Menlo Park is Palo Alto’s quiet next-door neighbor, but don’t mistake “quaint and quiet” for “nothing going on.” Made up of tightly knit neighborhoods, Menlo Park is extremely family-friendly, has access to some of the best shopping in the country, hosts wonderful community events, and is home to a vibrant art scene.
The city grew up around the Caltrain station, which was built in the late 1800s. From the beginning, Menlo Park has been a home for Bay Area professionals and is now home to Facebook’s main campus and many venture capital firms.
The types of homes available in Menlo Park occupy a wide range, though the majority are single-family homes. Downtown also offers high-end residences and mixed-use spaces.
As the home of several prominent venture capital firms with proximity to Stanford University, Menlo Park attracts some of the world’s most entrepreneurial people. Even with its professional opportunities, it never loses its small-town, nature-filled charm. Also, thanks to ordinances championed by residents, Menlo Park is one of the most kid-friendly towns in the area. Between the community support and award-winning school districts, many families call Menlo Park home.
Menlo Park is bursting with world-class shopping and dining experiences. Whether you’re looking for boutique shopping, casual dining, or luxury brands, you’ll be able to find what you’re looking for here.
Rated one of the top shopping centers in the country, Stanford Shopping Center is a bustling center of luxury shopping interspersed with restaurants and coffee shops. Along Santa Cruz Avenue, you’ll find boutique gems such as indie toy store Cheeky Monkey and luxury home goods store Anthem Home. For an even more home-grown experience, visit the farmers market that takes place downtown every Sunday.
Cafe Borrone is a Menlo Park staple that offers delicious food surrounded by inspiration. They have an art gallery and live music multiple nights a week. Santa Cruz Avenue is bursting with delicious eateries such as Mademoiselle Colette (French), Camper (American), and La Stanza Cucina Italiana (Italian). For a more laid-back dining experience, visit the famed food trucks at The Willows Market.
The quiet community of Menlo Park makes a big splash with its year-round community events and family-friendly outdoor spaces. There is always something to do for people of all ages.
Kepler’s Books is a legendary bookshop known for its world-class selection and incredible events, from book clubs to speaker series. The Allied Arts Guild is another storied location that hosts community events such as the Holiday Faire and a community poker tournament benefiting the Lucille Packard Children’s Hospital. Other great events include the Summer Concert Series, Connoisseur’s Marketplace, and the Sidewalk Fine Arts Stroll.
Menlo Park has plenty of green space within its borders. Flood Park, the newly updated Nealon Park, and Burgess Park are beautiful and expansive. They also count tennis courts, baseball fields, dog parks, a pool, and shaded playgrounds, among their many amenities. The rec center at Burgess Park hosts many community activities for residents.
Menlo Park is served by two award-winning school districts: Menlo Park School District and Las Lomitas Elementary School District. Top private educational opportunities include:
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