Welcome to The Willows!
The Willows was originally established in the 1920s with one to two bedroom bungalows populating the neighborhood. Later in the 40s and 50s, larger homes were added to the mix resulting in an aesthetically pleasing and architecturally diverse area. Presently The Willows is undergoing its third bout of enhancements with many new and young buyers renovating and reconstructing new homes on larger lots. Often times, these homebuyers will purchase smaller homes solely for the larger lot space, which they then utilize to its maximum potential.
A unique feature that draws residents to The Willows is its winding, sidewalk-less streets canopied with rich eucalyptus, bay, and oak trees. Families enjoy after dinner strolls or dog walks in this country-esque neighborhood, particularly those living on Woodland Avenue as it follows the meandering creek. Residents of The Willows are loyally local. A perfect example of this is Café Zoe, a hidden gem found in the small downtown area. Located on the corner of Gilbert and Menalto, Café Zoe’s interior is covered with local news as well as art, crafts, and jewelry for sale by local artists. Many a Friday night local musicians play for the café’s patrons as well.
This particular neighborhood is bordered by Willow Road to the north, the Creek to its south and west, and Highway 101 to the east. The close proximity to the highway makes this an ideal location for those having to commute to work. The Willows is also a short distance from downtown Palo Alto where a greater variety of shops and restaurants awaits.
Menlo Park City Elementary School District serves the students of The Willows. Children from kindergarten to grade three attend Laurel Elementary and move to Encinal Elementary School for grades four and five. Hillview Middle School enrolls students from grade six to eight and has impressively high API scores. Finally, students in high school attend Menlo Atherton High, which scores slightly lower on the APIs but has an excellent program for gifted students. Parents may also choose to send their children to one of the prestigious private schools in the area such as Sacred Heart or Menlo School.
