Atherton
Atherton is an enclave of timeless elegance, nestled on the Peninsula between the San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean. This exclusive residential retreat unfolds from the flatlands to the rolling hills, culminating at Highway 280. Verdant landscapes, stately gardens, and a canopy of heritage trees define the character of this serene and prestigious community.
Preserving its heritage as a lush, wooded sanctuary, Atherton is designed with a vision of expansive estates and meandering, tree-lined roads that prioritize beauty over speed. Towering native oaks, redwoods, bay laurels, and pines blanket the town’s six square miles, offering a natural grandeur that enhances its private and tranquil ambiance.
Atherton comprises four distinct residential enclaves: Alameda to 280, El Camino to Alameda (often referred to as West Atherton), Lindenwood, and Middlefield to El Camino. Bordered by Menlo Park, Redwood City, Woodside, and unincorporated San Mateo County, this town maintains a unique sense of exclusivity with no commercial or industrial zoning. Its 49 miles of scenic roads lead to sprawling estates, each set on a minimum of one acre, ensuring an unparalleled level of privacy and seclusion.
Families in Atherton benefit from access to top-tier educational institutions within the Menlo Park City School District and Las Lomitas School District, with select homes in West Atherton also feeding into the Redwood City Elementary School District.
Rooted in history, Atherton’s origins trace back to a Spanish land grant before its incorporation in 1923. Early town planners established a commitment to preserving its estate-like atmosphere by prohibiting dense subdivisions—an ethos that remains largely intact today. This commitment to space, natural beauty, and architectural grandeur has solidified Atherton’s status as one of the most coveted residential addresses in the country.