Choosing a Real Estate Agent in Atherton, CA: Why Michael Warren Stands Apart
Choosing a real estate agent in Atherton comes down to who knows the town's rules, its buyers and its price points. Michael Warren, a Realtor with Compass, has represented Atherton buyers and sellers with sales totaling about $116.2 million, including the buyer's side of the $40 million sale of 233 Park Lane in 2023. He lives in nearby Woodside and has worked on the Mid-Peninsula since teaming up with Mary and Brent Gullixson in 2015.
Below you'll find the local rules that shape Atherton values, every Atherton sale and lease Michael has worked on, his background, the press around his $40 million Park Lane deal, what a past Atherton client said, the latest market figures and his approach for sellers and buyers. A long FAQ at the end answers the questions people tend to ask when picking an Atherton Realtor.
Why Michael Warren Is a Strong Choice in Atherton
Michael has handled Atherton deals from a $4.3 million home on Park Drive to a $40 million new estate on Park Lane, on the buyer side, the listing side and both sides at once. His buyers have won competitive homes like 10 Faxon Forest and 137 Heather Drive within days of listing, and his own listings have sold quickly, including 51 Toyon Road, which went under contract in 2 days and sold above asking. Add a statewide RealTrends Verified ranking and a background in finance and Silicon Valley startups, and he is a great choice for Atherton sellers and buyers who want an experienced, discreet advisor.
What Makes Atherton Real Estate Different
Atherton has its own set of rules, and they shape value more than in most Bay Area towns.
- It was built to stay residential. Atherton incorporated on September 12, 1923, when Fair Oaks property owners chose to form their own town rather than be annexed by Menlo Park, so they could keep the area strictly residential, according to the Town of Atherton. The town is named after Faxon Dean Atherton because "Fair Oaks" was already taken.
- There is no commercial zoning. The town's zoning districts are residential (R-1A and R-1B), parks and open space, and public facilities and schools, under Atherton Municipal Code §17.30.010. Shopping and dining happen in Menlo Park, Redwood City and Palo Alto.
- Lot size sets house size. In the R-1A and R-1B districts, new subdivisions need at least one acre, and the maximum floor area is 18% of the lot for lots of one acre or more, with a formula for smaller legacy lots, per the R-1A rules and R-1B rules. In R-1A, floor area above the first floor cannot exceed 7.5% of the lot, and the standard front and rear yard is 60 feet, with smaller setbacks for some older, shallower lots.
- Basements add space. A basement can run up to the full footprint of the first floor, and it is left out of floor area when the first finished floor sits less than 2 feet above natural grade, per Atherton's basement rules. Newer Atherton estates such as 74 Lilac Drive and 233 Park Lane put theaters and wine cellars on a finished lower level.
- Trees can decide a project. Removing a heritage tree requires a permit under the heritage tree ordinance. Heritage trees include any valley oak, coast live oak or blue oak with a trunk at least 48 inches around, measured 54 inches above grade, and other trees that size outside the main buildable area, per the ordinance's definitions. Michael wrote about a case where one cedar tree changed a garage plan in Atherton.
- Sewer service is split. The town is divided between two sewer districts, Fair Oaks and West Bay, per the Town of Atherton. Buyers should confirm which district serves a property.
- Housing law is changing the map. In 2024 the town added an RM-10 multifamily overlay that allows up to 10 units per acre on specific Housing Element parcels, per Atherton's zoning code. It applies only to designated parcels, but it is worth checking what is planned near a home.
Michael's Atherton sales include newer estates with full lower levels, like 74 Lilac Drive and 233 Park Lane, older homes on smaller legacy lots, like 89 Park Drive, and homes marketed for their land, like 51 Toyon Road, which was offered to buyers planning to renovate or build new, so he can explain how these rules affect a specific property's value.
Michael Warren's Atherton Sales and Transactions
Michael has represented sellers and buyers across Atherton with sales totaling about $116.2 million, computed from MLS records on Redfin and his Compass profile. See more on his portfolio of sold homes and his Atherton homes for sale page.
