Welcome to Atherton
From the flatlands near El Camino Real west to the hills along Highway 280, Atherton is known for its heritage trees, park-like streets, and lots that average about an acre.
It began in the mid-1800s as a place for San Francisco families to spend their summers. Some of the town's streets still carry the names of those first residents, Faxon Dean Atherton and Thomas Selby among them.
Atherton is almost entirely residential. There are no shopping streets here, by design. Instead there is Holbrook-Palmer Park, the town library, quiet lanes without sidewalks, and downtown Menlo Park, Palo Alto and Redwood City a few minutes away.
More than a century and a half later, it still feels like a world apart.
What Makes Atherton Different
- The Land. Lots average about an acre, and much of the town is zoned for one-acre parcels. Space and privacy are the point.
- The Quiet. No commercial district, few streetlights and many lanes without sidewalks give Atherton a rural calm that is rare this close to everything.
- The Community. Holbrook-Palmer Park, the town library, Menlo School, Sacred Heart Schools and the Menlo Circus Club are all here.
Neighborhoods in Atherton
Lindenwood
Lindenwood grew up around Linden Towers, the mansion silver tycoon James C. Flood completed in 1880. The house is gone, but many of the estate's heritage trees still stand, along with urns, fountains, statues and columns from its gardens.
Middlefield to El Camino
A short walk from the town's civic center and Holbrook-Palmer Park, with its tennis courts, playgrounds and open fields. This is where the town gathers for the Fourth of July parade, summer concerts and community events.
West Atherton
Large lots and lanes without sidewalks give West Atherton its rural feel. Many of the original estates and one-level ranch homes have been replaced by new homes of 10,000 square feet or more, often with basements and guest houses.
West of Alameda
Between Alameda de las Pulgas and Highway 280, the land rises into low, tree- covered hills. Homes are generous and well spaced, with the privacy and views of a more rural setting.
Selling in Atherton
Atherton homes are among the most valuable in the country, and the sale deserves to be run like the sale of any significant asset.
That means pricing built on real data, preparation where it pays, and marketing that reaches qualified buyers here and around the world. Some sellers want broad exposure. Others want a quiet sale that never makes headlines. I build the plan around you, and I keep you updated every week.
Homes for Sale
Questions About Atherton
How big are lots in Atherton?
Lots average about one acre, and much of the town is zoned for one-acre minimum parcels. Some areas, such as parts of Lindenwood and Lloyden Park, have smaller lots.
Does Atherton have shops and restaurants?
Very few. Atherton is almost entirely residential. Shopping and dining are a few minutes away in downtown Menlo Park, Palo Alto and Redwood City.
Which schools serve Atherton?
Public school assignments depend on the address, because several districts serve different parts of town. Menlo School and Sacred Heart Schools, both private, are located in Atherton.
