Menlo Park, California

The Willows.

One of Menlo Park's oldest and most charming neighborhoods, where willow-lined streets and historic homes create a storybook village.

Explore the neighborhood Meet Simon

The neighborhood

The village within the village

The Willows is Menlo Park's historic heart east of downtown: streets named for the willows that shade them, homes from the early 1900s alongside thoughtful newer builds, and a walkable village feel anchored by the Willows Market. It is the neighborhood longtime locals love most.

Buyers get the Menlo Park City School District, downtown walkability and irreplaceable historic texture. Homes range from classic bungalows to reimagined estates, all under a mature canopy.

Historic streets willow-lined, early 1900s homes

Village feel Willows Market & walkability

Top schools Menlo Park City School District

At a glance: The Willows

The Willows is Menlo Park's historic willow-lined neighborhood near downtown, known for charming homes, village feel and top schools.

A sense of place

Why The Willows endures

Historic charm near downtown with top schools is Menlo Park's most loved combination. The Willows' canopy and character cannot be replicated.

Willow canopy Streets shaded by willows.

Historic homes Bungalows and period gems.

Downtown near Santa Cruz Avenue walkable.

01 / Education

Schools near The Willows homes.

Public school placement is determined by the local districts and can change. Confirm the exact property address directly with the district before relying on an assignment.

Top-rated school near The Willows, Menlo Park

District resources

Schools serving The Willows

The Willows is served by the Menlo Park City School District (K-8) and Sequoia Union High School District. Verify by exact address.

Menlo Park City School District

Top-ranked K-8 district; verify assignment by address.

Official site

Sequoia Union High School District

Menlo-Atherton High and district high schools.

Official site

Stanford University

World-class university minutes away.

Official site

City of Menlo Park

Libraries, recreation and community services.

Official site

02 / Parks

Parks near Menlo Park homes.

Menlo Park pairs village streets with a deep park bench, from the Bayfront to the foothill edge.

Flood Park

San Mateo County's beloved 21-acre park with heritage oaks and playing fields.

Official site

Bedwell Bayfront Park

160 acres of bay trails, marsh and skyline views.

Sharon Park

Lakeside park with playgrounds in Sharon Heights.

Park hours and facility access can change seasonally. Check the official pages before visiting.

Nearby outdoors

Trails around Menlo Park.

Bay levees, the Dumbarton corridor and foothill preserves give Menlo Park trail options in every direction.

Bedwell Bayfront trails

Bayfront loops for running, cycling and birding.

Stanford Dish loop

The iconic 3.5-mile hill loop minutes away.

Bay Trail

The regional Bay Trail passes Menlo Park's bayfront.

Trail conditions, seasonal closures and access rules can change. Check the linked official resources before heading out.

03 / Local life

Everyday life in The Willows

Willows Market, Santa Cruz Avenue and Flood Park's oaks shape the week.

Historic bungalow in The Willows, Menlo Park — The Willows bungalow

Charming home in The Willows, Menlo Park — Willow-lined village streets

Willows Market

The beloved neighborhood market.

Downtown Menlo Park

Santa Cruz Avenue dining nearby.

Flood Park

Heritage oaks minutes away.

Map & getting around

Getting around The Willows.

The Willows sits just east of downtown Menlo Park, with Willow Road, El Camino Real and nearby 101 as the main routes.

6 min

Downtown Menlo Park

6 min drive · Menlo Park area

Directions

10 min

Stanford University

10 min drive · Menlo Park area

Directions

8 min

Menlo Park Caltrain

8 min drive · Menlo Park area

Directions

12 min

Stanford Shopping Center

12 min drive · Menlo Park area

Directions

10 min

Googleplex, Mountain View

15 min drive · Menlo Park area

Directions

25 min

San Jose Airport

25 min drive · Menlo Park area

Directions

Drive times are approximate and vary with traffic. Tap Directions for live routing.

Market snapshot

Home values in The Willows.

The Willows trades at Menlo Park's character premium: citywide the median is about $3.58M, and willow-lined historic streets command strong premiums.

$178K

Median household income

Citywide approx. · U.S. Census data

$3.58M

Median home price

Citywide approx. · Realtor.com, Sept 2026

$10M+

High-end price point

Citywide approx. · recent luxury-tier sales

Figures are approximate as of Sept 2026. Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, Realtor.com market data.

Buyer guidance

Buying a home in The Willows?

Buyers: The Willows rewards patience. Historic homes trade rarely — we watch these streets so you hear first.

Sellers: your home's charm is the marketing. We present the willows, the history and the village feel editorially.

Call (650) 274-1134 Email Simon

Seller guidance

Selling your The Willows home?

Buyers: diligence historic considerations. We verify what's possible before you fall in love.

Sellers: stage to the storybook. We style Willows homes with warmth and period-appropriate charm.

Call (650) 274-1134 Email Simon

Buyer & seller questions

The Willows real estate FAQ.

What is The Willows known for?

The Willows is known as one of Menlo Park's oldest neighborhoods, with willow-lined streets, historic homes and a village feel near downtown.

Which schools serve The Willows?

The Menlo Park City School District and Sequoia Union High School District. Verify by exact address.

How much do homes cost in The Willows?

Menlo Park's citywide median is about $3.58M. The Willows' historic character commands strong premiums.

Is The Willows walkable?

Yes. Willows Market, downtown Menlo Park and Santa Cruz Avenue are walkable from much of the neighborhood.

How is the commute from The Willows?

Willow Road, El Camino Real and nearby 101 connect to Meta, Stanford and the wider Peninsula.

Continue exploring

Explore more Menlo Park neighborhoods.

Local guidance

Explore The Willows with Simon Sahi.

Walk The Willows' historic streets with a local expert. Call or email to begin.

Visit SimonSahi.com (650) 274-1134 SIMON@SPSILICONVALLEY.COM CA DRE #01953287