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Set against rolling hills and open space, Stanford Hills is a peaceful neighborhood quietly hidden just off Sand Hill Road. Longtime Menlo Park residents are often surprised to find 78 homes tucked beyond the serene park that marks the neighborhood's entrance. With only three streets and one access road, Stanford Hills feels almost like a retreat from the busy world surrounding it.

Rachel Perkocha appreciates the short walk to Stanford Hills Park where the growing number of young families in the neighborhood often gather, and the strong sense of community that exists. "Everyone watches out for each other," she says.

John Richardson and his wife Thora, have lived in Stanford Hills for 23 years. Mr. Richardson remembers the time a neighbor knocked on his door in the middle of the night to alert him that heavy rains were flooding his garage. "That is certainly part of what makes living here so special," he says. The neighborhood association also has an annual meeting in late October and two social events — a Labor Day picnic and December holiday party, according to Mr. Richardson.

The neighborhood is communicating not only through the association but now also through the Internet, sharing suggestions such as skilled repair people, he adds.

The neighborhood was established in the 1960s through a 99-year lease with Stanford University. Homes were built by developers like David Day. James Aced, another developer, lived in Stanford Hills for many years.

Though many homes have been renovated and much landscaping has been revamped, there has not been any "supersizing" in Stanford Hills — the original integrity of the neighborhood has been maintained, neighbors say.

Roger Mein grew up in Stanford Hills in the 1970s and has recently moved back with his family. He has fond memories of roaming the neighborhood on bikes, and hundreds of hours of football and baseball in the park.

"We had free reign into the open space surrounding the park, and many neighbors had gates in their backyard fences providing access into the hills," he says.

These days, the hills are dotted with grazing black-and-white cattle affectionately called "Oreo cows" by residents.

The Stanford connection is strong on the neighborhood. Many residents are current or retired faculty, staff, or alumni of the university. Mr. Mein's dad was originally enticed to the neighborhood by a Stanford classmate; and Mr. Richardson purchased his house from his freshman Stanford chemistry professor.

Residents get together for a Labor Day barbecue in the park, and for a holiday party in early December, both sponsored by the homeowners' association. A formal meeting is held annually in the fall to discuss any neighborhood concerns, such as the widening of Sand Hill Road or park development questions.

"Stanford Hills is Menlo Park's best-kept secret," says Ms. Perkocha. "Just don't tell anyone we told you."


FACTS


CHILD CARE & PRESCHOOLS: Trinity School, 2650 Sand Hill Road, Menlo Park

FIRE STATION: 3322 Alameda de las Pulgas, Menlo Park

PARK: Stanford Hills Park, Branner Drive at Sand Hill Road, Menlo Park

NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION: Stanford Hills Homeowners' Association, Jeni Mahon, president 650-854-4668

PUBLIC SCHOOLS: Las Lomitas School District — Las Lomitas School, 299 Alameda de las Pulgas, Atherton; La Entrada School, 2200 Sharon Road, Menlo Park

Sequoia Union High School District — Menlo-Atherton High School, 555 Middlefield Road, Atherton

SHOPPING: Sharon Heights Shops

MEDIAN HOME PRICE: $ NA

HOMES SOLD:NA

View the neighborhood map (PDF)

— Monique Johnson