Atherton

 

The Town of Atherton is located in southern San Mateo County and in close proximity to Stanford University, as well as downtown Palo Alto and Menlo Park shopping hubs. It was built around 640 acres originally owned by Faxon Dean Atherton, a wealthy businessman who established the first large estate in the area. The community attracted prosperous San Franciscans after the railroad was completed in 1863 and still adheres to strict zoning regulations adopted when it was incorporated in 1923.

Comprised of approximately 6,900 residents and 2,500 homes, Atherton retains a pastoral ambiance enhanced by an abundance of native heritage trees, elegant gardens on large level lots (typically exceeding an acre), and an absence of sidewalks. A ban on commerce, plus equal access to San Francisco and Silicon Valley have also contributed to making Atherton one the most expensive and exclusive addresses in the country. Students attend either one of the several private schools in town or schools in the Menlo Park/Las Lomitas elementary districts and the Sequoia Union High District. The high school, Menlo-Atherton High, is one of the highest scoring schools in the Peninsula and it is supported strongly by the community through bonds.