Encompassed by San Mateo County, Atherton is a town nestled in the heart of Silicon Valley. This town is an affluent suburb just minutes from tech hotspots such as Menlo Park, Redwood City, and Palo Alto. It is also several miles away from the San Francisco Bay and multiple nature preserves (including the breathtaking El Corte de Madera Creek Preserve). The area was originally called Fair Oaks, but was renamed after American businessman Faxon Dean Atherton when it was incorporated in 1923.
Atherton is well-known for its luxurious mansions and high-profile residents. Giants of the tech industry, as well as celebrities and sports stars, reside in the town’s ultra-exclusive neighborhoods. For several decades, Atherton has earned the distinction of being one of the wealthiest towns in America. On multiple occasions, the area was ranked as having the highest per capita income (of U.S. towns under 10,000 residents). It is also routinely listed as one of the most expensive zip codes in the United States, known for its wealth.
Is Atherton a Good Place to Live?
Yes, Atherton is one of the best places to live in the entire country. It is tucked into the heart of Silicon Valley in San Mateo County and offers large and gated estates on tree-lined streets shaded by protected heritage trees, with near-total privacy. All of it is within a short drive of Menlo Park, Palo Alto, and the major tech campuses where many residents work. Stanford University is also located just a few miles north.
Moreover, Atherton is a highly safe area as crime is well below the California average, the schools are outstanding, and the climate is sunny and warm year-round with no snow to contend with. Low population density and the absence of commercial zoning help preserve the town’s character as a quiet, residential community. Considering all these advantages, it’s no surprise that Atherton ranks as one of the wealthiest towns in America and among the most expensive ZIP codes in the United States.
Where Is Atherton California?
Atherton is located as a small town in San Mateo County, California, on the San Francisco Peninsula in the heart of Silicon Valley. It sits between Menlo Park and Redwood City, which is roughly 25 miles south of San Francisco and about 12 miles north of San Jose. Residents get easy access to Interstate 280 and U.S. 101.
Atherton CA Population & Demographics
Currently, Atherton’s population is approximately 6,960 (U.S. Census 2025 estimate). Population figures have declined from 7,188 in the US 2020 Census, which means there’s a 3.17% decrease in Atherton CA population.
The demographics of Atherton show that among individuals living in Atherton, the median age is 49.1. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the percentage of men and women is split, with an estimated 50.6 percent identifying as male. 49.4 percent of females. Among all households in Atherton, only about a third have children.
In the town, approximately 4,338 individuals identify as White. Approximately 1,256 residents identify as Asian, while 992 identify as Hispanic. 20.6 percent of the population is foreign-born, which is significantly higher than the U.S. average.
Atherton has a reputation for being home to well-educated, high-earning residents. Median household income remains steady at $250,001, which is more than double the national average. Over 83.1 percent of the population has a college degree or higher, which is twice California’s state percentage.
Famous Residents in Atherton | Who Lives in Atherton?
Atherton has a long list of famous residents and billionaires, both past and present. Some of the most prominent ones are:
- Meta (Facebook) executive Sheryl Sandberg
- Hall of Fame football pro Jerry Rice
- Golden State Warriors MVP Stephen Curry
- Late Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen
- Co-founder of Intuit Tom Proulx
- Late Hall of Fame Major League Baseball player Ty Cobb
- WhatsApp founder Jan Koum
- Former HP CEO Meg Whitman
- ServiceNow CEO Bill McDermott
- Fleetwood Mac’s Lindsey Buckingham
- Grateful Dead’s Bob Weir
The reason why so many billionaires and famous people from the tech industry live in Atherton is that it is located in the heart of Silicon Valley. A common thread among many of these residents is their connection to nearby tech giants, and such close proximity means Atherton is a convenient location for many of today’s top CEOs and executives.
Is Atherton CA Safe?
Yes, Atherton CA is a safe place to live. Based on the FBI’s crime reports, Atherton has significantly lower crime rates compared to the California state average. Atherton’s violent crime rate is 78.5% lower than the California state average. Similarly, Atherton’s property crime rate is 38.3% lower than the California state average.
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California recorded a violent crime rate of 486.0 per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 2,078.4 per 100,000 residents. By comparison, Atherton’s small-town safety profile stands out drastically, keeping its offense numbers remarkably low and making it a highly safe place to live.
There are 21 total officers on staff with the Town of Atherton Police Department.
