Atherton

Atherton

Located in San Mateo County

$3,254,993 Average Value
$2,159 Average Price per Sq Ft
9 Homes For Sale

Bay Area opulence on the doorstep to Silicon Valley

Known for its affluence, exclusivity and park-like ambiance, Atherton is the height of Silicon Valley opulence. A place where tech executives, venture capitalists and professional athletes live in sprawling multimillion-dollar estates, the town is annually recognized as the most expensive zip code in the United States. No surprise then that the city has its origins as a summer destination for Bay Area Gold Rush tycoons, who built mansions here long before the region’s tech takeover. “Atherton was first created by wealthy families in San Francisco as a vacation destination. They really wanted it to feel like the country, and it stayed that way,” says Realtor Jennifer Bitter of Compass Real Estate and a partner at LeMieux Associates. The spacious summer chateaus are long gone, but the city has retained its secluded, woodsy ambiance. Today, the city entirely zoned for single-family housing on one-acre lots that are overflowing with old oaks, leafy tree canopy and brushy vegetation.

Atherton is an affluent city made up of grand homes on large plots of land.
Atherton is an affluent city made up of grand homes on large plots of land.
Grand 20th-century homes grace Atherton's streets.
Grand 20th-century homes grace Atherton's streets.
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Elegant, sprawling estates populate a wooded landscape

Fewer than 7,000 residents live in the 94027, which boasts a median home price of $8.3 million. “It’s a very prestigious address. Property values can be upwards of $30 million, or even $50 million,” Bitter says. Grand, early 20th century homes and newly built modern dwellings mingle amid the lush, California greenery. The city’s elegant estates have decadent details like marble entranceways, sweeping staircases, formal living rooms, cathedral ceilings, spacious guest houses, wine cellars and balconies overlooking wooded vistas. The housing styles are varied, and it’s not uncommon to see a century-old Spanish Revival or Tudor mansion alongside custom-built contemporary homes. Many of the homes have tall hedges, stone walls and wide gates for maximum privacy. Prices in the neighborhood are sky-high, with homes routinely selling in the tens of millions.

A stunning 20th-century home nestled amidst lush trees in Atherton.
A stunning 20th-century home nestled amidst lush trees in Atherton.
Atherton is made up of luxury estates with pools, large homes, and large plots of land.
Atherton is made up of luxury estates with pools, large homes, and large plots of land.
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Top-rated schools from kindergarten through 12th grade

Students can complete their education journey at some of the Bay Area's best schools. Las Lomitas Elementary, a town school rated A-plus by Niche that serves students in kindergarten through third grade, was recognized as a California Distinguished School for 2023. Nearby, La Entrada Middle School and Menlo-Atherton High School are A-plus-rated as well. There also are several private institutions in town. Sacred Heart, a K-12 Catholic school, features a distinguished athletics program. Menlo School is a college preparatory institution for students in sixth through 12th grades. Menlo College is an exclusive liberal arts university of less than 1,000 students with a focus on business.

Menlo-Atherton High School, Central Menlo Park, is ranked among the top 250 in California.
Menlo-Atherton High School, Central Menlo Park, is ranked among the top 250 in California.
The beautiful campus of Las Lomitas Elementary School includes modern amenities for students.
The beautiful campus of Las Lomitas Elementary School includes modern amenities for students.
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Popular city park is known for its serene gardens

Holbrook-Palmer Park is a true green space that is the perfect spot for relaxing walks among 22 acres of serene gardens. With three buildings available to rent, including Jennings Pavilion, the park also provides popular gathering places for community events. Each April, the pavilion hosts the city's biggest annual event, the Atherton Earth Day Festival, which features an interactive art exhibit, food, music and a children's play zone. Members of the private Menlo Country Club can play year-round golf on an 18-hole, 6,800-yard course in neighboring Woodside. Hikers and outdoor enthusiasts can traverse a wide range of trails through pristine forests and wooly canyons at some of the most scenic nature preserves in the Bay Area. The redwood-covered ridges and open meadows of Wunderlich County Park, Teague Hill Open Space Preserve and Jasper Ridge are located about 7 miles west of the city. Smaller waterfront attractions along San Francisco Bay are located about the same distance to the east.

