Atherton

Atherton

Atherton

Atherton

Atherton

Atherton

Atherton

Atherton

Atherton

Atherton

Atherton

Atherton

Atherton

Atherton

Atherton

Overview

ATHERTON

A constant leader at the top of Forbes magazine’s list of most expensive zip codes in the country, Atherton is the premier getaway for Silicon Valley’s most elite residents. Skyrocketing property values and persistent desirability continue to fuel this enclave’s reputation as one of the most exclusive residential communities in the world.

 

A Distinguished Past

In 1860, a merchandising mogul Faxon D. Atherton (who the town is named after) bought 640 acres on which to build his summer estate. This move brought a wave of San Franciscan socialites to the area who also wished to take advantage of the flat landscape and temperate climate, setting up their own summer homes around that of Mr. Atherton. These massive estates formed the foundation of the present-day town, and by the mid-twentieth century they had been almost entirely subdivided into residential neighborhoods.

 

Populated By The Elite

For over 150 years, Atherton has served as a sanctuary for the rich and powerful. In 2018, Bloomberg ranked Atherton as the wealthiest town in America, and the town consistently ranks among the most expensive zip codes nationally—often outranking Beverly Hills and New York City. It has been visited by some of the most prestigious personalities in modern history, including several American presidents. Many of the most successful and highly educated people in the world choose to make Atherton their home, which means the town’s list of residents reads like a “Who’s Who?” in the worlds of technology, finance, and business. The town does not offer zoning for commercial establishments, a feature that only elevates its indisputable sense of exclusivity. 

 

Access & Amenities 

Atherton was originally called “Fair Oaks” because of the vast natural beauty of the land and its abundance of giant, beautiful trees. It presents an abundance of large, flat properties (many lots consist of one acre or more) and glamorous mansions, both old and new. Residents are an easy commute to Silicon Valley and within quick reach of shopping, dining, and schools. Though it is designated as a residential-only town, Atherton hosts a handful of municipal facilities, including a library and the immense grounds of Holbrook-Palmer Park.

 

Prestigious Academic Options

The town does not have its own public school system, so students may attend neighboring public schools. However, many Atherton residents prefer to enroll their children in the many acclaimed private schools in or near the town. Exclusive access to some of the Bay Area’s premier private academies seems fitting for a town boasting such prestige and notoriety.

***

For generations, Atherton has retained its status as an enclave for the extremely wealthy. The first settlers of the town came for its temperate weather, location, park-like landscape, and the opportunity to build grand estates—all factors that still draw affluent residents today, well over a century later.

 

 

Notable Residents—Past and Present

Gertrude Atherton, author

Shirley Temple Black, child star and diplomat

Lindsey Buckingham, musician (Fleetwood Mac)

Cheryl Burke, professional dancer on Dancing With The Stars

Timothy Draper, venture capitalist

Guy Kawasaki, venture capitalist 

Andy Kessler, author and investor

Willie Mays, Hall of Fame MLB player 

Tom Proulx, co-founder of Intuit

Maureen Kennedy Salaman, author and political candidate

Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook 

Eric Schmidt, former CEO of Google 

Y.A. Tittle, Hall of Fame NFL player

Steve Westly, politician and venture capitalist

Meg Whitman, former CEO of Hewlett-Packard and Ebay 

Dennis Woodside, president of Impossible Foods

 

Population
7,187
MedianFamily Income
250,000

Explore our neighborhoods – Atherton
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Median vs Average Sale Price
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# of Homes Listed vs # of Homes Sold
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The public schools are among the best in the nation. Graduates from the local high schools attend the most prestigious colleges and universities in the country, with a much larger than average number admitted to neighboring Stanford. Abundant bike paths make it easy for most students to bike to their local schools, giving them a sense of independence that is valued by parents and children alike.