Atherton CA Cost of Living
As one of the wealthiest and most expensive zip codes in the nation, individuals moving to Atherton can expect a higher-than-average cost of living. Those who are asking “Can I afford to live in Atherton?” can explore some of the latest data to determine if the area fits into their overall financial plan, including Atherton real estate trends, taxes, and everyday expenses.
The Atherton median home price is an impressive $8.5 million, and because so few homes trade each month, the median sale price swings dramatically, as Redfin recorded a median around $14.8 million in early 2026. This figure is significantly higher than the U.S. median. One of the most expensive homes in Atherton was listed for $100 million. Yearly, residents can also expect to spend heavily on property taxes.
According to figures from the Economic Policy Institute Family Budget Calculator, a two-parent, two-child family needs roughly $245,257 per year for a modest yet adequate standard of living in the San Francisco metro area that includes Atherton.
Atherton everyday living expenses:
- Milk (regular), (1 gallon): $4.13
- Eggs (regular, 12): $3.57
- Basic utilities in Atherton (~915 sq ft) Apartment: $179.67
- Meal for 2 people, mid-range restaurant, three-course: $66.00
- International primary school: $1,139.54/month (if averaged over 12 months)
Source: Numbeo
Atherton Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Atherton
All of the neighborhoods in Atherton are wonderful places to reside. Featuring regal homes, top-tier privacy, and peaceful roads, all communities offer an unparalleled quality of life. When exploring Atherton homes for sale, you’ll discover several top neighborhoods: West of the Alameda, West Atherton, Lloyden Park, Lindenwood, and Fair Oaks (an homage to the town’s original name). Many streets have a rural feel, with mature landscaping and minimal through traffic.
West of the Alameda, Interstate 280 and Sharon Heights Golf and Country Club border the city of Atherton. The area is lined with sprawling, gated mansions and feels secluded from the rest of town.
West Atherton offers exceptional tranquility yet is busier than other parts of the area. It is home to multiple schools, including Sacred Heart Prep and Menlo School, and is served by the highly regarded Las Lomitas Elementary School District. It also borders Downtown Menlo Park.
Lloyden Park and Fair Oaks are gorgeous neighborhoods that are much more densely populated than surrounding communities. Homes here are spacious, but there are fewer gated properties and mansions on this side of town.
Lindenwood is closest to the 101, the Facebook (Meta) campus, and the waterfront. This neighborhood is known for its palatial homes and lush greenery.
Those who plan to commute from any of these neighborhoods will have no trouble reaching nearby cities. For example, Atherton is 25 miles away from San Francisco.
Atherton Weather & Climate
When living in Atherton, you’ll always want to have a pair of sunglasses on you. With long, arid summers and pleasant winters, the climate here is best described as sunny and warm. Between June and October, the average daily high is a mild 73 degrees. November through mid-February, temperatures remain nice, with a daily average high of 61 degrees.
This area is marvelous for those looking to skip traditional winter conditions. Moving to Atherton means that you’ll never have to contend with snowfall, winter coats, or blizzards ever again. In addition to its warm temperatures, the area receives ample sunlight and minimal rainfall. Enjoy basking in the beautiful Northern California weather any day of the week.
Things to Do in Atherton
Wondering where to spend your free time upon moving to Atherton? Although the area is mainly residential, there are plenty of places to visit nearby, along with year-round community events hosted by the town and local civic groups.
Holbrook Palmer Park
Kid-friendly yet designed for teens and adults, Holbrook Palmer Park is one of the top things to do in Atherton. Play baseball or softball on the park’s field, or play singles or doubles at its beautifully maintained tennis courts. On this 22-acre property, you can also take your youngster to the playground, tour the park’s gardens, or stroll along the designated walking paths.
150 Watkins Ave, Atherton, CA 94027, (650) 752-0500
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Heather Hill Riding Center
Situated inside the Horse Park at Woodside, Heather Hill Riding Center is known as the Bay Area’s top destination for novice horse riding. The center offers lessons on private pastures for those interested in getting into the sport.
39 Valley Ct, Atherton, CA 94027, (650) 465-4083
Sharon Heights Golf and Country Club
Located on the border of Atherton (in Menlo Park), the Sharon Heights Golf and Country Club is a premier destination. Reserve your tee time at this private, award-winning venue, which first opened its doors in 1962.
