Oregon Expy, Midtown

No matter where you are on the 101 in this part of the Peninsula, this always seems to have the absolute worst traffic during rush hour - and I haven't quite figured out why. The area is fairly densely populated, and the junction for the Dumbarton Bridge is here, but there aren't the same number of large corporations as there are further south in the valley.

Nonetheless, the traffic can be seen at most major intersections before even entering the on ramp, and the timed light system (which could be a help or a hindrance) prevents too many cars from getting on at a time. This is the case pretty much from 85 all the way up to 84.

The one up side of the road being so populated is that, unlike other parts of the Bay Area, the highway is actually very well-maintained - no bumps on the road here (that is, if you can actually move enough to feel them). At least the drivers are polite.

Unlike Embarcadero, the Oregon Expressway has a much more residential, pleasant feel to it. The street, which connects the 101 to Alma and eventually El Camino Real. The drive is more indicative of residential Silicon Valley than the commercial sections of the 101, and is actually fairly pleasant. Traffic is certainly a factor, but is not quite as bad as some of the other streets in the area, all things considered.

The homes here are larger, and although they are fairly close together, the property value around here is quite high. This is not a place for a first-time homebuyer by ANY stretch of the imagination.

This is a great street to live on that has less traffic than other parts of town and is not far from downtown Palo Alto. The biggest drawback is that it is a connector street, so safety for children and road noise are a bit more prevalent here than on some of the nearby side streets. Overall, a great place to grow up.