Atherton streets are typically tree lined and full of natural beauty.
Atherton streets are typically tree lined and full of natural beauty.
Sports fields fill out the western edge of Holbrook Palmer Park.
Sports fields fill out the western edge of Holbrook Palmer Park.
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Nearby Downtown Menlo Park offers upscale retail and dining

A host of highly rated dining options are concentrated nearby in buzzy Downtown Menlo Park. Among the featured stops are Trellis, which serves up Northern Italian classics with Bay Area flair, Camper, a rustic California restaurant with an emphasis on hyper-seasonal foods; and a pair of popular French eateries: the upscale Left Bank and the more laidback Bistro Vida. Most of the restaurants are located on Santa Cruz Avenue, which every Wednesday draws a crowd for "Bon Marche." The French-inspired outdoor market that was started by Bistro Vida owner Ali El Safy, closes down part of the avenue to make room for vendors selling an array of crafts and food amid a background of live music and conversation. Alos located downtown is Draeger's Market, a high-end grocery store that offers same-day delivery service.

There are several cute shops in downtown Menlo Park for Atherton residents to do their shopping.
There are several cute shops in downtown Menlo Park for Atherton residents to do their shopping.
Left Bank in downtown Menlo Park is a favorite with Atherton residents looking for french food.
Left Bank in downtown Menlo Park is a favorite with Atherton residents looking for french food.
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Travel throughout the Bay Area is easily accessible by train or car

Atherton Station provides quick and easy access to work commutes via Caltrain, and the town is conveniently located between two of the South Bay's primary roadways -- U.S. Route 101 to the east and Interstate 280 to the west. Caltrain roughly follows the path of Route 101, which is the primary corridor serving the communities of Silicon Valley. Both roadways provide direct access to Downtown San Francisco about 30 miles north.

U.S. Highway 101 is next to Atherton and offers easy access to the surrounding Bay Area.
U.S. Highway 101 is next to Atherton and offers easy access to the surrounding Bay Area.
There is a commuter rail line that runs through Atherton and Menlo Park.
There is a commuter rail line that runs through Atherton and Menlo Park.
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Matt Pallister
Written By
Matt Pallister
Anne Kohler
Photography Contributed By
Anne Kohler
Luke Mancari
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Luke Mancari

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Open Houses

  • Saturday, May 24
    2 - 4pm

    3523 Oak Dr, Menlo Park, CA 94025

    $2,825,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 2,380 Sq Ft
    • 3523 Oak Dr
    • New 9 days ago

    FIRST WEEK OF SHOWINGS AND OPEN HOUSES for this lovely home set fairly far back, in a picture postcard kind of way, on its 8,370 square foot lot. The neighborhood is a favorite: green, parklike, picturesque, peaceful, great for taking a walk or joining neighbors for the neighborhood's weekly happy hour get together. The wonderful kitchen has handsome cabinetry, spacious granite counters, gas

    Emely Weissman Compass

  • Sunday, May 25
    2 - 4pm

    1265 Trinity Dr, Menlo Park, CA 94025

    $3,200,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 2,600 Sq Ft
    • 1265 Trinity Dr
    • New 11 days ago

    Remodeled and on the market for the first time, this two-story end-unit townhome offers stylish living in a peaceful garden setting in desirable Sharon Hills community. Bamboo floors, designer finishes, and an open concept layout enhance the main level with spacious living room, formal dining room, designer kitchen and expanded rear deck for indoor/outdoor living. Upstairs, the primary suite

    Judy Byrnes Coldwell Banker Realty

  • Sunday, May 25
    2 - 4pm

    928 Peggy Ln, Menlo Park, CA 94025

    $2,228,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,570 Sq Ft
    • 928 Peggy Ln
    • New 28 days ago

    Welcome to this stunning four-bedroom, two-bathroom home that effortlessly combines modern upgrades with timeless charm. From the moment you step inside, youll be captivated by the warmth of the newly remodeled kitchen, featuring sleek finishes and thoughtful design, perfect for everyday living and entertaining. The home is adorned with gorgeous red oak flooring throughout, adding elegance and

    Laura Flores Compass

Homes for Sale

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Average Home Value



Source: Public Records
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
Atherton