Portola Valley & the 94028 ZIP Code – A Community Overview

Scenic Open Space, Wooded Hills & Unmatched Serenity

The 94028 ZIP code—encompassing Portola Valley and small portions of unincorporated Stanford and Los Altos Hills—offers one of the most naturally beautiful, peaceful, and architecturally distinctive environments in all of Silicon Valley.

Set against the Santa Cruz Mountains, the landscape features rolling golden hills, heritage oaks, meandering creeks, large private parcels, and panoramic views stretching from Windy Hill to the San Francisco Bay. The community balances rural charm with refined sophistication—a place where horse trails wind behind architect-designed estates, and nature is truly part of daily life.

Portola Valley’s layout emphasizes preservation over density. Strict planning guidelines, thoughtful land stewardship, and a commitment to open space ensure that its pastoral character remains intact. Miles of trails, quiet roads, and scenic vistas create a tranquil escape only minutes from major tech hubs.

A Distinctly Family-Friendly & Close-Knit Community

Despite its spacious layout and large properties, Portola Valley is known for its warm, tight-knit community spirit. Residents take pride in local traditions, schools, and outdoor recreation, fostering a welcoming, down-to-earth atmosphere.

Key community features include:

  • Portola Valley Town Center – A modern architectural landmark offering community rooms, cultural events, fitness classes, and sports courts

  • The PV Library & Community Garden – Gathering places for families, book clubs, and local organizations

  • Exceptional park system – Rossotti’s Field, Alpine Hills Tennis & Swimming Club, and the beautiful Windy Hill Open Space Preserve

  • Equestrian culture – Numerous riding trails, ranches, and a long history rooted in horseback traditions

  • Engaged local residents – A highly involved citizenry who participate in town committees, school events, and environmental programs

Life in 94028 moves at a more peaceful pace—centered around nature, schools, and community rather than congestion and commercial traffic.

Education Excellence

Families are drawn to 94028 for its top-tier public schools and proximity to major academic institutions. The area is served by:

Portola Valley School District

  • Ormondale Elementary – A nurturing TK–3 campus known for individualized learning

  • Corte Madera School – Serving grades 4–8 with a strong emphasis on academics, creativity, and social-emotional growth

Sequoia Union High School District

Portola Valley neighborhoods typically feed into:

  • Woodside High School – A well-rounded comprehensive high school offering AP courses, STEM programs, arts, athletics, and award-winning extracurriculars

Nearby, families also benefit from close proximity to Stanford University, private schools such as Woodland School, Phillips Brooks School, Sacred Heart Schools, and Menlo School, giving 94028 residents access to some of the most prestigious educational environments in the region.

Architectural Heritage in 94028

Mid-Century Modern, Organic Architecture & Custom-Designed Estates

Portola Valley is an architectural playground for enthusiasts of mid-century modern, organic modernism, and architect-designed custom homes. Its hilly terrain and natural beauty inspired some of California’s most respected architects—including Joseph Eichler (limited custom projects), William Turnbull, Donn Emmons, Joseph Esherick, Backen Gillam Kroeger, and others.

Architectural themes in 94028 commonly include:

  • Post-and-beam construction

  • Large expanses of glass framing wooded or hilltop views

  • Flat or gently pitched rooflines that echo the horizontal beauty of the landscape

  • Indoor-outdoor integration via courtyards, decks, and covered outdoor rooms

  • Natural materials—redwood, stone, raw concrete, and earth tones

  • Low-profile forms that blend rather than dominate the land

Many of the earliest homes in Portola Valley are iconic mid-century custom builds from the 1950s–1970s. More recent estates reflect contemporary interpretations of the same principles—clean geometry, abundant light, and symbiosis with the environment.

The result is a diverse yet harmonious architectural fabric, held together by a shared respect for nature, privacy, and space.

