Central Menlo Park
Cherished for its suburban feel, but also close to downtown, Central Menlo Park is a neighborhood that offers the best of both worlds. The neighborhood has a slightly rural, non-sidewalk character that is enhanced by the gracious mid-century ranch homes that dot its landscape. Families love this neighborhood, its schools, parks and community, which has led to the development of many larger, custom homes that mix happily with the original ranches and the occasional mid-century contemporary. Once a stop for some on the way to a larger home in other neighborhoods, Central Menlo has become an end destination in itself. A place where a family can buy a starter home and move on the same street to a larger house, keeping their roots, neighbors and friends. Its location between 101 and 280 and proximity to the Santa Cruz downtown area is the height of confidence, while at the same time it may be one of the quietest neighborhoods on the lower peninsula. Nearby and walkable, Oak Knoll elementary and Hillview middle school cap the appeal for this idyllic locale.