Silicon Valley Tech Titans Have Helped Make Atherton One of the Country’s Richest ZIP Codes

Locals’ Stops and Shops

Membership to have

Atherton’s Menlo Circus Club is a private social and recreational club for families dating back to the 1920s. It includes an equestrian center, tennis courts and swimming pool. Residential land close to the club has the highest price per square foot in Atherton.

Architectural footnote

The Holbrook-Palmer Estate was gifted to Atherton in 1958 and converted into a 22-acre public park. Two of the park’s buildings, the 1883 water tower and the 1897 carriage house, are on the National Register of Historic Places.

Dining Around the Atherton Area

Atherton locals’ favorites include the Village Pub, top, and Rossotti’s Alpine Inn, bottom.

Advice for the buyer

“The majority of properties in Atherton are at least 1 acre or more,” says

Mary Jo McCarthy,

a real-estate agent with Golden Gate Sotheby’s International Realty. “That’s what makes Atherton unique.” Within Atherton’s four main areas, the difference from one street to another could be $1 million, she says. Central Atherton has the highest median price, has a number of properties with lot sizes larger than an acre, and is mostly on flat land, she says. West of Alameda is more rural and has a hilly topography, but it also offers views, including of the bay.

On the Market

Situated on 1.07 acres two blocks from the Menlo Circus Club, this 10,800-square-foot house, which was built in 2001, has three levels serviced by an elevator. There are five bedrooms on the upper level. There is also a lower-level garage with room for five cars plus a detached garage for two cars. Agent: Mary Jo McCarthy, Golden Gate Sotheby’s International Realty and Hugh Cornish, Coldwell Banker.

This 11,660-square-foot Colonial home, which was built in 1985, was recently renovated and newly landscaped. Its primary suite has two walk-in closets, two bathrooms and a balcony. There is a home theater, fitness center with a sauna, and a wine cellar with a tasting area. There is also a pool and a five-car garage on its 1.14 acres. Agent:

Michael Repka,

Deleon Realty.

Built in 2001, this Craftsman-style, 7,104-square-foot home is bright and airy, with skylights, expansive windows and glass doors. It has two dedicated office spaces and a wraparound covered porch that overlooks an oversize pool. It sits on 1.45 acres. There are two garages, each for two cars; one is wired for electric-vehicle charging. Agent: Tatum Clarke and Joyce Romeo, Sereno.