8%, Black or African American 12.2%, two or more races 12.8%
- Foreign-born population: 41.9%
- Median household income: $104,832 — the CA state median household income is $95,521
- Educational attainment: High school grads: 76.2% and Bachelor’s degree or higher: 25.8%
East Palo Alto Crime Rate
Considering its history of gang violence, people often wonder, “Is East Palo Alto safe?” The short answer is, it has improved over the years and continues to do so.
According to the FBI, the overall crime rate in East Palo Alto is 2,953 per 100,000 people; this is 27.1% higher than the national average.
Total CA crime rate is 2,843 per 100,00, which makes it 3.9% lower than East Palo Alto. The violent crime rate in East Palo Alto is 28.1% higher than the rest of the state and 73.1% higher than the national average.
Instances of property crime in East Palo Alto are 1.3% lower than the state of California and 18.3% higher than the national average.
Although the East Palo Alto crime rate is high, the community still has many safe neighborhoods. As with any other city, safety varies from one neighborhood to the next. By taking common-sense precautions and learning about the area beforehand, it’s possible to find a quiet and safe place to live in East Palo Alto.
For more information about the city’s safety, visit the East Palo Alto police department website. On the website, you can also learn more about the 28 officers who serve the town and help make it a safer environment.
Cost of Living In East Palo Alto, CA
To understand the cost of living in East Palo Alto, consider its neighboring city, Menlo Park. The cost of living in this area is quite expensive, approximately 70% higher than the national average; however, East Palo Alto is slightly less costly overall.
According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four would need to earn $222,720 per year to be able to afford living in San Mateo County, where East Palo Alto is located.
Typical East Palo Alto Living Expenses
According to Numbeo, you will pay these prices for everyday items living in East Palo Alto, CA (these figures are based on neighboring Menlo Park, CA):
- Chicken fillets (1 lb): $5.00
- One dozen eggs: $6.71
- One gallon of milk: $5.46
- Domestic beer (1 pint): $8
- Average East Palo Alto utilities per month: $640
Home Prices
East Palo Alto real estate is competitive, with the median housing price sitting at $1.0M according to Redfin. Median sale price per square foot is $742. Homeowners in East Palo Alto receive three offers on average and generally sell their homes within 15 days.
Living in East Palo Alto is a smart option because it has more affordable housing than most places in the Bay Area.
If you’re considering living in East Palo Alto, take a look at East Palo Alto, CA homes for sale.
Average Rent in East Palo Alto
Average rent in East Palo Alto is $2,792, and the average apartment size is 753 sq. ft., according to RentCafe.
East Palo Alto Neighborhoods
If you’re looking for the best neighborhoods in East Palo Alto for families, then University Village and Palo Alto Park might feel like home to you.
University Village – Family-friendly, student-friendly, close community
A diverse and family-friendly neighborhood, University Village is a tight-knit community. It is walkable, dog-friendly, and close to many local food spots. Residences in the area are mostly older, single-family homes and apartment complexes.
Palo Alto Park – Welcoming, good for families, convenient location
Another family-friendly neighborhood, Palo Alto Park, is welcoming and diverse. It is home to many long-time residents and covers a fairly large area of East Palo Alto. Palo Alto Park is close to shopping and the 101 freeway, which is perfect for commuters heading to San Francisco or San Jose. Houses in this area are a mix of single-family homes and apartments.
East Palo Alto Weather & Climate
East Palo Alto has a Mediterranean climate, which makes for mild, moderately wet winters and warm, dry summers. The average temperature in East Palo Alto in January ranges from 39.0 °F (3.9 °C) to a high of 57.8 °F (14.3 °C). And the average summer weather in East Palo Alto ranges from 55.7 to 79.4 °F (13.2 to 26.3 °C).
The best times to visit East Palo Alto are June, September, and August because the weather is mild, with high temperatures in the range of 70-85°F (21–29°C). Average rainfall in East Palo Alto is 17 inches per year, with the rainiest months being December through February. It does not snow, making living in East Palo Alto especially nice if you find snow to be an inconvenience.
Things To Do in East Palo Alto
If you’re wondering what to do in East Palo Alto, there are several outdoor activities, including parks and nature preserves, as well as community-centered events in the area. However, before we cover the best things to do in East Palo Alto, let’s review shopping options.
Gateway 101 is a large shopping center with ample parking, big-box stores, fast-food restaurants, and other businesses. It also offers a Tesla Supercharger station. Oakwood Market is a popular local market featuring a meat counter, deli, and a variety of groceries. Locals love the hot links and sandwiches.
Ravenswood Open Space Preserve
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A 376-acre wetland located in the San Francisco Bay, this is an excellent location for birdwatching and one of the best nature-inspired things to do in East Palo Alto with kids. There are walking and biking trails throughout the preserve, along with observation decks.