Michael Warren Sales in Atherton
| Property | Location | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 74 Lilac Drive | Lindenwood, Atherton | $15,500,000 | Sold May 2026, buyer side. A 9,510 square foot home built in 2004 on 0.9 acres, with a lower level holding a theater and wine cellar, plus a pool house. |
| 51 Toyon Road | Lindenwood, Atherton | $7,520,000 | Sold September 2025, listing side. A 1955 home on 0.9 acres with a solar-heated pool and spa, which went under contract after 2 days on the market and sold about 4.5% over its $7,195,000 asking price. |
| 267 Greenoaks Drive | Atherton | $12,800,000 | Sold June 2025; Michael represented both the seller and the buyer. Built in 2002 by Pacific Peninsula Group and fully renovated, the home has an elevator, a pool and a spa, and it was under contract 2 days after listing. |
| 89 Park Drive | Atherton | $4,300,000 | Sold November 2024, represented both the seller and the buyer. A 1978 home with a top-floor loft and a lower level that can work as a separate living area. |
| 233 Park Lane | Atherton | $40,000,000 | Buyer side, 2023. Completed in 2022, the home has 14,215 square feet on 1.3 acres. Writing in December 2023, the San Francisco Chronicle called it the No. 2 most expensive publicly listed Bay Area home sale of the year so far, citing Compass data. |
| 10 Faxon Forest | Atherton | $16,500,000 | Buyer side. A mostly single-level 1998 home on 1.02 acres at the end of the lane, with a central cathedral glass ceiling, which his buyers secured about 3.3% over asking after 1 day on the market. |
| 137 Heather Drive | Atherton | $14,000,000 | Buyer side. A 2007 Pacific Peninsula Group colonial of 8,803 square feet with an elevator to all three floors, which went under contract after 2 days on the market and sold about 9.4% over asking. |
| 88 Park Drive | Atherton | $5,600,000 | Listing side. A home built in 2019 with fully retractable doors to the outdoors and a media room. |
Michael Warren Leases in Atherton
| Property | Location | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 39 Faxon Road | Atherton | $25,000 per month | Leased March 2026, listing side. A 4,890 square foot home on 1.38 acres near the Menlo Circus Club. |
| 216 Valparaiso Avenue | West Atherton | $22,500 per month | Leased March 2026, listing side. A home on about an acre with a main-level primary suite, leased at its asking rent. |
Michael Warren (Gullixson Team) Sales in Atherton
Michael handled these sales while working with Mary and Brent Gullixson, whom he teamed up with in 2015.
| Property | Location | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 180 Elena Avenue | Atherton | $12,000,000 | Buyer side, Michael Warren (Gullixson Team). A 1.28-acre lot across from the Menlo Circus Club. |
| 175 Isabella Avenue | Atherton | $8,300,000 | Buyer side, Michael Warren (Gullixson Team). A 1957 single-story home set far back on 0.99 acres. |
| 267 Greenoaks Drive | Atherton | $8,375,000 | Buyer side, Michael Warren (Gullixson Team). The same home Michael later sold for $12.8 million after its renovation. |
| 40 Isabella Avenue | Atherton | $6,250,000 | Represented both the seller and the buyer, Michael Warren (Gullixson Team). A 1935 French country manor with a guest house, pool and heated loggia. |
More Atherton Sales From Michael Warren's Portfolio
| Property | Location | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 234 Atherton Avenue | Atherton | Contact for pricing details | A 10,355 square foot home built in 2007 on 1.32 acres. |
| 238 Atherton Avenue | Atherton | Contact for pricing details | A home on 1.06 acres next door to 234 Atherton Avenue, sold the same month. |
| 60 Ashfield Road | Atherton | $4,500,000 | A 3,380 square foot home built in 2006. |
| 89 Park Drive | Atherton | $3,650,000 | An earlier sale of the same Park Drive home. |
Sales Across the Mid-Peninsula
| Property | Location | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 320 Harcross Road | Woodside | $18,900,000 | Sold September 2025, listing side. A 1929 French chateau on five acres that sold at full asking price. |
| 1210 Cañada Road | Woodside | $13,000,000 | Buyer side. A three-acre estate with a four-stall horse barn. |
| 1491 Cañada Lane | Woodside | $12,600,000 | Sold May 2025, buyer side. |
See his Woodside sales and community page for more.
Who Michael Warren Is: Peninsula Roots Close to Atherton
Michael grew up on the Peninsula in San Mateo, going to Baywood Elementary and then Aragon. After starting college at the University of Colorado at Boulder, he came back to the Bay Area and completed his business degree at Notre Dame de Namur University, his bio notes; Compass lists it as a BS in Business Administration, Finance.
His first career was in Silicon Valley startups, followed by two years with a San Francisco law firm, and he also holds a license from the California Department of Insurance. In 2015 he began working with Mary and Brent Gullixson. Michael, his wife Christina and their three children live in Woodside, a short drive from Atherton. Over the years he has advised CEOs, founders, venture capitalists and their families, per his website.
