Photo

There is only one road going in and out of the Stanford Hills neighborhood and residents like it that way. This tiny enclave of 78 houses is neatly tucked away among rolling hills that overlook the Stanford Golf Course.

On clear days, views of the bay and Hoover Tower are marvelous, says former neighborhood association president Mark Trail, who moved into the neighborhood in 2004.

"It has kind of a country feel," he says, noting his home backs up to a hill where cows often graze. "Not much traffic. It's really good for kids."

Stanford Hills Park, with a playground geared toward young children and an open grass area, is located at the entrance to the neighborhood. It is the site of the annual Labor Day family picnic, which for many years was organized by Mr. Trail's wife and features water balloon tosses, three-legged races and a bike parade.

"All the kids get medals at the end," he says.

The neighborhood social committee organizes other community gatherings, too.

The neighborhood offers easy access to Interstate Highway 280 and is located right across Sand Hill Road from the Sharon Heights Shopping Center. It's close to open space and hiking areas.

On weekends, Mr. Trail says he rides down to the Stanford Campus with his kids or around the Portola Valley Loop.

Boni Tom, who moved into Stanford Hills in 1997, says it has been a great place to raise her kids. Once, when her dog escaped from the yard, a neighbor picked up the pooch, opened Ms. Tom's gate and dropped her dog right back home.

The neighborhood is laid out in a loop, which contributes to an overall sense of safety.
"You can ride your bike ==Iaround== the block," Tom says. "You can't get lost."

"It's not a through street, so people aren't cutting through to get anywhere. Only people intending to come to our neighborhood come here," she adds.

Both Mr. Trail and Ms. Tom noted Sand Hill Road is very busy. They have worried about their children crossing the street from time to time.

Mr. Trail noted, however, that traffic is part of life in the Bay Area. "I don't know how you can live in this area and be far from ==Isome== busy street."

-- Nick Veronin


FACTS
CHILD CARE & PRESCHOOLS: Trinity School, 2650 Sand Hill Road, Menlo Park
FIRE STATION: 3322 Alameda de las Pulgas, Menlo Park
LOCATION: Sand Hill Road and Alpine Road and Branner Drive
NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION: Stanford Hills Homeowners' Association, Chuck House, president, 650-561-9222
PARK: Stanford Hills Park, Branner Drive at Sand Hill Road, Menlo Park
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 2012 HOME PRICE: $1,601,000 ($1,325,000-$1,841,000)
HOMES SOLD: 5

Are you receiving Express, our free daily e-mail edition? See a sample and sign-up for Express.