Menlo Oaks

The borders of the Menlo Oaks neighborhood are Bay Road, Ringwood Avenue and Berkeley Way and Arlington and Coleman Aves. The neighborhood has about 300 homes and sits on about 106 Acres. Right in the center of this neighborhood stands a majestic Victorian mansion, built in the 1880’s. Originally part of the 165 acre Coleman Family Estate, it is now home to the Peninsula School, a small progressive private school catering to the ages of K-8.

Like only a very few sections of Menlo Park, the Menlo Oaks neighborhood remains a part of the Unincorporated County of San Mateo. Probably because of this, it has retained a more rustic and rural quality, with no paved sidewalks and slightly meandering streets – feeling reminiscent of a mini-Atherton. Lot parcels are non-uniform and home building styles, which span the decades, are ecclectic. About 13 homes built before 1941 are considered to be of historical significance. Also distinguishing this neighborhood is the larger lot sizes. Over the last twenty years, because of the rapidly rising property values in the area, and huge buyer demand for more housing, many of the owners of the larger land parcels have sub-divided the lots and sold portions off so it is very rare to see properties that are larger than half an acre. Because of this subdividing, it is not unusual to find many flag lots in Menlo Oaks, with houses tucked away behind properties that stand closer to the street. Many people like these recessed lots as they offer more privacy. The land division has resulted in many large new homes being built in the neighborhood. And many homeowners have been busy with significant re-models of the more charming older homes.

This is a wonderful neighborhood to walk in. The people who live here love the trees and fight to protect them. Residents are collaborative and active with their local home owner association which offers advice on services and also keeps everyone up on current local events and news. One of the strongest battles they have fought in the recent past has been the transfer of their neighborhood school district. It was originally part of the Redwood City Elementary School District and residents lobbied to have it assigned to the higher rating (and geographically closer) Menlo Park City School District. This change has drawn a larger population of new families who have young children. Not surprising, it has also had the result of raising the property values considerably. Buyers who are attracted to Menlo Oaks are those looking for great MP schools, larger lot sizes, a more rustic landscape and easy access to urban amenities and community facilities. While it feels like a forest, Menlo Oaks is only minutes away and nearly equidistant from both downtowns of Menlo Park and Palo Alto! And close to the freeway for easy commuter access! So central - yet so country!