Michael Warren's Sales Record in Atherton and Beyond
- Atherton sales totaling about $116.2 million across eight transactions where MLS or Compass records name him: four on the buyer side, two on the listing side and two where he represented both the seller and the buyer (computed from Redfin and Compass, checked October 2026).
- $113.96 million in sales volume across 14 sides in 2025, with an average price of $8.14 million, and ranked #91 in California and #253 nationally by volume (RealTrends Verified, 2025 sales data).
- In 2023, Michael Warren Real Estate closed off-market deals priced from $1 million up to $40 million, according to a February 2024 post on the business's Nextdoor page.
Awards and Recognition
- RealTrends Verified Top Agent by Volume (2025 sales data), with a #91 California and #253 national ranking by volume. RealTrends Verified profile.
- Nextdoor Neighborhood Favorite (2023), for Michael Warren Real Estate, as shown on the business's Nextdoor page.
Press Coverage of Michael Warren's Atherton Sales
- The Real Deal, "Turnkey house in Atherton sells for $40M," October 20, 2023. Reported that Michael, at Compass, represented the buyer of 233 Park Lane, and included his comments on Silicon Valley, Atherton and Woodside as a center of business activity. Read The Real Deal's report.
- San Francisco Chronicle, "This is the most expensive home sold this year in the U.S.' most expensive ZIP code," December 5, 2023. Covered the same $40 million sale, naming Michael as the buyer's Realtor and quoting his view of the local market's strength. Read the Chronicle story.
Atherton Client Reviews
On Zillow, Michael has a perfect 5.0 rating from 4 reviews, which date from 2017 and 2018. You can read more client feedback on his testimonials page.
"We highly recommend Michael Warren! Besides knowing the market really well, he is super responsive, a great negotiator and willing to go above and beyond to help - even after closing."
Zillow reviewer SUZANNECHU, bought and sold a single-family home in Atherton, November 2018. The same review rates him 5 out of 5 for local knowledge and negotiation, the two skills that matter most in a town where homes often sell within days.
What Sets Michael Warren Apart in Atherton
- Atherton results on both sides. He represented both the seller and the buyer on 267 Greenoaks Drive ($12.8 million, June 2025) and 89 Park Drive ($4.3 million, November 2024).
- Buyers who win. His buyers secured 10 Faxon Forest after 1 day on the market and 137 Heather Drive after 2 days, both above asking.
- Listings that move. 51 Toyon Road in Lindenwood went under contract after 2 days and sold about 4.5% over asking in September 2025.
- Experience at the highest price points. He represented the buyer on 233 Park Lane at $40 million, a sale covered by The Real Deal and the San Francisco Chronicle.
- Leasing as well as sales. He leased 39 Faxon Road at $25,000 per month and 216 Valparaiso Avenue at $22,500 per month in March 2026, useful for owners between moves or holding a home.
- Privacy built in. For more than 10 years he has handled confidential transactions under NDA, and through Compass he can bring a home to market off-market or as a private exclusive.
- Trained alongside a leading Atherton team. He teamed up in 2015 with Mary and Brent Gullixson, whose team reports more than $4.7 billion in Atherton sales.
- Fluent in tech-wealth timing. Years in Silicon Valley startups and a finance degree help him plan sales around equity, liquidity events and job moves, which he writes about in timing an Atherton estate sale around liquidity events.
About Atherton, CA
Atherton is a residential town in San Mateo County between Menlo Park and Redwood City, with 7,188 residents in the 2020 Census and 5.02 square miles of land. About 87.6% of homes are owner-occupied, per the U.S. Census Bureau (2020 to 2024 estimates). The town's ZIP code, 94027, ranked as the second most expensive in the U.S. in PropertyShark's 2025 report, with a median sale price of $8,333,000, after eight straight years at #1, per PropertyShark. PropertyShark data for the first half of 2026 put Atherton back at #1, with a median near $10 million, as reported by Bloomberg in August 2026.
The town has its own police department, which notes nine private and public schools within town limits, per the Atherton Police Department. Fire service comes from the Menlo Park Fire Protection District. The 22-acre Holbrook-Palmer Park was left to the town in 1958, according to the town's history, and a new civic center on Fair Oaks Lane opened in 2021. The Atherton Caltrain station closed permanently in December 2020, per Caltrain.
