With a specific budget in mind, prospective homeowners quickly learn that they’ll find fairly different properties for sale in nearby cities and towns. For those not wed to a specific community, school district or distance from work, the choices are vastly increased — even when you stick to that budget.
* For under $400,000, a Menlo Park condo offers private and comfortable living, featuring a pool and gym. A slightly bigger house in Mountain View is listed for $111,000 more but does not provide the luxurious amenities.
* You can find a charming three-bedroom home on Willow Road in Menlo Park for $848,000, but if you prefer something more private there is a home nestled at the end of a cul-de-sac in beautiful Woodside for only $2,000 more.
* A spacious Menlo Park home is listed for $1.5 million and is surrounded by local schools. A similarly priced three-story home in Mountain View offers a chance to add on, or build a guest house, on the larger property.
* If your budget is limitless, an option is a home in the affluent West Atherton neighborhood listed for $3,980,000 and features its own separate apartment, swimming pool and private driveway. For $200,000 more you can purchase a recently remodeled spacious home in Palo Alto that includes high ceilings, a game court and gourmet kitchen.
$500,000:
MOUNTAIN VIEW
Address: 460 N. Whisman Road
List price: $499,000
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 1
Interior: 1,098 sq. ft.
Lot size: 4,960 sq. ft.
Date built: 1954
Set at the corner of North Whisman Road and Walker Street, this one-story home lies near the Hetch-Hetchy Trail — a .4 mile-long route that directly leads to Whisman School Park and the Middlefield VTA light rail station for accessible public transportation. Enthusiastic shoppers could take full advantage of this location with a new shopping center facing the property’s front door. If another shopping destination is desired, Highway 101 is just minutes away for a fast and convenient route. The three-bedroom home also includes a laundry room and partial basement.
MENLO PARK
Address: 2140 Santa Cruz Ave. #B201
List price: $388,000
Bedrooms: 2
Bathrooms: 2
Interior: 960 sq. ft.
Lot size: n/a
Date built: 1978
Located not far from Stanford Shopping Center and downtown Menlo Park, this two-bedroom, two-bath unit in Menlo Commons sits in a picturesque park-like setting. Both bedrooms and living room feature wall-to-wall carpeting that complements the elegant hardwood flooring in the dining space. With a pool and spa as centerpieces within the manicured garden area, this unit is attractive to outdoor-lovers. The complex is securely fenced, shielding off any heavy Santa Cruz Avenue traffic. As part of the association fee, a gym, recreation room and additional storage area are included.
$800,000:
MENLO PARK
Address: 208 Willow Road
List price: $848,000
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 1
Interior: 1,150 sq. ft.
Lot size: 5,005 sq. ft.
Date built: 1947
Bordering the neighborhood known as “The Willows,” for the abundant trees shading the winding streets, lies an attractive three-bedroom single-family home. The home features hardwood floors, a small backyard patio and a detached studio, which can be used as an office or private sanctuary. Its front yard displays a charming garden adding substantial curb appeal to the property. Located on Willow Road, the home has easy access to Highway 101. Downtown Palo Alto and Stanford Shopping Center are also a short distance away.
WOODSIDE
Address: 447 Glenwood Ave.
List price: $850,000
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 3
Interior: 1,280 sq. ft.
Lot size: 12,500 sq. ft.
Date built: 1933
Concealed with a fence and located at the end of a cul-de-sac, this three-bedroom home suits those who prioritize privacy. The property is tucked in the Glens neighborhood of Woodside where Highway 280 is very accessible. Nature lovers would appreciate this home’s proximity to Filoli’s hiking trail in the woodlands. Nearby schools include Woodside Elementary, Woodside and Sequoia high schools.
$1,500,000:
MENLO PARK
Address: 2040 Cedar Ave.
List price: $1,499,000
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2 full, 1 partial
Interior: 2,020 sq. ft.
Lot size: 6,000 sq. ft.
Date built: 1991
This two-story home in the University Heights neighborhood is an ideal fit for families raising their children. Schools — including Las Lomitas, La Entrada, Sacred Heart Preparatory and Menlo — are all within a 1-mile radius of the home. Cedar Avenue branches off of Alameda de las Pulgas making traveling up the Peninsula fast and convenient. Floor-to-ceiling windows and cabin-like woodwork framing complements the outdoor scenery while the open floor plan creates a family-cohesive atmosphere. The backyard swimming pool and Jacuzzi-styled bathtubs are added bonuses.
MOUNTAIN VIEW
Address: 482 Mariposa Ave.
List price: $1,499,000
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2 full
Interior: 1,939 sq. ft.
Lot size: 14,328 sq. ft.
Date built: 1915
On nearly a third of an acre in the Shoreline West neighborhood, this property offers plenty of opportunities: One could update this older home, add a guest house or develop the property, which is zoned R32. Original touches include a built-in sideboard in the dining room, high ceilings and wood trim and moldings. The master suite features a walk-in closet and updated bathroom. The property, which is walking distance from Castro Street, includes an artist studio and storage building, plus a deep backyard.
$4,000,000:
PALO ALTO
Address: 1661 University Ave.
List price: $4,180,000
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 4 full, 1 partial
Interior: 4,527 sq. ft.
Lot size: 15,000 sq. ft.
Date built: 1955
With high ceilings, two master bedrooms and a backyard game court, this newly remodeled home offers luxurious living meant for a larger family. Interior features include wall-to-wall plush carpeting, jet bathtubs and a gourmet kitchen complete with an island bar. Located on University Avenue, the home appeals to avid shoppers who enjoy finding the latest fashion trends at the downtown Palo Alto boutiques and Stanford Shopping Center.
ATHERTON
Address: 94 Selby Lane
List price: $3,980,000
Bedrooms: 5
Bathrooms: 3 full, 1 partial
Interior: 3,350 sq. ft.
Lot size: 1.67 acre
Date built: 1952
Secluded with its own private driveway at the end of a cul-de-sac, this five-bedroom home sits on an acre and a half. With floor-to-ceiling windows, the outdoors — including a swimming pool and an expansive patio — is very much part of everyday living. The property also features a one-bedroom apartment above the carport.