Welcome to Atherton
Considered the crown jewel of luxury real estate in the San Francisco Bay Area, idyllic Atherton, California is consistently ranked as one of the most affluent, exclusive, and desirable places to live in the United States. Atherton is a small town—spacious yet cozy—with a history dating back to the 1800s as the area initially served as a posh summer getaway spot for the elite. The town is purely residential, with a small number of select boutiques for making distinctive and rare purchases located amongst the area’s magnificent and grandiose estates and gorgeous luxury homes. The community feeling of Atherton is unique within the Bay Area as it intentionally maintains its rural atmosphere—tree-lined streets with no sidewalks, designed for aesthetic appeal over travel speed, wind through the town’s elegant residential areas, while picturesque open spaces are canopied by breathtaking live oaks, redwoods, and cedar trees.
Atherton Real Estate Market
Atherton is prized for its walkability and general ambiance of seclusion. The town is centrally located within San Mateo County, so residents enjoy close proximity to a variety of entertainment, shopping, and dining options in neighboring Palo Alto, Redwood City, and Menlo Park. The town is equidistant to San Francisco and San Jose, and while in-town public transportation is limited to select bus services, residents can easily access train options in neighboring cities. Architecture styles vary, though Atherton is home to some of the country’s most elegantly manicured estates, mansions, and multi-million dollar manors. Divided into five idyllic neighborhoods connected by wide country lanes, natural forestry, and awe-inspiring coastal views, many of Atherton’s luxury homes are gated with privacy hedges, which enhance the area’s naturally peaceful atmosphere. Atherton real estate is highly sought-after. Contact the Atherton real estate agents & realtors at The Oldham Group to find estates, houses & luxury homes for sale in Atherton, CA.
What to Love
Private, peaceful, safe, and secure neighborhoods
Purely residential with little to no commercial intrusion
Intentionally preserved scenic roads, residential areas, and open spaces
Centrally located to neighboring cities with access to urban amenities
People & Lifestyle
Atherton is a highly diverse and close-knit community that is considered to be one of the safest in the country—high-profile residents range from Silicon Valley pioneers to football legends such as Jerry Rice. The community is predominantly white-collar and promotes philanthropy, cultural awareness, the arts, and environmental preservation. A majority of residents are families with children and the lifestyle is one of family-oriented interconnectivity—it’s not uncommon for both parents and children to develop long-standing social ties with other families in the community.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Selby’s is one of the select few premier restaurants actually located within the town of Atherton itself—it’s a celebration of classic American continental cuisine, with a divine fine dining and wine menu that showcases the restaurant’s unique relationship with SMIP Ranch. Selby’s space and atmosphere is inspired by the glamor of the Old Hollywood-era dining scene, with eclectic aesthetics, chestnut leather chairs, vintage artwork, and a magnificent 20-foot chandelier.
Located in nearby Menlo Park, Ristorante Carpaccio is a long-running local favorite for Atherton residents to indulge in everyday Italian cuisine in a lively neighborhood setting—an array of seating options include window tables as well as the ambiance of an open-air garden. With an extensive selection of European dishes showcasing the best of Italy, along with a full-service bar and an impressive wine list, Ristorante Carpaccio is ideal for after work and weekend dining.
Menlo Circus Club is perhaps the most exclusive country club in Silicon Valley. Applicants must be invited and sponsored by a current member, with memberships ranging from junior to lifetime. Perks include access to one of the most premier pools in the area, a state-of-the-art gym, tennis facilities, a complete riding facility offering equestrian programs and camps for children, along with fine dining options and a ballroom wedding and event venue.
Things to Do
Hosted by the Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce, the community-friendly Palo Alto Festival of the Arts attracts over 150,000 people each year from throughout the West Coast. This festival celebrates fine art, with 300 artists and crafters showcasing their work along University Avenue—along with sidewalk piano virtuosos, the Italian Street Painting Expo, and a Kid’s Art Studio for children to enjoy “hands-on” arts and crafts instruction.
The Menlo Summerfest is a two-day summertime celebration of eclectic live music, exceptional art, and fabulous food and drink—highlighted by 200 of America’s top artists displaying world-class art. Other Summerfest weekend activities include a 5K fun run, home and garden exhibits, health and wellness displays, and a host of kids’ amusements and sponsored swag giveaways.
Located in Mountain View, California, Shoreline Amphitheatre is a large-scale outdoor event space utilized for concerts, festivals, and other live performances to be enjoyed in either the venue’s 6,500 reserved seats or a comfortable general lawn seating area. Big-name acts who have graced the amphitheater’s stage include a wide range of international superstars, from Santana, Fleetwood Mac, The Doobie Brothers, and Florida Georgia Line to The Backstreet Boys, Halsey, Kidz Bop Live, and the Game of Thrones Live Concert Experience.
Holbrook Palmer Park is located in the heart of Atherton and is the town’s only public recreation site. It’s a municipally-owned, 22-acre park filled with beautiful gardens and tranquil walking paths. Indoor and outdoor facilities include a ball field, tennis courts, and a children’s playground, along with three structures available for event rental. The park is dog-friendly for on-leash pets.
Schools
Atherton is zoned within the Sequoia Union and Menlo Park City School Districts. Highlights include:
Encinal Elementary School, Public, K-5
Las Lomitas Elementary School, Public, K-3
Laurel Elementary, Public, K-5
Sacred Heart School, Private, PK-12
Menlo-Atherton High School, Public, 9-12
Menlo College, Private, Bachelor’s