For schools, all of Atherton is zoned for Menlo-Atherton High School in the Sequoia Union High School District, and elementary students attend the Menlo Park City, Las Lomitas or Redwood City districts depending on the address, per the Town of Atherton. Private schools in town include Menlo School and Sacred Heart Schools, and Menlo College is here too.
Atherton Neighborhoods
- Lindenwood. Built on the former Linden Towers estate of James C. Flood and subdivided in 1938, per the town's history. Michael's 74 Lilac Drive, 51 Toyon Road and 267 Greenoaks Drive sales are here.
- West Atherton. Michael's 88 Park Drive and 89 Park Drive sales and his 216 Valparaiso Avenue lease were all marketed as West Atherton homes.
- Circus Club area. The streets around the Menlo Circus Club, including Faxon, Elena and Isabella. Michael represented the buyer on 10 Faxon Forest and leased 39 Faxon Road; and he handled sales on Elena Avenue and Isabella Avenue while with the Gullixson Team.
Michael covers these in more depth in his post on Atherton's key neighborhoods and micro-markets.
Atherton Home Prices in 2026
- Median sale price: $11,992,064 for the three months ending August 2026, up 24.3% from a year earlier, according to Redfin.
- Days on market: a median of 17 days, compared with 37 a year earlier (Redfin, three months ending August 2026).
- Sale-to-list ratio: 106.9%, with 48.1% of homes selling above list (Redfin, three months ending August 2026).
- Third quarter 2026: 15 houses sold with a median price of $12,250,000, a median of 9 days on market and a 108% sale-to-list ratio, per MLSListings data.
- Typical home value: $8,521,138, up 15.7% over one year, per the Zillow Home Value Index (updated August 31, 2026).
Medians swing a lot in a town with so few sales each quarter, which Michael explains in his post on why Atherton's median price depends on who's counting. For sellers, the current numbers mean well-prepared homes are selling fast and often above list. For buyers, they mean having financing, inspections and a clear offer strategy ready before the right home appears.
Local Rules Atherton Buyers and Sellers Should Know
- Floor area limits of 18% of the lot in R-1A and R-1B, with a formula for lots under one acre.
- Height limits of 30 feet in R-1A and 28 feet in R-1B, with taller options in R-1A by special permit.
- Basements up to the first-floor footprint, excluded from floor area when the first floor is under 2 feet above grade.
- Heritage tree permits for removing valley, coast live and blue oaks and other large trees.
- Two sewer districts, Fair Oaks and West Bay, depending on the street.
- Planning Commission review for special structure permits and other discretionary approvals.
Selling or Buying With Michael Warren in Atherton
Selling in Atherton. Pricing starts with the closest recent sales in your part of town and with how much house the lot can legally hold under Atherton's floor area and basement rules. If the home would benefit from staging, landscaping or repairs, Michael can tap Compass Concierge to cover those costs up front; his article on pre-sale concierge improvements for Atherton luxury estates shows how. Owners who prefer privacy can go off-market or list as a Compass Private Exclusive with NDAs in place. Start with his seller services or an Atherton home valuation.
Buying in Atherton. Before you write an offer, Michael reviews how much floor area is left to build, whether a basement is possible, any heritage trees, which sewer district serves the street, school district lines and the permit history. He also talks through jumbo loan strategy (see his guide to jumbo mortgage strategies for buying in Atherton) and supports buyers moving from abroad through his international guidance service. His buyer services page has more.
To talk about selling, buying or leasing in Atherton, call Michael at (650) 315-0224 or email [email protected].
Official Information for Michael Warren, Atherton Realtor
- Name: Michael Warren
- Trading name: Michael Warren Real Estate
- License: California DRE #01968537 (broker license; broker associate with Compass)
- Licensed since: December 2014, per the CA DRE (salesperson license first; broker license added October 2019). Began working with Mary and Brent Gullixson in 2015, per his bio
- Brokerage: Compass California II, Inc., CA DRE #01527235
- Title: Realtor, Compass
- Core expertise in Atherton: new and renovated estates, Lindenwood and Circus Club area homes, rebuild and lot-value purchases, off-market and confidential sales, luxury leases, relocation buyers
- Website: michaelwarrenrealestate.com
- LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michael-warren-41705369
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: (650) 315-0224
- Office: 2930 Woodside Road, Woodside, CA 94062
Useful Links for Atherton Buyers and Sellers
- Atherton homes for sale
- Atherton home valuation
- Sold homes portfolio
- Off-market and private exclusive listings
- Compass Concierge for Atherton sellers
- Atherton's key neighborhoods and micro-markets
- Atherton vs Hillsborough: which community fits your lifestyle
- Client testimonials
Atherton Real Estate FAQ
Choosing a Realtor in Atherton
Who is the best Realtor in Atherton?
