Portola Valley
Where Tranquility Meets Modern Living
Nestled at the foot of the Western hills, Portola Valley strikes a perfect balance between modern development and serene countryside. This charming town, with 4,568 residents and 1700 households, is a haven of natural beauty. With 1900 acres of open space and a network of 36 miles of trails, Portola Valley has been committed to providing abundant opportunities for walking and riding since its founding.
Convenience is key in Portola Valley, located just six minutes from Highway 280, 14 minutes from Stanford Shopping Center and University, 24 minutes from Google headquarters, and a mere 32 minutes from San Francisco and San Jose international airports.
Education
Education is a priority here. The highly regarded Portola Valley School District boasts Ormondale Elementary and Corte Madera Middle, both consistently ranking in the top percentiles in California. Additionally, the town is proud to be home to Woodside Priory School, a renowned Roman Catholic day and boarding school for grades 6-12. Portola Valley's vibrant community spirit shines through its diverse range of events.
With excellent public schools like Ormondale and Corte Madera, Portola Valley ensures that education remains a top priority. High school students attend one of the schools in the esteemed Sequoia Union High School District. Portola Valley truly offers a unique blend of natural beauty, community spirit, and modern convenience.
Residents of all ages can partake in classes, sporting leagues, concerts, and educational/cultural happenings. From the Town Picnic to the invigorating Zot's to Tots 2.2 mile run, and the soulful Blues & Barbecue cookout, there's something for everyone.
Landscape
Surrounded by wooded hills, Portola Valley is a pristine and picturesque town, just west of Stanford University. It embraces a “blend in” architectural ethos, contributing to the feeling of being in the country. The median home price in mid-2023 is $3.7 million with a price per square foot of $1,500.
What sets Portola Valley apart is its unwavering commitment to preserving its natural and historical heritage. Residential development began post-World War II, driven by a desire to safeguard the valley's beauty along the iconic San Andreas Fault.
The town's government is driven by dedicated volunteers, focused on maintaining low-density housing and minimizing local government costs. They offer an array of recreational facilities and programs for residents to enjoy.
Portola Valley's renowned Pumpkin Patch at Webb Ranch is a beloved community event, offering organic pumpkins and a festive atmosphere. The town is also a haven for cyclists, with a range of trails catering to both mountain biking and cycling enthusiasts.
Portola Valley's renowned Pumpkin PatchBiking and Cycling trailsPortola Valley Open SpaceParks and Recreation
Portola Valley School District
Sequoia Union High School District
Portola Valley Neighborhoods:
TOWN OPERATING BUDGET: The proposed budget for the town of Portola Valley, California for the fiscal year 2023-2024 projects a spending plan of $12,902,081, including the use of $2,158,819 in fund balance1. This represents a 7% increase over the 2023 budget, and a projected increased reliance on fund balance1. For more detailed information, you can review the financial documents on the Town Finance page of the Portola Valley official website2
POPULATION: As of 2023, the population is reported to be 3,998
MEDIAN AGE: The median age in Portola Valley, California is 55.6 years
HOUSEHOLDS: There are a total of 1,662 households in Portola Valley, California
HOMEOWNERS: In Portola Valley, California, there are approximately 1,340 homeowners1
MEDIAN HOME VALUE: Realtor.com states that the median listing home price in Portola Valley was $4.6M in August 2023, trending down -4.1% year-over-year. The median home sold price was $3.9M.
AREA: Portola Valley, California, has a total area of 9.08 square miles1. This area is almost entirely land, with water making up only 0.02%1.
ELEVATION: The elevation of Portola Valley, California, is approximately 140 meters1 or 459 feet2. This small, wealthy community is nestled on the eastern slopes of the Santa Cruz Mountains2