Welcome to Atherton
Lush estates, refined living, and timeless privacy in the heart of Silicon Valley
Atherton is one of the most prestigious towns in the country, where luxury is defined by privacy, space, and understated elegance. Consistently ranked as the most expensive ZIP code in the United States, Atherton is a haven for high-net-worth individuals who value seclusion, sophistication, and proximity to Silicon Valley’s power centers. The town is known for its beautiful homes on sprawling lots, mature landscaping, and a curated blend of historic mansions and cutting-edge contemporary estates.
Founded in the 1860s as a weekend retreat for San Francisco’s elite, Atherton was originally called Fair Oaks but was then renamed after Faxon D. Atherton, a prominent landowner who built one of the first grand estates in the area. Today, that heritage lives on in the native oak trees, soaring redwoods, and architectural elegance that define the town’s identity.
Tucked between Menlo Park and Redwood City, Atherton feels worlds away while being just minutes from Sand Hill Road’s legendary venture capital corridor and Stanford University. The town has no commercial zoning, preserving its peaceful residential feel, yet residents enjoy effortless access to world-class dining, shopping, and entertainment venues in nearby downtown districts. It’s no wonder Atherton is home to some of the Bay Area’s most influential figures; here, luxury is woven into the fabric of everyday life.
What to Love
- Grand estates on expansive, tree-lined lots
- Minutes from Stanford University, Sand Hill Road, and the Rosewood Sand Hill
- Quick access to downtown Menlo Park, Palo Alto, and Stanford Shopping Center
- Scenic trails, elite country clubs, and private clubs like the Menlo Circus Club
Local Lifestyle
Living in Atherton is about refined ease and privacy. Days begin with quiet walks along shaded streets or a scenic hike, while afternoons are filled with private tennis lessons, rounds of golf, or a curated spa experience. With no commercial center of its own, Atherton residents retreat to nearby Menlo Park and Palo Alto for dining, adventure, and shopping before returning home to their serene estates. Life here is calm and curated — designed for those who prefer luxury on their own terms.
Dining and Shopping
Selby’s is a fine-dining favorite just minutes from the Atherton border, where the art deco interiors, white-glove service, and perfectly executed American classics create an atmosphere that’s as indulgent as it is iconic. For a vibrant afternoon or dinner outing, residents can also head to nearby Menlo Park or Palo Alto for destinations like Bistro Vida, Che Fico, Left Bank, Madera, or Camper — stylish restaurants that match Atherton’s elevated aesthetic.
Stanford Shopping Center is just minutes away and offers a premium open-air retail experience with brands like Neiman Marcus, Hermès, Cartier, J. Jill, Coach, and Arhaus, alongside standout dining options and beautifully landscaped walkways. The center balances luxury with lifestyle, making it a go-to for everything from wardrobe upgrades to gourmet bites.
Downtown Menlo Park is another go-to destination for everyday essentials and boutique treasures. With Kepler’s Books, Coffeebar, and fine interiors at Derby Interiors & Design, the area is replete with stylish residents popping in and out of curated storefronts or meeting friends for a midday espresso.
Entertainment and Things to Do
The Stanford Dish hike is a favorite among locals for its sweeping vistas of the Bay Area and gently sloped trails that wind through open grasslands. It’s a scenic and energizing way to start or end the day, all just minutes from Atherton.
Holbrook Palmer Park, a 22-acre public green space, features tennis courts, open lawns, a playground, walking paths, and pristinely maintained gardens. It’s a quiet yet elegant spot for casual strolls, weekend gatherings, and community events.
The Menlo Circus Club is a hallmark of elite leisure, offering equestrian facilities, tennis, and social events in a stunning private setting. It’s an anchor for Atherton’s social scene and a symbol of the area’s long-standing luxury.
Sand Hill Road, known globally as the center of venture capital, runs along Atherton’s edge and connects the town directly with some of the most influential names in technology and innovation.
The Atherton Library brings a fresh, modern feel to a classic community amenity, offering sleek architecture, curated book collections, and thoughtful programming that reflects the town’s appreciation for education and quiet sophistication.
Sharon Heights Golf & Country Club is a private, meticulously manicured course favored by Atherton residents for its challenging layout and elegant clubhouse. Members enjoy golf, tennis, fitness, and social events all set against a stunning hillside backdrop.
Rosewood Sand Hill is a nearby luxury retreat that locals enjoy as much as visitors, whether for an indulgent spa day, cocktails on the sundeck, or dinner at the award-winning Madera restaurant. It’s an effortless choice for upscale leisure and quiet luxury.
Schools
- Sacred Heart Schools
- Menlo-Atherton High School
- Menlo School
- Las Lomitas Elementary School
- Encinal Elementary School
