Business & Employment Districts
Palo Alto offers business a synergistic mix of economic and employment districts, with retail and commercial centers located throughout the City. The City's focus is on sustaining its existing businesses while attracting new businesses that are compatible with its residential character and natural environment.

	EMPLOYMENT DISTRICTS Research & Development - An integral component of the City‘s research and development and technology focus. Located next to Stanford University, the Research Park is a thriving center that provides jobs and revenue to the City. 1. Stanford Research Park Startup & Service Industries - Home to start-up, incubator companies and service businesses within the region, these areas provide a more affordable location while retaining a prestigious Palo Alto address. 2. San Antonio Road/Bayshore Corridor 3. East Bayshore
	MEDICAL FACILITIES Highly regarded medical facilities that provide premier health care to its constituents and brings hundreds of jobs to the area. 1. Stanford Medical Center 2. Veteran’s Hospital 3. Hoover Hospital 4. Palo Alto Medical Foundation
	RETAIL AND COMMERCIAL DISTRICTS 1. Downtown/University Avenue - Continuing its tradition as a historic center for shops and restaurants, downtown is busy day and night, filled with residents and visitors to the community. 2. University Avenue/Multimodal Transit Station – Downtown Palo Alto is a major stop off the Caltrain transit system. The surrounding area offers many shops within walking distance for commuters. 3. Stanford Shopping Center - Long known as one of the premier retail centers in the world, the Center houses some of the finest names in the retail trade. 4. California Avenue - A mixed-use area serving the day-to-day needs of Palo Alto residents. This area supports service, commercial, office and light industrial uses. 5. Town & Country Village - Characterized by its unique architecture and landscaping, this center provides a mix of retail shops, commercial services and restaurants with a “small town” feel. 6. El Camino Real – The corridor provides restaurants and services to local businesses within walking distance from major employment centers, as well as serving communities and neighborhoods located along this well-known corridor. 7. Alma Plaza – A retail plaza situated near surrounding residential neighborhood. 8. Charleston Center - A neighborhood retail and commercial center that boasts a great location and small town ambiance. 9. Edgewood Plaza - A retail plaza situated near surrounding residential neighborhood. 10. Midtown - A neighborhood retail and commercial center that boasts a great location and small town ambiance.