Welcome to Atherton
Palatial estates in a city of prosperity.
Sheltered behind impressive brick walls and opaque gates, the sprawling estates of Atherton California rest like secret jewels among the stunning natural scenery. North of Palo Alto and west of the San Francisco Bay, this small town near the heart of Silicon Valley has been named
Bloomberg’s wealthiest town in America for four years in a row and is home to some of the biggest names in the nation.
Originally known as Fair Oaks, in 1932, Atherton decided to incorporate independently to avoid losing its status as a strictly residential area. Thanks to its decision, Atherton has kept its small-town, exclusive vibe and remains one of the few places in the state to be untouched by commercialization. Its name is taken after Faxon Dean Atherton, who was one of the first property owners in the southern peninsula. With just six square miles, the landscape is dominated by monolithic trees and verdant acreages that make the community feel as if it's set in an oasis. Looking for a luxurious and prestigious home in the heart of Silicon Valley? Check out the stunning
homes for sale in Atherton, known for its excellent schools, spacious properties, and proximity to top tech companies.
What to Love
- Exclusive neighborhoods and residences, lack of commercial influence
- Abundance of outdoor recreation and vistas
- Conveniently located near sever Silicon Valley hubs
People & Lifestyle
A haven for the affluent, Atherton’s population comprises mostly families, professionals, and seniors. With a population under 10,000 residents, it's easy to see how this community maintains its private and elegant atmosphere, and those who find themselves drawn to luxury, convenience, and exclusivity will find themselves perfectly content here.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Atherton is just ten minutes away from one of the most impressive retail locations in the Bay Area,
Stanford Shopping Center. Replete with over 150 name-brand stores, spas, and restaurants, this center is an absolute mecca for those in need of a little retail therapy. Shop at stores like
Apple,
Burberry,
Louis Vuitton, and
Kate Spade, get a luxury blowout at
Dry Bar, or grab your go-to
Starbucks favorite and find contentment in the simple pleasure of perusing.
The area surrounding Atherton, which includes Palo Alto, provides premier dining options that are sure to leave you craving more. Taste the excellence at
Vina Enoteca, a full-service Italian restaurant and bar located in the historic Stanford Barn. The eatery has fresh Italian favorites like their house-made pasta and pizzas, paired with upscale original cocktails. In the mood for fine dining and American continental fare? You won’t want to miss out on trying
Selby’s, a local favorite that works with
SMIP Ranch to procure the best farm-to-table ingredients in the area.
Things to Do
Atherton, like many places in the state, is surrounded by bountiful nature that supplies its residents not only with spectacular views but also with plenty of outdoor recreation options. Less than ten minutes away,
Bedwell Bayfront Park awaits in the city of Menlo Park, tucked up against the bay. This 160-acre park is surrounded by the
Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge on three sides and is an ideal place for hiking thanks to its extensive trails. The park also has spaces for bike riding, kite flying, picnicking, bird watching, and spectacular views of the Bay.
For those who prefer a more elegant, indoor option, Atherton is also surrounded by incredible wineries. At the historic
Woodside Vineyard just ten minutes away, which was one of the pioneers of the boutique winery movement, you’ll find decadent wines from legendary vines that are over 100 years old. Sample the diversity of flavors at
La Honda Winery, an urban wine location that produces delectable bottles made from vines tucked away in the redwood groves. With so many abundant options, you’ll never run out of places to see and products to sample in Atherton.
Schools
Atherton is home to several excellent schools. Top educational opportunities include:
- Menlo-Atherton High School, 9-12, highly-rated public high school
- Menlo School, 6-8, highly-rated private school
- Sacred Hearts Schools Atherton, PK-12, one of the top private Catholic schools in the state
Check out our other community guides on our site for insightful information on finding your perfect community.
