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Portola Valley

Idyllic, tranquil, rural atmosphere with lush hillsides covered with oaks alongside grasslands and forests.

Overview for Portola Valley, CA

4,458 people live in Portola Valley, where the median age is 55.6 and the average individual income is $164,242. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

4,458

Total Population

55.6 years

Median Age

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

$164,242

Average individual Income

Welcome to Portola Valley

 

A quiet and idyllic rural oasis in the San Francisco Bay

Portola Valley is an idyllic town in the San Francisco Bay area of San Mateo County that is most notable for being home to, yet a sanctuary from, Silicon Valley. In the 1800s, the land was used for fruit orchards, cattle, and horse ranching. When Portola Valley was incorporated in 1964, it was a popular location for intellectuals, academics, and artists who desired its proximity to Stanford University and Palo Alto. The Portola Valley community is home to many high-profile professionals and business leaders, including executives from Silicon Valley firms.

The area has an idyllic, tranquil, rural atmosphere with lush hillsides covered with oaks alongside grasslands and forests. The unique terrain provides various lot sizes and shapes with incredible scenic views. Portola Valley's real estate options allow you to find everything from spacious and sprawling hidden estates to cozy cabins of a bygone era once used as summer vacation homes. The community is mainly residential, with a close-knit culture and sense of identity. 

What to Love

 
  • A well-supported outdoor trail system  
  • Caltrain access to larger Bay Area 
  • Friendly, small-town charm 
  • Excellent schools

Local Lifestyle

 

Portola Valley has a modest population and a small-town but modern and progressive atmosphere. The outdoors plays a central role in the local lifestyle, and residents fiercely protect their natural resources and value sustainability. Residents are often enthusiastic bicyclists, hikers, and equestrians who frequent and support the area’s open spaces, parks, and trails. They often enjoy a healthy, locally sourced, and well-curated meal in the area’s fantastic restaurants. In this community, neighbors are valued, and everyone knows everyone else. Schools are small, safe, and provide a nurturing, supportive environment.

Dining, Entertainment & Shopping

 

Portola Valley has a longstanding reputation for its quaint shops housed in historic buildings where local merchants display a varied selection of artisan and hand-selected gifts. Most of the restaurants in this woodsy haven are also locally owned and family-run, with some being upscale French and Italian.

A favorite town gathering spot is the local watering hole, the Alpine Inn. It has been a fixture in the Portola Valley community since 1959. Its daily specials, great wines, full bar, and beer garden along the banks of Los Trancos Creek are just a few reasons locals like to hang out here.

Steeped in a long tradition of superior service, Parkside Grill is a landmark restaurant with the perfect mix of elegance and casual charm. The menu features a delicious lobster bisque and a complete selection of steaks and seafood cooked to perfection.

Portola Kitchen is renowned for its delicious, innovative, and distinctive California cuisine and welcoming atmosphere. Amigos is another popular spot for late-night popular Mexican fare and homemade tequila.

Things to Do

 

With miles of open space and natural beauty, there is always something to do for the nature enthusiast in Portola Valley. This small town is home to four parks with playgrounds and play areas, 4,000 acres of recreation trails, and picturesque walks. The diverse and rich natural habitats of Windy Hill Preserve provide excellent terrain and miles upon miles of trails for hiking, cross-country skiing, and biking.

The historic town center hosts many community social events. One is the weekly Portola Valley Farmers Market, an authentic market that provides the community with fresh, high-quality produce and food items sourced directly from local farms.

The Portola Valley Summer Concert Series is held near the town’s central library. Neighbors gather on blankets and lawn chairs for fun and to enjoy the music. They either pack a picnic or choose from the variety of food and beverages served by food trucks nearby. Be sure to attend the Town Picnic held in September, where folks of all ages gather and enjoy food trucks, petting zoos, and a fun musical lineup that keeps everyone entertained.

Portola Valley residents who enjoy theater frequent the main stage at the Portola Valley Theater Conservancy. Their bold productions promise to awaken the spirit with an emphasis on transformation, hope, and community. The Conservancy also provides the local community with acting and theater classes for all ages. 

Schools

 

The local school system consists of the small and nurturing public schools of the Portola Valley School District and the Sequoia Union High School District.

 

Demographics and Employment Data for Portola Valley, CA

Portola Valley has 1,662 households, with an average household size of 2.66. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Portola Valley do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 4,458 people call Portola Valley home. The population density is 490.81 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

4,458

Total Population

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

55.6

Median Age

44.01 / 55.99%

Men vs Women

Population by Age Group

0-9:

0-9 Years

10-17:

10-17 Years

18-24:

18-24 Years

25-64:

25-64 Years

65-74:

65-74 Years

75+:

75+ Years

Education Level

  • Less Than 9th Grade
  • High School Degree
  • Associate Degree
  • Bachelor Degree
  • Graduate Degree
1,662

Total Households

2.66

Average Household Size

$164,242

Average individual Income

Households with Children

With Children:

Without Children:

Marital Status

Married
Single
Divorced
Separated

Blue vs White Collar Workers

Blue Collar:

White Collar:

Commute Time

0 to 14 Minutes
15 to 29 Minutes
30 to 59 Minutes
60+ Minutes

Schools in Portola Valley, CA

All ()
Primary Schools ()
Middle Schools ()
High Schools ()
Mixed Schools ()
The following schools are within or nearby Portola Valley. The rating and statistics can serve as a starting point to make baseline comparisons on the right schools for your family. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Type
Name
Category
Grades
School rating

Around Portola Valley, CA

There's plenty to do around Portola Valley, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.

5
Car-Dependent
Walking Score
7
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score

Points of Interest

Explore popular things to do in the area, including Harley Brown Equestrian, Jake Hutt Golf, and Soul Healing Studio.

Name Category Distance Reviews
Ratings by Yelp
Active 3.16 miles 7 reviews 5/5 stars
Active 3.97 miles 5 reviews 5/5 stars
Active 4.38 miles 5 reviews 5/5 stars

Property Listings

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