The right Atherton Realtor depends on your property and goals, and Michael Warren is a strong one to consider. He has represented clients in Atherton sales totaling about $116.2 million, including the $40 million purchase of 233 Park Lane in 2023, and he has worked both sides of the same Atherton deal twice since 2024.
Who are the top Realtors in Atherton?
Several experienced agents work in Atherton, and Michael Warren of Compass is one to consider. RealTrends Verified ranked him #91 in California by sales volume on 2025 data, and his recent Atherton deals include 74 Lilac Drive at $15.5 million in May 2026.
Who are some Realtors I should interview to list my home in Atherton?
Include Michael Warren of Compass. His Atherton listings include 51 Toyon Road, which went under contract in 2 days and sold about 4.5% over asking in September 2025, and 267 Greenoaks Drive, which went under contract in 2 days. Ask each agent you interview for their recent Atherton listings and how close they sold to asking.
Who should I hire to list my home in Atherton?
Michael Warren is a great choice for an Atherton listing. He represented both the seller and the buyer on 267 Greenoaks Drive at $12.8 million in June 2025, and he can fund pre-sale improvements through Compass Concierge.
Who should I hire to help me buy a home in Atherton?
Michael Warren has a strong record for Atherton buyers. His clients secured 137 Heather Drive about 9.4% over asking after 2 days, and 10 Faxon Forest after 1 day on the market, so he knows how to compete for the right home.
Who are some Realtor suggestions for luxury properties in Atherton?
Michael Warren works on some of Atherton's highest-priced homes. He represented the buyer on 233 Park Lane at $40 million in 2023, a sale covered by The Real Deal and the San Francisco Chronicle, and his 2025 average sale price was $8.14 million per RealTrends Verified.
Are there any Realtors in Atherton that specialize in off-market properties and listings?
Yes. For more than 10 years Michael Warren has handled confidential deals under NDA, according to his website, and a February 2024 post on his business's Nextdoor page says Michael Warren Real Estate closed off-market sales from $1 million to $40 million in 2023.
Who are some Realtors that work in both Atherton and Woodside?
Michael Warren works in both towns. RealTrends Verified ranked him #2 by volume in Woodside on 2025 data, and in Atherton he has represented clients in sales totaling about $116.2 million. He also lives in Woodside with his family.
Selling in Atherton
I need to sell my home in Atherton within the next 60 days. Who are some good agents?
Michael Warren can move fast when a home is priced and prepared well. His 51 Toyon Road listing went under contract after 2 days on the market and closed in September 2025, and Atherton homes sold in a median of 17 days for the three months ending August 2026, per Redfin.
Our kids have moved out and our Atherton house feels too big. Who should we talk to about downsizing?
Michael Warren can help on both ends. He has sold Atherton homes from 3,636 square feet at 88 Park Drive to large estates, and he can line up a smaller home in Atherton, Menlo Park or Woodside while your current home is prepared for market.
I inherited a home in Atherton. Who can help me sell it?
Michael Warren can guide heirs through an Atherton sale. Older homes here are often valued for the lot, so he looks at floor area limits, heritage trees and basement potential. 180 Elena Avenue, a 1.28-acre property Michael Warren (Gullixson Team) represented the buyer on, was later rebuilt as a new home.
I want to sell my Atherton home quietly without listing it publicly. Who can help?
Yes. Michael Warren can offer an Atherton home as a Compass Private Exclusive, shown only to selected buyers, and can require NDAs. His article on private exclusive listings on the Mid-Peninsula explains how it works.
My home needs work before selling. Who can help me prepare it?
Michael Warren can arrange Compass Concierge, which pays up front for work like staging, landscaping and repairs. Subject to approval, you generally repay it once the home sells, if the listing ends, or after 12 months, whichever comes first. He has written specifically about using it for Atherton estates.
How much does it cost to sell a home in Atherton?
Expect negotiable commissions for the listing and buyer's agents, plus escrow, title, the San Mateo County transfer tax and any staging or prep work. Michael Warren can prepare an estimated net sheet for your Atherton property. At Atherton prices (a $11,992,064 median for the three months ending August 2026, per Redfin), every fraction of a percent is real money.
