The Willows Homes For Sale

The Willows Real Estate Guide

The Willows is a neighborhood that actually feels like it's been here a while. Built out in the 1920s, this is one of the oldest residential pockets in the city. The Craftsman bungalows and early ranchers that line the streets have the kind of architectural detail that people spend a fortune trying to recreate in new construction. Front porches. Wood siding. Period millwork. And because San Francisquito Creek separates The Willows from Palo Alto, you can bike across a pedestrian bridge and be on University Avenue in about 10 minutes.

What to Love About The Willows

• Original 1920s and 1930s Craftsman bungalows with real period character
• A short walk to downtown Menlo Park on Santa Cruz Avenue
• A pedestrian bridge at Chaucer Street that drops you into downtown Palo Alto
• Menlo Park City School District, including Laurel Elementary (California Distinguished School)
• An established neighborhood with regular block parties and community events
• A small commercial strip at Menalto and Gilbert with locally owned businesses
• Flat, tree-lined streets with a walkable, bikeable layout

Real Estate and Homes

Homes in The Willows is what sets it apart. The core dates to the 1920s and 1930s. You'll find Craftsman bungalows with covered porches and built-in cabinetry next to early California ranch homes. Many started as two-bedroom, one-bath cottages. Most have been expanded and updated since then, some dramatically.

Newer construction fills in where original homes were replaced. The contrast between a 1920s bungalow and a recently built two-story is visible on many blocks, but the neighborhood has kept more pre-war character than most Silicon Valley communities.

Lots run smaller here than in West Menlo Park or Felton Gables. Most are 5,000 to 7,000 square feet. What you trade in land, you gain in positioning. Two downtowns are within walking or biking distance.

Local Tip: The Chaucer Street pedestrian bridge is the secret weapon. It crosses San Francisquito Creek directly into downtown Palo Alto, putting University Avenue's restaurants and shops a 10-minute bike ride from your front door.

Lifestyle and Local Highlights

Two downtowns. That's the pitch. Walk north to Santa Cruz Avenue for Camper, Left Bank, the farmers' market, and 35+ other restaurants. Bike south across the creek to University Avenue in Palo Alto for an entirely separate set of options. Very few neighborhoods on the Peninsula can make that claim.

The Menalto corridor at Menalto Avenue and Gilbert Avenue is The Willows' own small commercial node. A few locally owned businesses and a laundromat. It adds neighborhood texture without adding traffic.

Schools are in the Menlo Park City School District:

• Laurel Elementary School (California Distinguished School)
• Hillview Middle School (National Blue Ribbon School)
• Menlo-Atherton High School

Silicon Valley International School, a private K through 12 academy with instruction in Chinese, French, and German, is also in the neighborhood.

Parks and outdoor space include the San Francisquito Creek trail along the southern border and quick access to Burgess Park in neighboring Linfield Oaks. The creek trail connects to parks on both the Menlo Park and Palo Alto sides.

Commuting has options. Caltrain's Menlo Park station is within biking distance. Highway 101 is east via Willow Road. Highway 280 is accessible through Palo Alto on Alma Street or via Sand Hill Road.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Willows

When were the homes in The Willows built?

The original homes date to the 1920s and 1930s. It's one of the oldest residential neighborhoods in Menlo Park. Many have been remodeled or expanded, but the Craftsman bungalow character is still visible throughout.

Can I walk to downtown Menlo Park?

Yes. Santa Cruz Avenue is a short walk north. You can also bike across the Chaucer Street bridge to downtown Palo Alto in about 10 minutes.

What school district covers The Willows?

Menlo Park City School District. Laurel Elementary and Hillview Middle School are both well recognized. Menlo-Atherton High School handles grades 9 through 12.

How does The Willows compare to Allied Arts?

Both neighborhoods have pre-war homes and a walkable feel. Allied Arts is just north of downtown, closer to the Allied Arts Guild and Santa Cruz Avenue. The Willows gains the Palo Alto pedestrian bridge connection. Architecturally, The Willows has more 1920s Craftsman character. Allied Arts covers a broader range of styles.

Are the lots small?

Compared to other parts of Menlo Park, yes. Most range from 5,000 to 7,000 square feet. The trade-off is location. Walking distance to two downtowns is hard to come by.

How does pricing compare to other Menlo Park neighborhoods?

Smaller lots and older housing stock generally put The Willows at a lower price point than neighborhoods like Sharon Heights or West Menlo Park. Original bungalows that need work tend to come in at the lower end of the range.