Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Atherton, CA
Considering a move to Atherton, CA? This exclusive Silicon Valley enclave boasts a small, affluent population of 7,200, with median home prices topping $7.9 million and average rents at $7,000. Residents enjoy exceptionally low crime rates, top-tier public and private schools, and mild, sunny weather year-round. With a short average commute of 26 minutes and easy access to healthcare and world-class universities, Atherton is ideal for those seeking privacy, luxury, and a family-friendly atmosphere in the Bay Area.
Demographics - Atherton, CA
Demographics - Atherton, CA
Atherton is a small, upscale community with about 7,200 residents and a median age nearing 50, reflecting a mature and established population. The city is predominantly White (72.5%) with a significant Asian community and a notable portion of non-English speakers at 17.5%, adding cultural diversity. Its balanced gender ratio and low population density contribute to a serene, residential feel.
Population:
7,200
Density:
1,400 per sq mi
Median Age:
49.2
Gender Ratio:
93 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
17.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
72.5%
Black:
0.4%
Asian:
18.3%
Others:
3.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Atherton, CA?
Atherton is among the most expensive places to live in the U.S., with a median home value of $7.9 million and typical monthly rents reaching $7,000. The overall cost of living index is very high at 570, reflecting premium housing, groceries, and transportation costs. Residents should be prepared for significant expenses, especially in real estate and daily necessities.
Median House Value:
$7,900,000
Gross Rent:
$7,000
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$220
Auto Insurance:
$2,150
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$11,500
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$2,300
State Taxes:
Low:
1%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
570.0
Grocery:
138.5
Housing:
1100.0
Utilities:
120.0
Transportation:
140.0
Health Care:
125.0
Miscellaneous:
130.0
Crime
Is Atherton, CA a safe place to live?
Atherton boasts exceptionally low crime rates, with only 27 violent crimes and 550 property crimes per 100,000 residents. The odds of experiencing violent crime are just 1 in 3,700, making it one of the safest communities in the Bay Area. This security contributes to the town's appeal for families and high-net-worth individuals.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
27
Property Crimes Per 100k:
550
Crime Index:
577
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 3,700
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 180
Weather
What is the weather like in Atherton, CA year-round?
Atherton enjoys a mild, Mediterranean climate with summer highs typically reaching the low 80s°F and winters staying around the 40s to 60s°F. The area receives about 16.5 inches of rain annually and enjoys around 70% sunny days, offering residents plenty of pleasant weather for outdoor activities. Seasonal changes are gentle, making it comfortable year-round.
Winter
Min:
40°F
Max:
60°F
Spring
Min:
48°F
Max:
72°F
Summer
Min:
56°F
Max:
82°F
Fall
Min:
50°F
Max:
75°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
16.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
70%
Neighbors
Atherton's neighbors are highly educated and affluent, with median household incomes well above $250,000 and an impressive 85% holding at least a bachelor's degree. The community has a very low poverty and unemployment rate, underscoring its prosperity. Commute times average about 26 minutes, and the area maintains a close-knit, exclusive feel.
Median Income:
$250,000+
Household Income:
$525,000
Family Income:
$600,000
Per Capita Income:
$275,000
Income Male:
$300,000
Income Female:
$250,000
Poverty Rate:
2.2%
Non English Speakers:
17.5%
Rent:
$7,000
Unemployment Rate:
2.1%
Public Transport Usage:
3.5%
Commute Time:
26.1 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
99.6%
Bachelors or More:
85.0%
Education
How are the schools in Atherton, CA?
Families in Atherton benefit from excellent educational options, including top-rated public schools like Menlo-Atherton High School and prestigious private institutions such as Sacred Heart Schools. Higher education is easily accessible, with Stanford University just three miles away and Menlo College located within the city. The community's high educational attainment reflects its commitment to academic excellence.
Public Schools
Name:
Encinal Elementary School
Street:
195 Encinal Ave
Phone:
650-326-5164
Students:
730
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.5
Name:
Menlo-Atherton High School
Street:
555 Middlefield Rd
Phone:
650-322-5311
Students:
2,400
Student Teacher Ratio:
20.2
Private Schools
Name:
Sacred Heart Schools, Atherton
Street:
150 Valparaiso Ave
Phone:
650-473-4000
Students:
1,200
Name:
Menlo School
Street:
50 Valparaiso Ave
Phone:
650-330-2000
Students:
795
Colleges
Name:
Stanford University
City:
Stanford
State:
CA
Distance:
3 miles
Students:
17,000
Name:
Menlo College
City:
Atherton
State:
CA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
900
Healthcare
Atherton residents have convenient access to top-rated medical facilities, including Stanford Health Care and Sequoia Hospital nearby. The city benefits from a high physician-to-population ratio (4.5 per 1,000) and nearly universal health insurance coverage at 97.2%. Local healthcare services are comprehensive, supporting both routine and emergency needs.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Stanford Health Care
Address:
300 Pasteur Dr, Stanford, CA 94305
Phone:
(650) 723-4000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Sequoia Hospital
Address:
170 Alameda de las Pulgas, Redwood City, CA 94062
Phone:
(650) 369-5811
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
4.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
97.2%
Health Care Index:
80.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Atherton, CA?
The housing market in Atherton is characterized by luxury and stability, with a median home price of $7.9 million and 91.5% of homes owner-occupied. Rental opportunities are limited but can command average rents of $7,000 for a two-bedroom, and the area sees minimal foreclosures or new construction. Home values have shown steady appreciation, making real estate a strong investment.
Median Home Price:
$7,900,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$7,000
Owner Occupied Rate:
91.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.3%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
1.8%
New Construction Rate:
0.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.1%
DMV Information
Atherton residents are served by the California Department of Motor Vehicles office in nearby Redwood City. The DMV provides all standard vehicle registration and licensing services, with additional information available on the California DMV website. Access to the DMV is straightforward for local drivers.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1377 Veterans Blvd, Redwood City, CA 94063
Phone:
1-800-777-0133
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.