Gates St, East Palo Alto

The whole complex of new developments behind IKEA is probably one of the best investments in East Palo Alto - but a lot of people know that already, because some of the condos have appreciated $100,000 since they have been bought. In the meantime, you really don't feel like you are in the town that was the murder capitol of American in 1992 when you are hanging out here.

Here is the fun twist though that I just learned: lately, some of the local gangs have been taking up residency here, because the area appears to feel safe under the radar of the police. Given that there are far worse problems, police pay little attention to this neighborhood, which could become problematic at some point in time.

Gates itself is on the east side of the neighborhood, which puts it a little further from IKEA and the interstate, but closer to Pulgas, which has a fair amount of traffic of its own. This is a very nice place to live that is very close to Palo Alto, but is also targeted as one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in EPA and is still in the corresponding school district. Great for a single gal or guy, but not necessarily for a newlywed couple hoping to start a family; unless they are able to petition to send their kid to the nearby Palo Alto schools, which can happen.