Menlo Park, CA

Menlo Park is home to several companies like Facebook and it is the city that saw the groth of all the actual technologies, starting with Thomas Edison, and it is also known as the Tree City.

The city of Menlo Park is expensive compared with other cities in the US. Life in the city is 325% higher than the national average and utility prices are 32% higher than the national average. Transportation expenses like bus fares and gas prices are 38% higher than the national average. For example, housing in Menlo Park costs approximately $2.06M.

The average sale price per square foot in Menlo Park is $1.20K, down 7% since last year. The median household income in Menlo Park is $144,375, which is significantly higher than the national median. The city is known for its affluence and high cost of living, with many residents working in the technology industry or other high-paying sectors.

City highlights

Menlo Park was incorporated as a city in 1927, but its history dates to the 1850s when the area was known as the Rancho de las Pulgas. The name Menlo Park was adopted in the 1870s after the estate of a wealthy Irish immigrant named Dennis Martin was named after his hometown of Menlo in County Galway, Ireland.

It is known for being the home of several major technology companies, including Facebook, which has its headquarters in the city. Other notable technology companies based in Menlo Park include SRI International, the Stanford Research Institute, and the venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz.

Also, this was the city of Thomas Edinson, during those years, he worked on technology that changed our world and everyday lives. It was at Menlo Park that Thomas Edison made discoveries regarding photography.

Geographic location

Menlo Park is located in San Mateo County, California, in the San Francisco Bay Area. It is situated on the eastern edge of San Mateo County, bordering Santa Clara County to the south. Menlo Park covers an area of approximately 6.5 square miles.

Climate

Menlo Park, California has a Mediterranean climate, characterized by mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. The city enjoys a relatively mild climate year-round, with temperatures rarely dipping below freezing or rising above 90°F.

During winter months the average temperature is between 40°F and 50°F. During summer the range of temperature is from 70°F to 80°F sunny skies prevail for much of the summer. Spring and fall are transitional periods in Menlo Park, with temperatures generally ranging from 50°F and 70°F. These seasons can be quite pleasant, with mild temperatures and clear skies.

Demography

According to the United States Census, the population of Menlo Park was 35,000 in 2020. The city has a mix of diverse ethnic and racial groups, like white at 55.6%, Asian at 24.9%, Hispanic or Latino at 15.2%, and Black or African American at 2.7%

The median age in Menlo Park is 38.3 years, which is slightly higher than the national average. The city is home to a well-educated population, with around 80% of residents aged 25 or older holding a bachelor’s degree or higher.

Cost of Living

According to data from Numbeo, a website that tracks the cost of living in cities around the world, the cost-of-living index in Menlo Park is 245.96, which is significantly higher than the national average of 100. Housing is the biggest contributor to the high cost of living in Menlo Park, with the median home price in the city approaching $2.06M.

The cost of groceries, utilities, and transportation in the city are all above the national average. For example, an apartment studio in rent costs approximately $2,500 monthly. Groceries cost $130 per week.

Transportation

It has a variety of transportation options available for residents and visitors, including public transit, and major roadways, and it’s a paradise for walking and biking. Menlo Park has an extensive network of bike lanes and bike paths. The city is also located near several popular bike routes, including the Stanford Loop and the Bay Trail.

Menlo Park has a walk score of 95 out of 100, besides, has a biking score of 100, being a paradise for residents and visitors.

Schools

Menlo Park is home to several highly rated schools including public, private, and charter schools, with a total amount of 12 schools. Whether public, private, or charter, these schools offer a strong academic curriculum and a variety of enrichment programs to help students succeed.

What is the city like?

It is a diverse and dynamic city that combines the natural beauty of the San Francisco Bay Area with the excitement of the technology industry. Besides, it counts so many historic places like the house of Thomas Edinson, for example. And its warm climate is so special to visit during the year.