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In 2005, Forbes Magazine ranked Atherton as the most affluent town in the country. Faxon Atherton, the town's namesake, was a rich hide trader who built the first mansion in the area in 1860, giving Atherton it's name and beginning a long history of wealth and character. Known as a quiet, small community, Atherton is now heavily populated by a variety of ornamental heritage trees, elegant gardens, and residents who work hard to preserve their unique community. Highways 101, 280, 82 and 84 provide access to the surrounding Bay Area.
With no established business district, Atherton's streets are designed primarily as scenic routes as opposed to busy traffic areas, forcing residents and visitors to pass slowly without causing an excess of noise or environmental pollution. A variety of local community organizations invite residents to participate in preserving the town's residential character and open space. The Atherton Tree Committee presents awards for newly planted and heritage trees, encouraging proper maintenance of the town's living arboretum. The Atherton Arts Committee organizes yearly jazz festivals, fine art classes, lectures, and a youth after-school program. Popular classes in the past have included community stone carving and a Make-a-Circus community event. 22 acres within the Holbrook Palmer Park offer magnificent gardens and lawns, as well as multiple public meeting sites such as the Carriage House, which holds space for classes and dances, and the Rita Corbett Evans Creative Design Center which is used as a public day-care facility.
7,194 residents live within Atherton's 5-square-miles, earning an exceptional median household income of over $200,000. 170 properties were sold last year, with a median price of $2,600,000. The Menlo Park and Las Lomitas Elementary School Districts, as well as the Sequoia Union High District, serve the town's students. Menlo-Atherton High School is one of the highest scoring schools in the California peninsula, with an API of 727. Other outstanding Atherton schools are: Laurel Elementary School (API: 917), Encinal Elementary School (API: 921), and Las Lomitas Elementary School (API:944). Menlo College is also located in Atherton, integrating business, communication and liberal arts programs.
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