94028 Real Estate Market Overview

Current Market Trends

The 94028 market is one of the most exclusive on the Peninsula, defined by limited inventory, high buyer demand, and architectural rarity. As of 2025:

  • Median home price: Typically $4M–$6M, depending on property size, views, and architectural significance

  • Price per square foot: Often $1,300+, with premium estates selling considerably higher

  • Average days on market: Generally 15–25 days, though architecturally significant homes may sell more quickly

  • Inventory: One of the lowest on the Peninsula due to strict zoning and limited turnover

The combination of large parcels, unique designs, and irreplaceable natural surroundings consistently positions 94028 as a top-performing luxury market.

Appreciation & Investment Potential

Portola Valley demonstrates strong long-term appreciation driven by:

  • Highly restricted development, preserving land value

  • Architect-designed homes that appeal to a discerning, global buyer pool

  • Top-tier schools and proximity to Stanford

  • World-class tech employment centers within minutes (Meta, Google, Apple, Sand Hill Road investment firms)

  • Unmatched natural surroundings, open space, and privacy

Luxury buyers increasingly seek out 94028 for its combination of tranquility and proximity to Silicon Valley—making it a sound long-term investment.

Why Buy a Home in Portola Valley (94028)?

Lifestyle Benefits

  • Unrivaled privacy with spacious homesites and protected open-space buffers

  • World-class hiking, biking, and equestrian access right from your doorstep

  • Stunning hill, canyon, and Bay views unique to this part of the Peninsula

  • Architectural prestige with authentic mid-century and contemporary masterpieces

  • Small-town feel while still enjoying elite amenities and schools

Premier Peninsula Location

  • Fast access to I-280, Sand Hill Road, Palo Alto, and Menlo Park

  • Just minutes to Stanford University & Stanford Shopping Center

  • Close to venture capital firms, tech headquarters, and major corporate campuses

  • Surrounded by world-renowned nature preserves

94028 offers a rare blend of rural calm and Silicon Valley convenience—a lifestyle unmatched anywhere else in the region.

94028 Amenities & Attractions

Residents enjoy access to an incredible variety of natural, cultural, and recreational amenities:

  • Windy Hill Open Space Preserve – One of the Peninsula’s most iconic hiking destinations

  • Portola Valley Town Center – A hub for arts, classes, community events, and recreation

  • Alpine Hills Tennis & Swimming Club – A local favorite for families and fitness

  • Equestrian facilities and extensive riding trail networks

  • Nearby Corte Madera Creek and Pearson-Arastradero Preserve

  • Proximity to Palo Alto dining, galleries, and cultural life

Portola Valley perfectly balances sophistication, nature, and community connection.

The Boyenga Team – Your Mid-Century & Modern Home Experts for 94028

Eric and Janelle Boyenga of the Boyenga Team at Compass bring unparalleled knowledge of Peninsula architecture, topography, and luxury market behavior—making them a trusted resource for buyers and sellers in Portola Valley.

Their advantages include:

  • Deep expertise in mid-century modern and architect-designed homes

  • A strong track record in high-end Peninsula markets

  • Access to exclusive listings and off-market luxury inventory

  • Cutting-edge digital marketing and strategic presentation

  • Thoughtful, data-driven pricing and negotiation strategies

Whether you’re seeking a mid-century gem, a contemporary estate, or a buildable view parcel, the Boyenga Team provides unmatched support.

Call to Action

Ready to explore Portola Valley’s 94028 luxury and mid-century modern homes?

Connect with Eric & Janelle Boyenga to gain:

  • Early access to exclusive and off-market 94028 listings

  • Architectural guidance for evaluating mid-century or custom homes

  • Market insights tailored to your goals

  • Personalized tours of Portola Valley’s most desirable neighborhoods

Stay informed:
Sign up for 94028 Luxury & Mid-Century Home Alerts to receive instant updates on:

  • New listings

  • Price changes

  • Architectural opportunities

  • Unique parcels and estate properties