If I Ever Relocate in the US, I May Choose Palo Alto

Hello everyone. I am currently spending some time on the Stanford University campus. Over the years, I have visited Palo Alto many times, and it has consistently remained my favorite location in the United States.

Stanford University, the academic center of Palo Alto. Source: Stanford Facts - Stanford University

If I were to eventually relocate to the US, this city would be at the top of my list. Today, I want to share the four primary reasons why I find Palo Alto so appealing from a personal and practical perspective.

1. The Stanford Connection

The first reason is Stanford University. For some reason, my entire family is deeply enthusiastic about this institution—perhaps a bit more than I am. My daughter loves the campus, my son (who currently studies in the UK) is planning to apply for his Master's degree here, and my wife frequently takes courses at the university.

While I acknowledge it is a world-class institution, my appreciation for Palo Alto extends beyond just the university itself. However, having my family so attached to the school certainly anchors us to the area.

2. Demographic Diversity and Comfort

The second factor is the demographic makeup. The Asian population in Palo Alto and the surrounding area is substantial—roughly 40 percent. When I walk down the street here, I never feel like a foreigner or an outsider. I simply feel like a regular resident. There is a very natural, harmonious integration of different cultures, which makes everyday life comfortable and straightforward for an international professional.

3. The Professional and Social Atmosphere

Because Palo Alto is the center of Silicon Valley and anchored by a major academic institution, the local population is highly educated and professionally driven. People are generally very polite, well-mannered, and seem content. The overall social environment is positive and orderly, which creates a very pleasant day-to-day living experience.

4. The Ideal Climate for Long-Distance Running

The final, and perhaps most personal, reason is the weather. The daytime climate is excellent, while the mornings and evenings tend to be slightly cold. For me, this is the perfect weather configuration because I am a long-distance runner, and I strongly prefer running in cooler morning temperatures.

My morning routine in Palo Alto is something I always look forward to. For example, today I ran to Redwood Shores to see the Oracle headquarters, and passed through Atherton—widely known as one of the most expensive residential areas in the country. Yesterday, I ran to Mountain View to see the Googleplex, and the day before that, I ran to Cupertino to see the Apple headquarters.

After these long runs, I simply call an Uber to get back to my starting point. This routine provides a quiet, fresh morning run where I can listen to a podcast and enjoy the local neighborhoods, followed by an interesting ride back where I often end up chatting with drivers from all over the world. It is the perfect way to start the day.

Conclusion

Between my family's strong attachment to Stanford and my own appreciation for the local running routes, climate, and social environment, Palo Alto fits my lifestyle very well. If I eventually decide to relocate my primary base, this is where you will likely find me.

Thank you for reading.