2900 Sand Hill Rd, Menlo Park, CA 94025, (866) 854-6422
The city operates multiple parks and other amenities across Atherton for all residents to enjoy. Check out all managed properties and spaces on the Atherton Parks and Recreation site. There are many events in Atherton; take a look at the calendar of events.
Atherton Restaurants
Just outside of Atherton, there are exceptional places to eat. Spanning a variety of cuisines, you can find delectable dining options minutes from home, along with convenient shopping and well-stocked grocery stores in neighboring Menlo Park and Redwood City.
Flea Street
Upscale and highly-rated, Flea Street in Menlo Park has been a local favorite since 1980. The restaurant offers a seasonal menu of elevated dishes, prepared with fresh, local, and organic ingredients.
3607 Alameda de las Pulgas, Menlo Park, CA 94025, (650) 854-1226
The Refuge
Casual and eclectic, The Refuge serves up tasty gastropub fare in an approachable setting. Acclaimed for their five-star pastrami dishes, this eatery also serves up Belgian beers and one-of-a-kind burgers.
1143 Crane St, Menlo Park, CA 94025, (650) 319-8197
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Jobs in Atherton
According to Payscale, the average salary in Atherton is $82,000 per year. This is 32 percent higher than the U.S. average. Atherton itself is overwhelmingly residential, and most residents commute to high-paying roles across Silicon Valley rather than working in town.
The most common employment sectors for Atherton residents are professional, scientific & technical services, finance & insurance, and health care. Several miles away, you’ll find the Meta (Facebook) headquarters, along with other major tech and financial employers.
Atherton Schools
Atherton features outstanding public and private schools at every grade level, making education one of the town’s biggest draws for families. Two of the most prestigious schools in the area are Menlo-Atherton High School and Menlo College. Famous alumni of Menlo School include former MLB player Kevin Bass, Myspace co-founder Brad Greenspan, and 2008 Pulitzer Prize winner John Matteson.
Students and others will enjoy the nearby Atherton Library, which features excellent study materials, literature, and more. Sacred Heart Schools Atherton is also a popular preschool-high school independent Catholic school located in Atherton.
Atherton Statistics & Information
- Zip code: 94027
- Area code: 650
- County: San Mateo County
- Time zone: Pacific Time (PT)
- Elevation: 59 feet
- 5,046 square miles
- Closest airport: San Carlos Airport / Palo Alto Airport (general aviation); San Francisco International (SFO) for commercial flights
Map of Atherton
Check out all the things to do, places to eat, and more on this map of Atherton.
Pros & Cons of Living in Atherton
- Pro: Ultra exclusive neighborhoods that offer the utmost peace and privacy.
- Con: High cost of living.
- Pro: Sunny and warm climate year-round.
- Pro: Close to top cities and employers in Silicon Valley.
Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Atherton CA
Who Lives in Atherton CA?
Atherton is home to many tech executives, venture capitalists, professional athletes, and entertainers drawn by its privacy and Silicon Valley proximity. Some of the popular residents include Meta’s Sheryl Sandberg, NBA star Stephen Curry, NFL Hall of Famer Jerry Rice, and WhatsApp founder Jan Koum.
How Many Billionaires Live in Atherton?
Atherton is regularly cited as one of the most billionaire-dense towns in America, with several billionaires owning homes in the roughly 5-square-mile community.
Why Is Atherton So Expensive?
Atherton is expensive because of extreme scarcity and demand. The town itself is tiny and almost entirely zoned for large single-family lots with no commercial district. It sits within commuting distance of the world’s biggest tech employers, and the strict absence of commercial zoning keeps Atherton real estate inventory permanently limited.
What County Is Atherton CA, in?
Atherton is located in San Mateo County, California, on the San Francisco Peninsula. Its ZIP code is 94027, and its area code is 650.
How Far Is Atherton from San Francisco?
Atherton is about 25 miles southeast of San Francisco, which is typically a 35-to-50-minute drive up Interstate 280 or U.S. 101, depending on traffic.
What Makes Atherton a Top Choice in Silicon Valley?
Atherton stands out in Silicon Valley for its combination of extreme privacy, low population density, and unmatched proximity to major tech employers. The town has no commercial district, which preserves its quiet residential character, yet residents are just minutes from Meta, Google, and Stanford University.
Considering a Move to Atherton CA? Contact Us
If you’re planning on living in Atherton in the near future, be sure to hire a trustworthy moving company with years of experience. Contact our five-star Atherton movers today at 650-284-2931.
