Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Portola Valley, CA
Considering a move to Portola Valley, CA? This serene town of 4,456 residents is known for its stunning natural scenery, exceptionally high median home prices around $4.1M, and outstanding schools with a remarkable 84% of adults holding at least a bachelor's degree. Residents enjoy low crime rates, mild Mediterranean weather with 72% sunny days, and quick access to Stanford and Silicon Valley. While the cost of living is among the highest in California, Portola Valley offers tranquil living, an educated community, and top-notch amenities—ideal for those seeking exclusivity and a close-knit, upscale lifestyle.
Demographics - Portola Valley, CA
Demographics - Portola Valley, CA
Portola Valley is a small, close-knit community of around 4,450 residents, notable for its predominantly White population and a median age of 54, reflecting a mature and established demographic. The area has a balanced gender ratio and a well-educated population, with over 10% speaking a language other than English at home. This tranquil town offers a peaceful atmosphere and a diverse yet cohesive community experience.
Population:
4,456
Density:
453 per sq mi
Median Age:
54.2
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
10.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
84.5%
Asian:
8.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Portola Valley, CA?
Living in Portola Valley comes with a premium, as the median home value exceeds $4 million and average rents are among the highest in the region. Everyday expenses, from groceries to healthcare, are well above the national average, making this town one of California’s most exclusive places to live. While housing costs dominate the budget, residents benefit from high-quality amenities and services.
Median House Value:
$4,100,000
Gross Rent:
$5,200
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$210
Auto Insurance:
$2,100
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$7,800
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$1,350
State Taxes:
Low:
1%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
420
Grocery:
156
Housing:
982
Utilities:
120
Transportation:
154
Health Care:
134
Miscellaneous:
138
Crime
Is Portola Valley, CA a safe place to live?
Portola Valley boasts very low crime rates, with only 30 violent crimes and 320 property crimes per 100,000 residents, making it one of the safest communities in the area. The chance of experiencing violent crime is extremely low, at just 1 in 3,300. This secure environment is one of the town's most attractive features for families and retirees alike.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
30
Property Crimes Per 100k:
320
Crime Index:
350
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 3,300
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 312
Weather
What is the weather like in Portola Valley, CA year-round?
Residents enjoy a Mediterranean climate with mild, sunny weather throughout the year, including average summer highs around 81°F and winter lows rarely dipping below 40°F. Annual rainfall is modest at 23 inches, and the town experiences sunshine 72% of the time. This inviting climate is ideal for outdoor activities and enjoying the region’s scenic beauty.
Winter
Min:
40°F
Max:
60°F
Spring
Min:
46°F
Max:
71°F
Summer
Min:
54°F
Max:
81°F
Fall
Min:
49°F
Max:
74°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
23 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
72%
Neighbors
Portola Valley is home to a highly affluent and educated population, with median household incomes above $250,000 and nearly 84% of adults holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. The town enjoys a very low poverty rate of just 1.7% and an unemployment rate under 3%, reflecting economic stability. Residents typically enjoy short commutes and a quiet, community-oriented lifestyle.
Median Income:
$140,000
Household Income:
$250,001
Family Income:
$277,000
Per Capita Income:
$142,000
Income Male:
$175,000
Income Female:
$120,000
Poverty Rate:
1.7%
Non English Speakers:
10.5%
Rent:
$5,200
Unemployment Rate:
2.9%
Public Transport Usage:
2.1%
Commute Time:
29.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
99.2%
Bachelors or More:
84.1%
Education
How are the schools in Portola Valley, CA?
Families in Portola Valley benefit from highly rated public and private schools, featuring small class sizes and strong academic outcomes. The town is close to top-tier higher education institutions like Stanford University, just six miles away, providing excellent opportunities for lifelong learning. The community’s commitment to education is reflected in its high percentage of college-educated residents.
Public Schools
Name:
Ormondale Elementary School
Street:
200 Shawnee Pass
Phone:
650-851-1777
Students:
250
Student Teacher Ratio:
12:1
Name:
Corte Madera School
Street:
4575 Alpine Rd
Phone:
650-851-1777
Students:
320
Student Teacher Ratio:
13:1
Private Schools
Name:
Woodland School
Street:
360 La Cuesta Dr
Phone:
650-854-9065
Students:
300
Colleges
Name:
Stanford University
City:
Stanford
State:
CA
Distance:
6 miles
Students:
17,000
Name:
Menlo College
City:
Atherton
State:
CA
Distance:
8 miles
Students:
900
Healthcare
Access to healthcare is excellent, with major medical centers like Stanford Health Care and Sequoia Hospital nearby and a high physician-to-population ratio of 3.4 per 1,000 residents. Nearly 97% of locals have health insurance, ensuring strong coverage and peace of mind. The area’s healthcare index reflects both quality and accessibility for residents.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Stanford Health Care
Address:
300 Pasteur Dr, Stanford, CA 94305
Phone:
(650) 723-4000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Sequoia Hospital
Address:
170 Alameda de las Pulgas, Redwood City, CA 94062
Phone:
(650) 369-5811
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
97.3%
Health Care Index:
80.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Portola Valley, CA?
Portola Valley’s housing market is characterized by exceptionally high home values, with the median price at $4.1 million and average rents for two-bedroom units at $5,200. The vast majority of homes are owner-occupied, and property values continue to appreciate, making this a sought-after market for buyers seeking exclusivity and long-term investment. Low vacancy and foreclosure rates further highlight the area’s stability.
Median Home Price:
$4,100,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$5,200
Owner Occupied Rate:
88.9%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Portola Valley residents are served by the California Department of Motor Vehicles in nearby Redwood City, offering easy access to vehicle registration and licensing services. The DMV provides a range of online and in-person options, ensuring convenience for local drivers. For information or appointments, residents can visit the California DMV website or contact the office directly.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1377 Veterans Blvd, Redwood City, CA 94063
Phone:
1-800-777-0133
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.