Living in Menlo Park

Menlo Park is a city distinguished by its culture, and is deeply steeped in knowledge and opportunity. As would behoove one of the most educated cities in the state (nearly 70% of residents 25 and older have a Bachelors’ degree or higher), Menlo Park hosts numerous award-winning primary and high schools, such as the private Sacred Heart Preparatory and the public Menlo-Atherton High. Perfectly situated in the dead center of Silicon Valley, the city is also host to Facebook and is a mere minutes away from Stanford. Menlo Park’s economic hub, the companies of Sand Hill Road, serves as a hub of Silicon Valley ideation and decision-making.

Although the city is primarily known for its tech scene, its cultural offerings rival those of many major cities. Dozens of famous artists and musicians have called Menlo Park home, including Stevie Nicks, Joan Baez, and Jerry Garcia. Santa Cruz Avenue, the main strip of the town, is bedecked with dozens of unique stained glass artworks at every intersection, and the town hosts annual music and arts events such as The Menlo Summer Fest, Summer Block Party, Sidewalk Art Stroll, and many others. Local organizations such as the Allied Arts Guild help keep the community involved and engaged in artistic and cultural pursuits. And since it’s halfway between San Francisco and San Jose, the opportunities for further cultural enrichment beyond Menlo Park itself are near-infinite.

It’s beautiful, too, both in the neighborhoods and in the town’s public spaces. Housing designs range from picturesque bungalows on cul-de-sacs to elegantly designed modern ranch-style abodes. Menlo Park may be small, but it hosts all sorts of neighborhoods, from quaint and densely spaced homes to extremely private and thickly treed hills. The salt marshes are a unique feature, backset by the spectacular scenery of Bedwell Bayfront Park and bordered by miles and miles of Bay Trail. The wild, open preserves of Portola Valley are just across the freeway, with dozens of trails and parks like Windy Hill Nature Preserve.