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The privacy gained by lots of at least one acre, winding streets with mature trees, gracious mansions set well back from the curbless streets -- this is Atherton today.

Once part of a Spanish rancho, the town was incorporated in 1923. One of its first rules was to assure that lots would not be subdivided into parcels smaller than an acre. With a few exceptions -- primarily former San Mateo County streets acquired through annexation -- that is still the rule today.

A few of the early homes remain, including three built by Timothy Hopkins for his daughters between 1901 and 1908 on Parkwood Drive, Altree Court and Lowery Drive.

FACTS

2009-10 TOWN OPERATING AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS BUDGET: $17 million

POPULATION (2009): 7,468

HOUSEHOLDS (2000): 2,413

SINGLE-FAMILY HOUSING (2000): 99 percent

MEDIAN HOME PRICE: $2,955,000

MEDIAN CONDOMINIUM PRICE $528,675

MEAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME (2000): $200,000-plus


Atherton Neighborhoods:

■ Lindenwood

■ Lloyden Park

■ West Atherton

■ West of Alameda

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