Emerald Hills, Woodside

The three new granite boulders marking the entrances to Emerald Hills' 250 acres could be considered symbolic of how the neighborhood is divided into three separate jurisdictions: Woodside, Redwood City, and unincorporated San Mateo County.

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As a result of this division, zoning regulations vary according to addresses, as do building codes, which helps explains why there's a wide range of residences in the area.

The Woodside section, for instance, is on a septic system, whereas the other parts of Emerald Hills have access to sewers. This difference impacts the overall housing density, yet in general, the neighborhood is still characterized by oak-studded hills, narrow, windy streets, and of course, lakes.

The two lakes are located in Redwood City. The upper one is privately owned by the residents who border it, while the lower lake is owned by a group of families. It is open to people who have summer club memberships.

"The residents appreciate the rural character of the neighborhood," says Carolyn Chaney, past president of the Emerald Hills Homeowners Association.

Lot sizes vary -- up to one acre, with new and old homes situated side by side. Smaller modest homes sit next to new million dollar residences, she says.

After living there for 22 years, Ms. Chaney observes the residents have represented "a mix of ages, where nowadays there are lots of young families."

Stevan Patrick agrees, saying over the years, "It's become a more kid-friendly neighborhood." He should know. Mr. Patrick has lived in the Woodside part of Emerald Hills for all his 49 years. During that time, he has seen some changes. Many houses have been torn down or remodeled, but his concern "is to see that the area maintains more open space."

Emerald Hills abuts Edgewood County Park and Natural Preserve, a 467-acre stretch with trails that attract many nature lovers, especially during spring wildflower season.

On weekends, Mr. Patrick is pleased to see a lot of people simply out enjoying the neighborhood. "More people walk up and down the streets than driving up and down the streets, it's a good walking area," he says, even though there are no sidewalks to be found anywhere.

A few notable landmarks dot the map. The 94-foot-tall plain white Easter Cross stands out from a distance atop a hill. And 50 feet in height, Handley Rock, a major mound of sandstone, is said to be the largest outcropping in the county.

Taking care of natural beauty is important to many neighbors. "We have a pretty strong tree protection ordinance right now," Ms. Chaney says. Every other year the homeowners association gives away several hundred trees, which locals plant in their backyards "to keep the neighborhood green," she adds.

Once a popular area for equestrians, the horse population has noticeably dropped in recent years. There still are some horses, and old barns that add to the character, Mr. Patrick says.

And character is what he likes about the neighborhood he has always called "home."

"It's charming, very rural, with some broken down fences and not perfectly manicured yards," he says.

-- Kate Daly