Ellie,
Right now the Palo Alto home inventory is very low, but will probably pick up in January. So while there is not much on the market now, you will probably get the better home in Midtown in your price range than in any of the north Palo Alto neighborhoods. You would be at the lower end of the price range for the size you want in the Community Center. Another good neighborhood is Green Gables, but that neighborhood is closer to 101 and further from shopping.
Marcy
DRE 01191194 - Yesterday, 18:37