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Once known as the "Sleepy Hollow of California," Menlo Park did not take off as a community until after World War II. Despite its proximity to Stanford University, Sand Hill Road venture capitalists, dot-com start-ups and research institutions, "Menlo Park still at least seems like a small town," notes Michael Svanevik and Shirley Burgett in their published "Menlo Park: Beyond the Gate."

Landowners first incorporated back in 1874, but chose to "disincorporate" a mere two years later. It wasn't until 1927 that today's city was established.

Menlo Park now offers a suburban enclave with many urban amenities: from a bustling downtown and strong public school district, to plenty of parks and recreation facilities.


FACTS

2008-09 CITY OPERATING BUDGET: $38 million
POPULATION (2000): 30,785
HOUSEHOLDS (2000): 12,387
SINGLE-FAMILY HOUSING (2000): 61.1 percent
MEDIAN HOME PRICE: $1,505,000
MEDIAN CONDOMINIUM PRICE: $998,500
MEAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME (2000): $123,809


Menlo Park Neighborhoods:

• Allied Arts/Stanford Park
• Central Menlo Park
• Downtown Menlo Park
• Fair Oaks
• Felton Gables
• Linfield Oaks
• Menlo Oaks
• Park Forest
• Sharon Heights
• South of Seminary/Vintage Oaks
• Stanford Hills
• Stanford Weekend Acres
• Suburban Park/Lorelei Manor/Flood Triangle
• University Heights
• The Willows/Belle Haven

View the Menlo Park neighborhoods map (PDF)