Living in Menlo Park: A Neighborhood Guide to Parks, Schools, Businesses & Housing

Menlo Park is one of the most desirable cities on the San Francisco Peninsula. Known for its tree-lined streets, strong school districts, and proximity to both San Francisco and Silicon Valley tech hubs, the city offers a neighborhood for every lifestyle. From the bayside trails of Belle Haven to the hillside estates of Sharon Heights, here’s your complete guide to living in Menlo Park—featuring local amenities, school districts, businesses, and real estate trends.

Belle Haven

• Lifestyle & Location: Nestled near Highway 101 and the Dumbarton Bridge, Belle Haven provides quick access to Facebook/Meta’s campus and commuting routes.

• Parks & Trails: Residents enjoy Bedwell Bayfront Park, a sprawling open space with waterfront trails, and nearby Don Edwards San Francisco Bay Wildlife Refuge.

• Schools: Served by Ravenswood City School District for elementary, with high schoolers attending Menlo-Atherton High in the Sequoia Union High School District.

• Local Highlights: Close to Meta, and just minutes from downtown East Palo Alto’s shopping and dining options.

• Housing Snapshot: More affordable compared to other Menlo Park neighborhoods, with average home values around $1.5M–$2M.

The Willows, Suburban Park, Vintage Oaks, and Flood Triangle

• Lifestyle & Location: Tucked between Highway 101 and Middlefield Road, The Willows and surrounding neighborhoods are popular for families seeking walkable, tree-lined streets.

• Parks & Trails: Hamilton Park and nearby Burgess Park are favorites for recreation.

• Schools: Most homes fall within the Menlo Park City School District, feeding into top-ranked schools like Laurel, Encinal, Hillview, and Menlo-Atherton High.

• Local Highlights: Easy bike access to downtown Palo Alto, plus beloved eateries like Camper and wine lounge Haven nearby.

• Housing Snapshot: Homes average $2.6M–$3.6M, depending on lot size and remodel status.

Felton Gables, Linfield Oaks & Park Forest

• Lifestyle & Location: Positioned near El Camino Real and the Caltrain station, these neighborhoods are ideal for commuters.

• Parks & Trails: Residents enjoy Timothy Hopkins Creekside Park and direct access to Burgess Park and Menlo Park’s Civic Center.

• Schools: Served by the Menlo Park City School District, with most students continuing to Menlo-Atherton High.

• Local Highlights: Walking distance to downtown Menlo Park and historic Allied Arts Guild with its gardens, galleries, and café.

• Housing Snapshot: Average home values range from $2.6M in Linfield Oaks to $4.2M in Felton Gables.

Downtown Menlo Park, Central Menlo Park & Allied Arts

• Lifestyle & Location: The heartbeat of the city, this area combines boutique shopping, cafés, and cultural institutions with residential charm.

• Parks & Trails: Fremont Park hosts concerts and events, while Burgess Park anchors community life.

• Schools: Menlo Park City School District and Sequoia Union High School District.

• Local Highlights: Downtown has become a culinary destination with newcomers like Yeobo, Darling (modern Korean-Taiwanese), Eylan (Cal-Indian fusion), and Temp & Time (Japanese pastries), joining staples like Kepler’s Books and long-time dining gems.

• Housing Snapshot: Homes in Central Menlo average $4.7M–$5.2M, with Allied Arts and Downtown averaging $2.6M–$3.5M.

Sharon Heights & Stanford Hills

• Lifestyle & Location: Nestled against the western hills, this area offers quiet cul-de-sacs, larger lots, and sweeping views. Convenient to Sand Hill Road, Stanford University, and Interstate 280.

• Parks & Trails: Close to the Stanford Dish hiking trail and Sharon Park.

• Schools: Served by the Las Lomitas Elementary School District, with high schoolers attending Menlo-Atherton.

• Local Highlights: Minutes from the Stanford Golf Course and Sharon Heights Shopping Center.

• Housing Snapshot: Among the city’s priciest real estate, with average values around $5M+.

Menlo Oaks & Fair Oaks

• Lifestyle & Location: Technically unincorporated San Mateo County, these leafy neighborhoods sit east of Middlefield Road.

• Parks & Trails: Easy access to neighborhood green spaces and bike routes into Palo Alto and Redwood City.

• Schools: Zoning varies, but many homes fall into the Menlo Park City School District or Ravenswood School District.

• Local Highlights: Known for larger lots and a semi-rural vibe while still being close to transit and downtown.

• Housing Snapshot: Average home values hover around $3.2M.

University Heights / West Menlo Park

• Lifestyle & Location: This unincorporated pocket sits just west of downtown, known for its charming post-war homes and proximity to Sharon Heights.

• Parks & Trails: Small parks and easy access to Stanford’s Dish trails.

• Schools: Primarily Las Lomitas School District, feeding into Menlo-Atherton High.

• Local Highlights: Close to Stanford Shopping Center, Sand Hill Road, and local cafés.

• Housing Snapshot: Home values average $5.1M, making it one of the most desirable neighborhoods.

Final Thoughts

Menlo Park offers a unique balance: strong schools, diverse neighborhoods, thriving local businesses, and easy access to tech jobs and highways.

• Families gravitate toward The Willows, Central Menlo, and Sharon Heights for schools and community.

• Commuters favor Linfield Oaks and Downtown for their walkability and Caltrain access.

• Buyers looking for larger lots or quieter retreats choose Menlo Oaks or Sharon Heights.

Whether you’re looking for a starter home near parks or a hillside estate with panoramic views, Menlo Park has a neighborhood that feels like home.