Bay Rd, East Palo Alto, CA 94303, 650-691-1200
Bell Street Park
A nice park with a fun play structure and ample open space for kids to run. It also features a skate park. Festivals and events are routinely held here, including an annual Juneteenth festival. Other festivals held at the Bell Street Park in East Palo Alto include a Cinco de Mayo celebration and a Pacific Islander Heritage Festival.
550 Bell St, East Palo Alto, CA 94303, 650-853-5905
Lewis and Joan Platt East Palo Alto Family YMCA
The YMCA East Palo Alto offers programs and activities for residents of all ages. Members can participate in workout classes, swim, and play group sports. There are childcare options available, which include after-school camps, day camps, and summer camps. Members living in East Palo Alto say the facility is clean, the staff is friendly, and the environment is welcoming overall.
550 Bell St, East Palo Alto, CA 94303, 650-328-9622
Additional Attractions in Palo Alto
The city of East Palo Alto Parks & Rec department offers various activities for kids, teens, and adults throughout the year. Stay up-to-date on local events with the City of East Palo Alto, CA, upcoming events calendar.
East Palo Alto Restaurants
Restaurants in East Palo Alto offer some of the best Mexican food you will find anywhere, but there are, of course, other options as well. The following are a hand-picked selection of the best restaurants in East Palo Alto:
Taqueria La Cazuela
Taqueria La Cazuela East Palo Alto offers a variety of tasty tacos and Mexican fare like oxtail soup, tortas, and enchiladas in a laid-back environment. Enjoy your food to go, inside, or out on the festive patio decorated with fresh and colorful plants. Locals say this taqueria has the best al pastor tacos, and also rave about the fish and shrimp tacos.
2390 Clarke Ave, East Palo Alto, CA 94303, 650-289-0727
Quattro Restaurant and Bar
Located inside the Four Seasons Silicon Valley, Quattro Restaurant & Bar serves Northern Italian Comfort food in a modern setting. Guests choose to dine here for brunch and dinner, and enjoy the extensive cocktail menu and wine list. Overall, the Four Seasons Silicon Valley at East Palo Alto is a lovely setting to enjoy a beautiful dinner or celebrate a special occasion, such as an anniversary, birthday, or other significant life event.
2050 University Ave, East Palo Alto, CA 94303, 650-470-2889
Mountain Mike’s Pizza
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Mountain Mike’s Pizza East Palo Alto is one of 300 restaurants, but the franchise originated in neighboring Palo Alto, CA, in 1978. Beyond pizza, Mountain Mike’s menu includes wings, sandwiches, and desserts. Diners say the food is fresh and customer service is top-notch.
1765 E Bayshore Rd Suite C, East Palo Alto, CA 94303, 650-414-3331
East Palo Alto Jobs
According to ZipRecruiter, the average salary in East Palo Alto is $80,015, and the average hourly wage is $38 per hour. The largest East Palo Alto industries include accommodation and food services, as well as retail trade. Many professionals in the area commute outside of town for work.
Major employers nearby East Palo Alto include Stanford University, Stanford Health Care, Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital, the Department of Veterans Affairs, VMware, SAP, Space Systems/Loral, Hewlett-Packard, and the Palo Alto Medical Foundation
If you’re looking for jobs in East Palo Alto, CA, search Indeed.com under jobs in East Palo Alto. Another place to find local jobs if you’re living in East Palo is the city of East Palo Alto jobs board.
East Palo Alto Schools
Public schools in East Palo Alto offer a nice education and fall under the Ravenswood City School District. It serves about 1,550 students in grades TK-12 across East Palo Alto and East Menlo Park.
There is a private East Palo Alto high school called Eastside College Preparatory School. It helps first-generation students from low-income families attend school and prepares them to enter 4-year universities.
There are no colleges or universities immediately in East Palo Alto, but the surrounding area includes the prestigious Stanford University.
The East Palo Alto Library is a great resource with plenty of programs for patrons of all ages.
East Palo Alto Statistics & Information
- County: San Mateo County
- East Palo Alto area: 2.64 square miles
- East Palo Alto zip code: 94303
- East Palo Alto area code: 650
- East Palo Alto elevation: 20 ft (6 m)
- East Palo Alto time zone: Pacific Time Zone (UTC -7 and -8)
- Closest airport to East Palo Alto: Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC) is about 16 miles from East Palo Alto
East Palo Alto, CA Map
Explore more top places to shop, restaurants, and local spots with this map of East Palo Alto.
Considering Moving to East Palo Alto?
Have you decided living in East Palo Alto, CA is ideal for you? AMS Relocation is happy to help! Call 650-284-2931 to request a free quote from the best East Palo Alto movers.
