Atherton

 

A spacious suburb overflowing with redwoods, oaks, cedars, and pine trees, Atherton is one of the wealthiest in the United States and is 6 square miles in size. The beautiful trees, community events, and top-rated schools make it a highly sought-after district.

 

Known as Fair Oaks in 1866, Atherton was part of Rancho de las Plugras—now modern-day San Mateo County. Residents learned that Fair Oaks was already the name of a town in Sacramento, so they re-named the community Atherton after Faxon Dean Atherton, one of the first property owners in the South Peninsula. Atherton became an incorporated town in 1923. 

 

The median home value is $2M, making this an ideal destination for the well-to-do. Many nearby architects can design your dream home. Architecture firm Saikley Architects focuses on sustainability, ecology, and historic preservation and revitalization of properties, while EASA Architecture’s focal point is detail-oriented design, service, and execution.

 

The majority of residents are affluent retirees, though professionals and families reside here as well. Most people are home-owners, making their typically 25-minute commute to work via car. If you enjoy privacy and solitude in your grand estate, with plentiful outdoor recreation and Northern California offerings, Atherton is the ideal location for you.

 

Entertainment is an easy find in Atherton. Allied Arts Guild boasts stunning gardens, shops, and artists’ studios for a well-rounded, inspiring day trip. Enjoy a film or live performance at The Guild Theatre.

 

Drive a mere 10 minutes to Stanford Shopping Center for all of your retail and dining needs. Grab a delicious latte at Blue Bottle, buy a beloved doll at American Girl for your little one, and finish with a luxury jewelry purchase for yourself at Cartier. 

Local dining options are plentiful, with a variety of options for every palate. Start your day right with a honey almond latte and overnight oats at Coffeebar. Enjoy delicious Mexican and seafood dishes like shrimp tostadas and grilled tilapia at Mariscos El Camino. Stop by gastropub The REFUGE for a juicy pastrami burger and aged gouda mac n’ cheese.

 

There are several parks and community events to keep you engaged. Take a 15-minute drive to catch a flick and munch on some popcorn at Landmark Theatres Aquarius Theatre.

 

Celebrate womanhood through art, poetry, and storytelling while fundraising for two outstanding charities at The Vagina Festival. The Eve Appeal is an organization dedicated to advancing gynecological cancer research, while MRKH Connect provides support to women with congenital Mayer Rokitansky Kuster Hauser Syndrome. Support 25 years of National Poetry Month at the annual Poetry & the Creative Mind gala, where speakers and artists share their favorite poems. All proceeds go towards educational programs provided by The Academy of American Poets.

 

Enjoy a quiet, reflective day with your loved ones at one of several parks closeby. Fremont and Holbrook-Palmer parks are two fantastic destinations to picnic, play tennis, or simply take in the natural surroundings. Head to the exclusive Sharon Heights Golf and Country Club to hit the green or wack some tennis balls.

 

Educational opportunities are vast and noteworthy, including: