Atherton Community Guide

Traditionally old money and ranch-style country homes, Atherton has evolved into a town of mega mansions that house some of Silicon Valley’s most elite residents. So much so that Forbes magazine named 94027 the most expensive ZIP code in the country for 3 years in a row.

Atherton, CA / Photo by: Sanfranman59 / CC BY-SA

The area first rose to popularity in the late 19th century when wealthy San Franciscans would escape the city to their country estates here. At the time, it was known as Fair Oaks but that was already an official town name near Sacramento. So in 1923 when residents decided to officially become an incorporated town, they chose the name “Atherton” after Faxon Dean Atherton, one of the first property owners. He purchased 640 acres at $10/acre in 1860 and called his estate Valparaiso Park.

Another early, notable resident was Thomas H. Selby, a businessman and San Francisco mayor who purchased 420 acres. Now the namesake of Selby Lane, the first street that greets you when you enter Atherton from Redwood City via Alameda.

As you’d imagine, the country’s wealthiest ZIP code is still home to some known names. Steph and Ayesha Curry bought a house for $31-million in West Atherton last year. Whatsapp co-founder, Jan Koum, assembled an $80 million compound with the purchase of five separate homes. Meg Whitman (Hewlett-Packard / Quibi), Charles Schwab, Eric Schmidt (Google) and the late Paul Allen (Microsoft) are just a few of the other top executives who live or have lived in Atherton.

Atherton Caltrain Station / Photo by: Tumbenhaur / CC BY-SA

Though Atherton shares borders with Redwood City, Menlo Park and Woodside, it has a village vibe that makes it completely unique. It’s strictly residential. There is no multi-family, mixed-use, industrial or commercial zoning with the exception of private schools and a country club. Caltrain stops in Atherton but only on weekends. There are almost no sidewalks and you just get small glimpses of homes from the street. Large flat lots provide privacy and a lenient zoning department allows new residents room to grow. Homes are not cookie cutter in Atherton, you’re going to find Tuscan, farmhouse, New England, contemporary architecture and more—whatever suits the desires of the over 7,000 residents.

Homes either fall under the Menlo Park, Redwood City or Las Lomitas School District. Two popular private schools sit within town boundaries—Menlo School (6-12) and Sacred Heart (PK-12). Menlo College is a small private college off El Camino, specializing in business. 

Here’s a look at the five prestigious communities that make up Menlo Park:

Lindenwood

Lindenwood School / Photo by: Jon Roanhaus / CC BY-SA

In the easternmost section of Atherton you’ll find Lindenwood. This entire section used to belong to James C. Flood who purchased several parcels to build his mansion, Linden Towers. To enter modern day Lindenwood, you’ll go through the gates of the original Flood Estate and into a serene neighborhood with no through traffic. It started as a community of almost 300 ranch-style homes in the late 1940s and has evolved into an eclectic mix of architectural styles. Throughout these properties, there is a treasure trove of Flood estate remnants—fountains, statues and light posts scattered throughout the now one-acre lots.

Lloyden Park

Lloyden Park is a small pocket neighborhood tucked between El Camino and the Caltrain station next to Redwood City. Lots here tend to be a bit smaller than the rest of Atherton with many homes built in the 30s or 40s on one-third acre lots. Sidewalks and street lamps also set it apart. Lloyden Park has preserved its tight-knit, suburban neighborhood feel quite a bit more than the other Atherton communities of evolving mega mansions and private gates. 

Atherton Oaks

Next to Lloyden Park, Atherton Oaks is a u-shaped neighborhood with a section of Menlo Park carved out in the middle. Proximity to the railroad made this a popular area in the early 20th-century as wealthy San Franciscans could easily access their country homes. Now, proximity to the railroad has a negative effect on property value but there are still many quiet cul-de-sacs within Atherton Oaks. Plus, it’s conveniently located close to many amenities like the Atherton library, downtown Menlo Park and 22-acre Holbrook-Palmer Park (more on that below). 

West Atherton

This is the Atherton you’re thinking of when you hear “wealthiest ZIP code in the country.” It’s the largest of the neighborhoods running the width of Atherton from El Camino to Alameda de las Pulgas. Here, streets are wide, lots are large and private gates protect the homes of some of Silicon Valley’s most well-known executives, investors and household names. This is also where you’ll find the Menlo Circus Club, a private country club and epicenter for Atherton social life with equestrian facilities, tennis courts, pools and more. 

West of Alameda

Fittingly situated west of Alameda de las Pulgas, this neighborhood also contributes greatly to Atherton’s reputation as most expensive ZIP code. It’s in good company with affluent Woodside to the north and venture capital mecca Sand Hill Road conveniently located to the south. Here the landscaping is lush with mature trees, vine-covered walls and fruit orchards. What started as a community of ranch style homes is now a series of palatial compounds. Woodside Road is the closest outlet for shopping, and Sharon Heights Golf & Country Club is next door in Menlo Park.

Bonus: Holbrook Palmer Park

Holbrook - Palmer Park / Photo by: LPS.1 / CC0

This park is worth exploring whether you’re an Atherton resident or not. Its 22-acres are adorned with trees, manicured gardens, walking paths, tennis courts and indoor or outdoor facilities to rent for special events. Easter egg hunts, fundraisers and other community events are common here. There’s even a preschool right in the park that utilizes its surroundings with nature walks and picnics. The Atherton Library is a small, inviting space just down the street. They have a ton of programming including storytimes, baby sign language workshops, kid’s concerts, puppeteers and more. The Atherton Police Department is also near the park. Residents can fill out a form when they go on vacation and have the department periodically conduct home checks.