 

Elementary School Grade Address Phone Number School District
Laurel K-5 316 36th Avenue, San Mateo, CA 94403 (650) 312-7555 San Mateo-Foster City School District
Selby Lane K-8 170 Selby LN, Atherton, CA 94027 (650) 482-2415 Redwood City Elementary School District
Oak Knoll K-5 1895 Oak Knoll LN, Menlo Park, CA 94025 (650) 854-4433 Menlo Park City Elementary School District
Las Lomitas K-3 299 Alameda De Las Pulgas, Atherton, CA 94027 (650) 854-5900 Las Lomitas Elementary School District
Encinal K-5 195 Encinal AVE, Atherton, CA 94027 (650) 326-5164 Menlo Park City Elementary School District
Middle School Grade Address Phone Number School District
Selby Lane K-8 170 Selby LN, Atherton, CA 94027 (650) 482-2415 Redwood City Elementary School District
La Entrada 4-8 2200 Sharon RD, Menlo Park, CA 94025 (650) 854-3962 Las Lomitas Elementary School District
Hillview 6-8 1100 Elder AVE, Menlo Park, CA 94025 (650) 326-4341 Menlo Park City Elementary School District
High School Grade Address Phone Number School District
Woodside 9-12 199 Churchill AVE, Woodside, CA 94062 650.367.9750 Sequoia Union High School District
Menlo-Atherton 9-12 555 Middlefield RD, Atherton, CA 94025 (650) 322-5311 Sequoia Union High School District
Private School Grade Address Phone Number School District
Sacred Heart s, Atherton K-12 150 Valparaiso Ave, Atherton, CA 94027 (650) 473-4085
Menlo 6-12 50 Valparaiso Avenue, Atherton, CA 94027 (650) 330-2000
Parochial Grade Address Phone Number School District
St. Joseph of the Sacred Heart PK-8 50 Emilie Ave, Atherton, CA 94027 (650) 322-9931

Explore our neighborhoods – Atherton

Browse our comprehensive neighborhood guides to learn about the most desirable or most up-and-coming places to live across the country.

active
6 betty ln,
atherton
$42,000,000
el camino to alameda
5Beds / 7Baths / 12314SqFt
active
164 elena ave,
atherton
$33,375,000
el camino to alameda
5Beds / 5.5Baths / 12440SqFt
active
94 melanie ln,
atherton
$32,000,000
alameda to 280
7Beds / 10Baths / 11656SqFt
active
83 & 93 camino por los arboles,
atherton
$30,000,000
el camino to alameda
active
35 barry ln,
atherton
$28,500,000
el camino to alameda
6Beds / 7.5Baths / 11257SqFt
active
236 camino al lago,
atherton
$20,000,000
el camino to alameda
active
89 almendral ave,
atherton
$18,200,000
el camino to alameda
5Beds / 6.5Baths / 7663SqFt
active
35 isabella ave,
atherton
$15,500,000
el camino to alameda
5Beds / 6Baths / 6890SqFt
active
16 irving ave,
atherton
$14,950,000
lindenwood area
7Beds / 7.5Baths / 6444SqFt
active
481 stockbridge ave,
atherton
$12,988,000
alameda to 280
6Beds / 8Baths / 9150SqFt
pending
217 atherton ave,
atherton
$23,500,000
el camino to alameda
5Beds / 7Baths / 7860SqFt
pending
64 fairview ave,
atherton
$7,800,000
el camino to alameda
4Beds / 2.5Baths / 2630SqFt
pending
366 stevick dr,
atherton
$6,488,000
alameda to 280
4Beds / 3Baths / 2850SqFt
pending
53 lloyden dr,
atherton
$4,500,000
middlefield to el camino atherton
4Beds / 3Baths / 3680SqFt
sold
251 polhemus ave,
atherton
$10,950,000
el camino to alameda
4Beds / 2.5Baths / 3160SqFt
sold
45 almendral ave,
atherton
$6,950,000
el camino to alameda
4Beds / 4Baths / 2898SqFt
sold
51 watkins ave,
atherton
$3,688,000
middlefield to el camino atherton
4Beds / 2Baths / 2400SqFt
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