5 Reasons to Move to Atherton

At some point in a home buyer’s West Coast search, the question might come up as to the ideal place to live in California.

The luxurious oasis of Atherton in the San Francisco Bay Area can step up to the plate with confidence. 

Widely recognized as the city of choice by some of the biggest names in technology and Silicon Valley, Atherton is primarily a bedroom community. While tech cities generally develop hip commercial hubs with plenty of coffee shops and vibrant bars, Atherton evolved as an area that cherishes its open space and private acres. 

There is virtually no commercial zoning here, and the fairytale-like, tree-lined streets offer an unparalleled sense of peace. 

Below, the team at Prevu Real Estate put together the top five reasons you should consider moving to Atherton. 

A residential oasis with unparalleled open space

Entering Atherton is like slipping into a page from a Tolkein novel. Lush greenery, rolling hills, and drooping trees decorate almost every corner of this idyllic Silicon Valley gem. 

Lots here are expansive and partly due to specific regulations that require prospective homes to be built on at least one acre of land. As a result, most of the luxurious homes found here enjoy impressive amounts of land, all neatly tucked away behind trees and gates.

The streets are tranquil since no commercial business happens in the area. Therefore, Atherton prides itself on providing the ultimate suburb experience, where residents enjoy the sounds of Californian nature without worrying about the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Proximity to some of the biggest attractions in Silicon Valley

There is a reason folks like former Google CEO Eric Schmidt, Meta Plaforms COO Sheryl Sandberg, and former HP CEO Meg Whitman once called the 94027 zip code their home. 

With the host cities of Silicon Valley just down the road or freeway, Atherton became a tech suburb that blended what so many homebuyers working in cities could only dream of: A residential paradise that only suburbs could offer and some of the shortest commutes to the workplace. 

Tech giants like Facebook and Google are all located within minutes from Atherton, while the mansions of their employees rest in undisturbed peace just a short distance away. Any prospective homebuyer with the means to scope out a home in Atherton will enjoy the same benefits if they’re eyeing a tech career.

No commercial areas mean abundant peace and quiet

The tech landscape and volatility of financial markets involved with it are enough to make even the most prominent tech professional’s head spin. To have the chance to escape to a blissful suburb that’s just twenty minutes away and rest from the noise is why Atherton is such a desirable place to live in Silicon Valley.

Of course, there is a steep price to pay for a slice of paradise on Earth. Atherton continuously ranks as the most expensive zip code in the United States. But for those willing to shell out close to five million for a home here, the proximity to tech HQs and Atherton’s stunning natural beauty might justify the hefty price tag.

The city also stringently protects the nature that envelopes Atherton. Regulations are in place to ensure no commercial work happens inside the city, so even AirBnB has no place here. Instead, idyllic streets, warm temperatures, and noise-free roads weave through the city and lead to some of the most beautiful San Francisco Bay Area homes.

A vibrant, downtown vibe is nearby in Menlo Park

A quiet paradise is excellent, but there comes the point when you’ll want to get out on the town. 

For Atherton residents, the easiest way to some of the best restaurants and entertainment in the San Francisco Bay Area is Menlo Park. A five-minute drive gets you straight to the crossing of El Camino Real and Santa Cruz Avenue, where the hottest restaurants and boutiques of Menlo Park are on display. 

For a day of hiking and recreational activities, a short drive through Menlo Park over to Palo Alto is all it takes to access the sprawling Stamford University campus and the myriad of nature-filled trails with panoramic views. 

There is also the historic Menlo Circus Club which, contrary to what the name suggests, is located in Atherton. Established in 1923, the Club is the city’s primary gathering place for residents looking to socialize and enjoy local recreational activity.

Privacy is a valued asset

Atherton has maintained its crown as one of the most expensive cities in the country for a long time. Property prices have risen ever since Google and Facebook established themselves just 10 minutes away. Investments in homes here have reaped financial benefits as the city has attracted household names from the technology industry, as well as celebrity athletes.

And for those that value privacy above all else, Atherton accommodates. Even with a tight-knit community vibe, the mansions found in Atherton are keen on maintaining privacy, with ornate borders and gates surrounding the vast properties. So if you’re looking for a suburban paradise where you can enjoy life away from prying eyes, then Atherton is arguably the best place in the US to look.  

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Prevu Real Estate, Inc. is a licensed real estate broker in California, license number 02134758.