Atherton

Overview for Atherton, CA

7,021 people live in Atherton, where the median age is 49 and the average individual income is $203,138. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

7,021

Total Population

49 years

Median Age

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

$203,138

Average individual Income

Welcome to Atherton

The apex of privacy and prestige in Silicon Valley

Situated between Redwood City and Menlo Park, Atherton is not just a neighborhood; it is a sanctuary. As the premier residential community on the San Francisco Peninsula, it is defined by its lack of commercial zoning, ensuring an atmosphere of uninterrupted tranquility. This prestige makes it the chosen home for global technology leaders, venture capitalists, and entrepreneurs who seek respite just minutes from their offices.

Living in Atherton, CA

 

A Legacy of Preservation

Living in Atherton, CA offers a lifestyle characterized by privacy, tranquility, and unrivaled exclusivity. Consistently ranked as the most expensive zip code in the United States, Atherton is strictly zoned for residential use. You will not find busy strip malls, industrial zones, or even sidewalks here. The town has deliberately maintained a "rural character" with winding, tree-lined roads and no street lights, designed to preserve the night sky and the privacy of its residents.

The Estate Lifestyle

The real estate market here consists primarily of gated estates on lots generally requiring a minimum of one acre. Behind the privacy hedges and security gates lie some of California's most impressive architectural feats, from historic summer cottages of the 19th century to ultra-modern compounds. For those seeking a quiet retreat that is still just minutes away from the venture capital hubs of Sand Hill Road, living in Atherton provides the perfect balance of seclusion and accessibility.

Unrivaled Privacy & Exclusivity

 

Designed for Discretion

Atherton’s urban planning is intentionally designed to maximize anonymity. Unlike typical suburbs, the town enforces strict zoning laws that prevent commercial development, ensuring streets remain quiet and exclusively for residents. Properties are often hidden behind mature heritage oaks, high security gates, and dense perimeter hedges, offering a level of seclusion that is rare in the Bay Area.

A Community of Industry Leaders

The neighborhood attracts a specific caliber of resident who values privacy alongside luxury. While the resident list is confidential, the community is known to be the home of:

  • Tech Titans: C-Suite executives from Google, Meta, and Apple.
  • Venture Capitalists: Partners from the top Sand Hill Road firms.
  • Professional Athletes: Stars from the Warriors and 49ers seeking secure compounds.
  • International Dignitaries: Global figures seeking a discreet U.S. base.

The Social Heart: Menlo Circus Club

 

While Atherton is purely residential, social life often revolves around the historic Menlo Circus Club. A private, members-only institution located within the town, it serves as the community's living room. From world-class equestrian facilities and polo matches to tennis, swimming, and gala events, the club provides a space for neighbors to connect in an exclusive setting.

Neighborhood Comparisons

 

When choosing a luxury home on the Peninsula, distinguishing between the "hills" and the "flats" is vital.

The Ultra-Exclusive Peers

Like Atherton, these communities focus on large lots and privacy:

  • Hillsborough: Similar prestige, but features hillier terrain and winding narrow roads, offering views rather than Atherton's flat, park-like lots.
  • Woodside & Portola Valley: Offers a more equestrian, rugged, and rustic luxury under the redwoods, contrasting with Atherton's manicured landscaping.
  • Los Altos Hills: Requires large acreage like Atherton but is situated in the foothills with a more rural, spread-out feel.

Tech Hubs & Downtown Centers

For those who prefer walkability over strict seclusion:

  • Palo Alto & Menlo Park: Directly bordering Atherton, these cities offer world-class shopping and dining. Most Atherton residents utilize these downtowns daily.
  • Redwood City: A rapidly gentrifying urban hub north of Atherton offering high-density luxury condos and a vibrant nightlife scene.

Dining, Entertainment & Culture

 

Because Atherton has no commercial zones, residents enjoy the best of both worlds: quiet nights at home and Michelin-star dining just a 5-minute drive away.

Fine Dining Nearby

In Menlo Park, Oak + Violet offers farm-to-table Californian cuisine in a chic setting. For a Michelin-starred experience, residents head to Selby’s in Redwood City to enjoy the famous "Black Tie" burger and extensive wine list.

Shopping & Arts

The Stanford Shopping Center is an open-air luxury destination featuring brands like Hermès and Cartier. Culturally, The Center for Performing Arts provides high-caliber theater and the Silicon Valley Dance Festival.

Things to Do

 

Holbrook-Palmer Park

The only public municipal park in town, Holbrook-Palmer Park covers 22 acres of gardens, walking paths, and tennis courts. It is the venue for the town's beloved community events.

Wine Country Access

Just a short drive into the hills, La Honda Winery and Thomas Fogarty Winery offer estate cabernets and chardonnays with sweeping views of the entire Bay Area.

Equestrian Life

With many properties zoned for horses and proximity to the Menlo Circus Club, the equestrian lifestyle is deeply woven into the fabric of the community.

Schools

 

Atherton is served by the Las Lomitas Elementary School District, widely considered one of the top districts in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

 
Why are there no sidewalks in Atherton?

The town maintains a "scenic rural" preservation policy. The lack of sidewalks and streetlights is intentional to discourage foot traffic, enhance privacy, and maintain a park-like atmosphere.

Is Atherton safe?

Yes, Atherton is one of the safest communities in the Bay Area. It has its own dedicated police department for a relatively small population, ensuring rapid response times and regular patrols.

What is the minimum lot size?

Most of Atherton is zoned for a minimum of one acre, though some grandfathered lots are smaller. This zoning prevents density and ensures the estate feel.

Explore Nearby Neighborhoods

 
Atherton Belmont Half Moon Bay Hillsborough Los Altos Los Altos Hills Menlo Park Mountain View Pacifica Palo Alto Palo Alto Hills Portola Valley Redwood City San Carlos San Mateo Woodside

Around Atherton, CA

There's plenty to do around Atherton, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.

8
Car-Dependent
Walking Score

Points of Interest

Explore popular things to do in the area, including Race Against PH, Precision Martial Arts and Fitness, and Savage Wellness.

Name Category Distance Reviews
Ratings by Yelp
Active 1.97 miles 5 reviews 5/5 stars
Precision Martial Arts and Fitness Logo
Active 1.34 miles 14 reviews 5/5 stars
Savage Wellness Logo
Active 1.31 miles 6 reviews 5/5 stars
Glowbyglory Logo
Beauty 3.74 miles 5 reviews 5/5 stars
Humaniq Logo
Beauty 0.96 miles 7 reviews 5/5 stars
Shayla Rae Hair Logo
Beauty 1.47 miles 11 reviews 5/5 stars

Demographics and Employment Data for Atherton, CA

Population Households Employment

Atherton has 2,266 households, with an average household size of 2.81. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Atherton do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 7,021 people call Atherton home. The population density is 1,399.69 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

7,021

Total Population

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

49

Median Age

49.05 / 50.95%

Men vs Women

Population by Age Group

0-9:

0-9 Years

10-17:

10-17 Years

18-24:

18-24 Years

25-64:

25-64 Years

65-74:

65-74 Years

75+:

75+ Years

Education Level

  • Less Than 9th Grade
  • High School Degree
  • Associate Degree
  • Bachelor Degree
  • Graduate Degree
2,266

Total Households

2.81

Average Household Size

$203,138

Average individual Income

Households with Children

With Children:

Without Children:

Marital Status

Married
Single
Divorced
Separated

Blue vs White Collar Workers

Blue Collar:

White Collar:

Commute Time

0 to 14 Minutes
15 to 29 Minutes
30 to 59 Minutes
60+ Minutes

Browse Properties in the Area

For Sale
MLS® ML81997107

$29,995,000

241 Polhemus Avenue, ATHERTON, CA 94027
6 Beds 8 Baths 10,772 Sq.Ft.
Pending
MLS® ML82026560

$27,000,000

273 Austin Avenue, Atherton, CA 94027
5 Beds 5.5 Baths 7,927 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
MLS® ML82025637

$23,888,000

291 Atherton Avenue, Atherton, CA 94027
7 Beds 7.5 Baths 12,026 Sq.Ft.
Search Homes
Atherton

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Contact Details

Drew Doran | CA DRE# 01887354

Phone

(650) 766-2080

Email

[email protected]

Address

1377 El Camino Real Menlo Park, CA 94025

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