Welcome to Menlo Park
Glorious weather and ample small-town charm epitomize this San Francisco Bay Area hotspot
Menlo Park is a city of beautiful, tree-lined neighborhoods and active commercial districts. Located conveniently between the major metropolitan areas of San Francisco and San Jose, Menlo Park is home to approximately 36,000 residents in its 19 square miles. The stunning natural surroundings of the city afford views of the San Francisco Bay to the east and the Pacific Coastal Range to the west. Menlo Park’s climate is moderate to warm, with an average of 265 sunny days a year.
Even if you’ve never seen the gorgeous city of Menlo Park, chances are high you’ve heard of this industrious, vibrant city. This, after all, is the headquarters of many of the world’s biggest technology companies, including Meta (Facebook) and Instagram. As such, it has an erudite, lively air matched only by its warm, affable personality and tight-knit ethos. Indeed, the “Capital of Venture Capital,” as it’s known across the globe, is markedly quaint when compared to San Francisco, the world-class city that rests a mere 25 miles away.
This is exactly how Menlo Park residents like it. Its historic downtown core brims with vibrant restaurants — many with sun-splashed sidewalk patios — and excellent boutiques. The schools here are just as terrific, while an abundance of verdant open spaces and picture-perfect parks adds to its quaint, wholesome ambiance.
What to Love
- Proximity to Palo Alto and San Francisco
- Youthful, friendly, and community-focused
- Flourishing with beautiful homes on impeccable, tree-lined streets
- Filled with majestic trees
Local Lifestyle
Menlo Park residents thrive on its ideal location and combination of outstanding amenities and outdoor recreation. The climate here is downright divine, and you’ll frequently find your neighbors savoring it in a handful of ways, whether hiking one of the town’s trails or picnicking in the park. The city’s industries make it a natural fit for technology professionals, but it’s just as appealing to Stanford professors, artists, retirees, students, and anyone who wants to live in an active, friendly community.
Dining, Shopping & Entertainment
Menlo Park has a panoply of fantastic eateries, both upscale and laidback. Breakfast is best enjoyed at Cafe Borrone, a spirited cafe that calls Europe to mind. Come in for a Belgian apple waffle with pecans and powdered sugar or a breakfast sandwich piled high with Zoe’s bacon, fried eggs, and onion confit on pain de mie — all paired with a steaming cup of coffee, of course.
Dutch Goose is the optimal place for lunch. Here, you’ll find an enticing selection of burgers and ice-cold beers. Dinner dates go from standard to unforgettable at Flea Street, where New American cuisine, like pan-seared sea scallops with garnet yams and beurre blanc and winter squash risotto with brown butter and sage, will keep you coming back for more. Superb Italian fare is savored at Trellis Restaurant, while Back a Yard Caribbean Grill serves stellar island fare in a casual setting.
Shopping in Menlo Park is always a pleasure, especially if you prioritize spending an hour or two among the collection of titles at the landmark Kepler’s Books. This treasured bookstore frequently features jam-packed author events.
Things to Do
Menlo Park residents are never at a loss for delightful activities. You can spend a Saturday checking out the latest luxury fashions at Stanford Shopping Center or see iconic musicians perform at the equally iconic Guild Theatre. Whether you’re in the mood to fly a kite or go for a run, Bedwell Bayfront Park always delivers a wonderful experience: the urban oasis features more than 160 acres and an awesome network of rustic hiking trails.
Menlo Park is also home to the pristine and striking Sharon Heights Golf and Country Club, which teems with exquisite redwoods and ancient oaks. Sundays are “officially” reserved for chatting with your neighbors and stocking up on fresh produce at the Menlo Park Farmers’ Market.
Schools
School-aged children are near several high-ranking private and public institutions, including:
In 2023, the Menlo Park average price for a home was $3,563,362, a 3% increase from the previous year.
