Atherton, California
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| Atherton, California | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Atherton |
| Settlement type | Town |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision type1 | State |
| Subdivision type2 | County |
| Subdivision name | United States |
| Subdivision name1 | California |
| Subdivision name2 | San Mateo |
| Established title | Incorporated |
| Established date | September 12, 1923 |
| Government type | Council–manager government |
| Leader title | Mayor |
| Leader name | Rick DeGolia |
| Area total sq mi | 5.02 |
| Area land sq mi | 5.02 |
| Area water sq mi | 0.00 |
| Elevation ft | 59 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population total | 7,188 |
| Population density sq mi | auto |
| Timezone | Pacific Time Zone |
| Utc offset | -8 |
| Timezone DST | PDT |
| Utc offset DST | -7 |
| Postal code type | ZIP Code |
| Postal code | 94027 |
| Area code | 650 |
| Blank name | FIPS code |
| Blank info | 06-03062 |
| Blank1 name | GNIS feature ID |
| Blank1 info | 1657950, 2409769 |
| Website | https://www.ci.atherton.ca.us/ |
Atherton, California. An incorporated town in San Mateo County, California, it is one of the wealthiest communities in the United States, known for its expansive estates, privacy, and proximity to the technology centers of Silicon Valley. The town is named for Faxon D. Atherton, a 19th-century businessman, and was incorporated in 1923 to preserve its residential character and avoid annexation by neighboring cities. Located on the San Francisco Peninsula, it is bordered by Menlo Park, Redwood City, and the unincorporated community of West Menlo Park.
History
The area was originally part of the vast Rancho de las Pulgas, a Spanish land grant awarded to the Arguello family. In the 1860s, Faxon D. Atherton, a merchant from Valparaíso, Chile, purchased over 600 acres, establishing his estate named "Valparaíso Park." His son-in-law, the noted University of California regent and philanthropist James T. Watkins, later developed the land. The arrival of the Southern Pacific Railroad and the growth of nearby Stanford University spurred residential development. To maintain local control and a low-density environment, residents voted to incorporate on September 12, 1923, successfully resisting annexation efforts by Redwood City. Notable early residents included the family of Leland Stanford and members of the Pacific Union Club.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 5.0 square miles, all of it land. It lies within the Santa Clara Valley on the San Francisco Peninsula, with generally flat terrain. The town is bisected by Alameda de las Pulgas and is crisscrossed by other major thoroughfares like El Camino Real. It is situated within the San Francisco Bay Area region and is part of the San Andreas Fault zone, placing it in a high-risk seismic area. The primary public open space is the Holbrook-Palmer Park, a 22-acre park that serves as the town's civic and recreational heart.
Demographics
The 2020 United States Census recorded a population of 7,188. The town is notable for its extremely high socioeconomic indicators, consistently ranking at the top of lists such as those compiled by American Community Survey and Bloomberg L.P. for highest income. The racial makeup is predominantly non-Hispanic white, with significant Asian American and Hispanic populations. Household wealth is substantial, with a high percentage of residents holding advanced degrees from institutions like Stanford University and University of California, Berkeley. Many residents are executives, venture capitalists, and technology entrepreneurs connected to Sand Hill Road and Silicon Valley.
Economy
Atherton is primarily a residential enclave with no commercial downtown or industrial base; its "economy" is largely defined by the immense personal wealth of its residents. Many homeowners are prominent figures in the technology industry, including former and current CEOs of companies like Google, Facebook, and Netflix. The town's fiscal health relies almost exclusively on property taxes, with median home values among the highest in the nation. While there are no major employers within its borders, its residents exert significant influence on the regional economy through their leadership roles in Fortune 500 companies and private equity firms based in nearby Menlo Park and Palo Alto.
Government
Atherton operates under a Council–manager government system. The town council consists of five elected members who select a mayor from among themselves. Day-to-day operations are managed by a professional city manager appointed by the council. The town provides essential services such as police protection through the Atherton Police Department, contract fire services from the Menlo Park Fire Protection District, and planning and public works. It is part of California's 18th State Senate district, the 21st State Assembly district, and is represented in the United States House of Representatives by the 16th congressional district.
Education
Public education is provided by the Menlo Park City School District and the Sequoia Union High School District. Students typically attend Laurel School and Encinal School for elementary grades, Hillview Middle School for middle school, and Menlo-Atherton High School for high school. The town is also home to several prestigious private institutions, including Menlo School and Sacred Heart Schools, Atherton. Its proximity to Stanford University and its Graduate School of Business creates a strong educational nexus. The town's Atherton Library is part of the San Mateo County Libraries system.
Category:Towns in California Category:San Mateo County, California Category:Populated places established in 1923