Menlo Park,CA Neighborhood Guides
Neighborhoods in Menlo Park, CA – Data, Lifestyle & Local Insights
Neighborhood Map
Discover the Best Neighborhoods in Menlo Park, CA
Menlo Park, CA, is a charming city nestled in the heart of Silicon Valley, known for its blend of suburban tranquility and vibrant urban amenities. The best neighborhoods in Menlo Park offer a mix of historic homes, tree-lined streets, and proximity to tech hubs like Facebook’s headquarters. Whether you're exploring the bustling downtown area or the quieter residential pockets, Menlo Park neighborhoods map reveals a variety of communities each with its own unique character and appeal.
Demographic Insights & Community Composition
The neighborhoods in Menlo Park boast a diverse and welcoming community. Areas like Sharon Heights and Allied Arts are popular among families due to their excellent schools and spacious homes, while neighborhoods such as Downtown Menlo Park attract young professionals and entrepreneurs. The demographic makeup is a vibrant mix of tech workers, academics, and long-time residents, fostering a strong sense of community and cultural richness. Many neighborhoods feature local parks, community centers, and farmer’s markets that encourage social interaction and neighborhood engagement.
Getting Around: Transit Information and Accessibility
Menlo Park’s neighborhoods are well-connected with several transit options making commuting a breeze. The Caltrain station in downtown Menlo Park serves as a major transit hub, offering easy access to San Francisco and San Jose. Many neighborhoods are bike-friendly with dedicated bike lanes, and local bus routes connect residential areas to shopping and dining districts. For those driving, major highways like US-101 and I-280 are conveniently accessible from most neighborhoods, ensuring smooth travel throughout the Bay Area.
Things to Do: What Are Some Popular Attractions and Things to Do
Menlo Park neighborhoods are packed with attractions and activities for residents and visitors alike. Downtown Menlo Park is a lively hub featuring popular spots like the Rosewood Sand Hill Hotel’s restaurants, boutique shops, and art galleries. Nature lovers can enjoy the nearby Bedwell Bayfront Park or the Stanford Dish hiking trails just a short drive away. Additionally, the Menlo Park Farmers Market, held weekly, is a favorite for fresh local produce and community vibes, making it a must-visit for anyone exploring the area.
Colleges & Universities: What Neighborhoods Are the Colleges/Universities Located In?
While Menlo Park itself doesn’t host major universities, it is strategically located near several prestigious institutions. Stanford University, located just south in Palo Alto, is easily accessible from neighborhoods like Belle Haven and Sharon Heights. These areas are popular with faculty and students due to their proximity to campus and the amenities they offer. Additionally, Cañada College in neighboring Redwood City is just a short drive away, providing higher education options close to Menlo Park’s residential communities.
What Are Some Things People Might Not Know About These Neighborhoods?
One lesser-known fact about Menlo Park’s neighborhoods is their rich historical background. For example, the Old Menlo neighborhood features charming Craftsman-style homes and was one of the city’s earliest residential areas. Many neighborhoods also have hidden gems like small, family-owned cafes and bookshops that give the area a unique, local flavor beyond the tech scene. Exploring the Menlo Park neighborhoods map can reveal these tucked-away spots, offering a glimpse into the city’s blend of innovation and tradition.
Menlo Park Demographics
Best Neighborhoods
| Hood | Med. Age | Have Kids | Home Price | Med. Income | Affordability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lorelei Manor | 40.2 | 36.2% | $1,823,234 | $210,713 | 8.2 |
| University Heights | 42.5 | 39.4% | $1,984,376 | $241,260 | 8.2 |
| Central Menlo Park | 41.2 | 34.1% | $1,949,079 | $234,986 | 8.4 |
| Sharon Heights | 46.1 | 32.1% | $1,984,376 | $235,938 | 8.4 |
| Fair Oaks | 37.3 | 27.2% | $1,539,300 | $179,062 | 9.0 |
| The Willows | 39.1 | 35% | $1,745,701 | $194,448 | 9.0 |
| Allied Arts | 39.4 | 38.1% | $1,908,341 | $216,914 | 9.0 |
| Downtown Menlo Park | 40.2 | 31.8% | $1,988,890 | $214,100 | 9.9 |
| Felton Gables | 37.4 | 32.1% | $2,000,001 | $207,188 | 10.1 |
| Menlo Oaks | 39.4 | 38.5% | $1,797,072 | $199,221 | 10.2 |
Menlo Park neighborhoods bring their own blend of lifestyle, affordability, and long-term appeal, and the data in the table above helps highlight what makes each area stand out. By comparing home prices, median income, average age, families with kids, and housing affordability ratios, you can quickly uncover the best neighborhoods in Menlo Park—those that balance cost, character, and overall livability. For budget-minded buyers, the table also makes it easy to identify the most affordable neighborhoods in Menlo Park, where lower home prices combined with local income levels create meaningful value. Families can use the children-per-household data to pinpoint the best neighborhoods for families, revealing which areas offer strong community connections and a family-friendly atmosphere. Meanwhile, adults looking for quieter, age-friendly surroundings can turn to neighborhoods with higher median ages to find the best neighborhoods for retirees, where comfort, stability, and an easy pace of living tend to define the local experience. This data-driven overview offers a clear starting point for understanding how each neighborhood aligns with the lifestyle you want.
Crime in Menlo Park
| Crime |
Reported |
Menlo Park /100k |
CA /100k |
National /100k |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Murder | 0 | 0.0 | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 10 | 32.2 | 36.6 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 8 | 25.8 | 119.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 53 | 170.7 | 325.8 | 256.1 |
| Total Violent Crime | 71 | 229 | 486 | 359 |
| Burglary | 87 | 280.2 | 305.8 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 425 | 1,368.7 | 1,345.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle Theft | 41 | 132.0 | 427.5 | 258.8 |
| Total Property Crime | 553 | 1,781 | 2,078 | 1,760 |
| TOTAL CRIME | 624 | 2,010 | 2,564 | 2,119 |