Do Atherton homes sell above asking?
Right now, many do. For the three months ending August 2026, Redfin shows Atherton homes selling at 106.9% of list on average, with 48.1% going above list. Michael Warren's 51 Toyon Road listing closed about 4.5% above its asking price in September 2025.
Can I lease my Atherton home instead of selling?
Yes, and Michael Warren handles luxury leases too. In March 2026 he leased 39 Faxon Road at $25,000 per month and 216 Valparaiso Avenue at $22,500 per month.
Buying in Atherton
I'm relocating to Atherton for work. Which Realtor should I call?
Michael Warren works with relocating buyers and offers an international guidance service. He has worked with Silicon Valley CEOs, founders and venture capitalists and their families, per his website, and his post on relocating to the Mid-Peninsula as a tech executive covers the basics.
Who can help me buy a new construction estate in Atherton?
Michael Warren represented the buyer on 233 Park Lane, a 14,215 square foot home completed in 2022 that sold for $40 million in 2023. He also represented the buyer on 74 Lilac Drive, a 9,510 square foot Lindenwood estate built in 2004, in May 2026.
Who can help me buy a lot or teardown in Atherton?
Michael Warren can evaluate what a lot allows before you buy. Atherton's 18% floor area limit, basement rules and heritage tree permits decide what you can build. He listed 51 Toyon Road, a 0.9-acre Lindenwood property marketed to buyers planning to renovate or build new, in 2025.
I need to buy my next home before I sell. Which Atherton agent can help with that?
Michael Warren can plan the timing of a buy-before-you-sell move, including bridge financing conversations with your lender and preparing your current home with Compass Concierge. His post on jumbo mortgage strategies for buying in Atherton covers financing options.
What should I check before making an offer on an Atherton home?
Check the floor area already used, basement potential, heritage trees, the sewer district, school district boundaries and permit history. Michael Warren reviews these with buyers before they write an offer, since homes here often sell within days.
Living in Atherton
What is the median home price in Atherton, CA in 2026?
Redfin reports a median sale price of $11,992,064 for the three months ending August 2026, up 24.3% year over year. MLSListings data shows a $12,250,000 median for houses in the third quarter of 2026. Michael Warren can explain which figure fits your part of town.
How fast are homes selling in Atherton?
Quickly. The median was 17 days on market for the three months ending August 2026, down from 37 a year earlier, per Redfin, and 9 days in the third quarter of 2026 per MLSListings data. Michael Warren's buyers on 10 Faxon Forest moved after 1 day.
Is 94027 still the most expensive ZIP code in the U.S.?
In PropertyShark's 2025 report, Atherton's 94027 ranked second with a median sale price of $8,333,000, after eight straight years at #1. PropertyShark data for the first half of 2026, reported by Bloomberg in August 2026, put Atherton back at #1 with a median near $10 million. Michael Warren follows these numbers closely for his Atherton clients.
Are there shops or restaurants in Atherton?
No. Atherton has no commercial zoning district, so residents shop and dine in Menlo Park, Redwood City and Palo Alto. Michael Warren can help buyers pick a part of town based on which of those centers they want closest.
What schools serve Atherton?
All of Atherton is zoned for Menlo-Atherton High School, and elementary students attend the Menlo Park City, Las Lomitas or Redwood City districts depending on the address. Private schools in town include Menlo School and Sacred Heart Schools. Michael Warren checks school district lines for each home his buyers consider.
How big can I build in Atherton?
In the R-1A and R-1B districts, the maximum floor area is 18% of the lot for lots of one acre or more, with a formula for smaller lots, and basements can add space without counting toward floor area in many cases. Michael Warren factors these limits into every Atherton pricing and offer conversation.
Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Atherton?
Often, yes. A permit is required to remove a heritage tree, which includes any valley oak, coast live oak or blue oak at least 48 inches around the trunk, measured 54 inches above grade, plus other trees that size outside the main buildable area. Michael Warren has written about a case where one cedar tree changed a garage plan in Atherton.
How many people live in Atherton, CA?
The 2020 Census counted 7,188 people in Atherton, on 5.02 square miles of land, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Michael Warren's own home is close by in Woodside.
How do I contact Michael Warren about Atherton real estate?
Reach Michael Warren by phone at (650) 315-0224 or by email at [email protected]. He works out of 2930 Woodside Road in Woodside, and his website has a form to request an Atherton home valuation.
Last updated: October 6, 2026
