Long considered a playground for the wealthy, the Atherton community is home to tech moguls and other well-to-do executives
Prestigious and private are the perfect words to use when describing the affluent neighborhood known as West Atherton. Located in the ultra-exclusive town of Atherton— 45 minutes south of San Francisco and minutes from the campus headquarters of Google, Facebook, and Tesla, respectively —West Atherton has long been considered a playground for those who enjoy the finer things.
Its storied history goes back to the days of Faxon Dean Atherton who at one time owned a 600-acre private ranch, now the Menlo Circus Club— the area’s private country club where wealthy horse aficionados and socialites gather and celebrate the art of living well.
Opulent estates situated on at minimum single acre lots occupy nearly every block, and residents' penchant for privacy is evident from the meticulous landscaping and impressive fencing to deter curious onlookers. The neighborhood’s backdrop is serene and spacious, dotted with lush and mature trees that create an indescribably peaceful feel. While the lack of sidewalks signals little foot traffic, it adds to the allure for privacy that makes living in West Atherton desirable to so many.
While the neighborhood is exclusively residential, West Atherton is conveniently located a short drive from Menlo Park's commercial district including Santa Cruz Avenue, and the Stanford Shopping Center featuring countless shops and restaurants.
West Atherton residents enjoy a range of fun events and activities throughout the year. With proximity to so many hotspots, there’s never a shortage of places to visit to get the most from the community. Choose from nearby Menlo Park eateries like Oak+Violet at Park James Hotel and The Refuge. Celia’s is a fantastic spot for authentic Mexican fares, and Sultana Mediterranean is always serving fresh cuisines. California Avenue Farmers' Market and Downtown Palo Alto Farmers’ Market are within reach if you’re hoping to stock up on artisanal goods and fresh, locally grown produce.
Despite West Atherton’s quietude, you’ll find plenty of ways to spend your days nearby. Explore the Stanford University grounds, whether taking a walk through the Arizona Garden or browsing the Rodin Sculpture Garden. Nineteen-acre Rinconada Park in Palo Alto is just a short drive away, and here you can get lost in the Magic Forest or wander the Junior Museum and Zoo. If you don’t feel like traveling far, Holbrook Palmer Park is a local oasis, perfect for an afternoon outside.
The neighborhood has long been considered one of the most elite and luxurious neighborhoods in Silicon Valley and Northern California, and its celebrated schools, both public and private, including Menlo School, Sacred Heart School, and Las Lomitas Elementary School, respectively, have earned the community a 943 of a possible 1,000 on the state’s Academic Performance Index.
The real estate market in West Atherton mirrors that of the majority of the U.S., and homes in the area, when available, can expect to be purchased at no less than $4 million, and the uniqueness of the homes in the area contribute to greater value fluctuations.
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11/11/23 | Dana CarmelDana's extensive hands-on experience in business, marketing, and construction, led her into the world of real estate. Dana uses her strong project management and organizational skills to bring excellent service and a competitive edge to her clients.
