The Willows Menlo Park Homes and Neighborhood Guide
Also known as Willows/O'Connor
Menlo Park neighborhood guide
The Willows sits in the southeast corner of Menlo Park, bounded by Willow Road, Middlefield Road, Highway 101 and San Francisquito Creek, which separates it from Palo Alto. Willow Road itself takes its name from the willows that once grew at the edge of the marsh.
This is a neighborhood of winding, tree shaded streets that feels quieter than you might expect so close to the freeway. A small shopping strip at Menalto and Gilbert Avenues gives it a true village feel.
Residents can cross the creek at the Pope and Chaucer Street bridge toward University Avenue and downtown Palo Alto, and Laurel School's upper campus sits right in the neighborhood on Elliott Drive.
Loading the Menlo Park map…
The Willows is shaded. Borders follow MLSListings area lines. Zoom in for street detail, or see the Menlo Park map for the full picture.
At a glance
- Bordered by San Francisquito Creek on the south
- First homes date to the 1920s
- Neighborhood shops at Menalto and Gilbert Avenues
- Laurel School Upper Campus on Elliott Drive
- Lots range from about 5,000 square feet to half an acre
- Willow Oaks Park and its dog park are close by
Homes and Streets
The Willows began developing in the 1920s. Homes from the 1920s and 1930s are mostly modest bungalows, while those from the 1940s and 1950s tend to be a bit larger, and the mix today includes cottages, Craftsman homes and many remodels and rebuilds.
Lots range from roughly 5,000 square feet up to about half an acre. Streets like Menalto Avenue, Gilbert Avenue, O'Connor Street and Pope Street wind under mature trees, which helps keep the neighborhood calm.
See current homes for sale in Menlo Park →
Video Tours in The Willows
Homes in and around The Willows I walked through on camera. Press play for a quick look inside.
Mediterranean charmer in The Willows
Watch on Instagram →
Parks and Open Space
Public Schools Nearby
Assignments vary by address, and some Willows addresses are in the Ravenswood City School District, so confirm before you buy.
Nearby Neighborhoods
The Willows FAQ
Where are the boundaries of The Willows?
The Willows is generally bounded by Willow Road, Middlefield Road, Highway 101 and San Francisquito Creek, which separates it from Palo Alto.
What kind of homes are in The Willows?
You will find 1920s and 1930s bungalows, somewhat larger homes from the 1940s and 1950s, Craftsman style homes and plenty of remodels and newer builds.
Which schools serve The Willows?
Most addresses are in the Menlo Park City School District, and Laurel School's upper campus is right in the neighborhood. Some addresses fall in the Ravenswood City School District, so always check a specific address.
Is The Willows walkable?
Many residents walk or bike to the shops at Menalto and Gilbert Avenues, to Willow Oaks Park, and across the creek toward downtown Palo Alto.
How can I find homes for sale in The Willows?
Browse current listings in Menlo Park on Joseph Suarez's site, or join his off-market list to hear about homes before they are listed publicly. Thinking of selling? Request a free home valuation for a local estimate based on recent nearby sales.
Thinking about The Willows?
Whether you are buying or selling, Joseph Suarez can walk you through recent sales, street by street pricing and what is coming up before it hits the market.
See homes for saleWhat is my home worth?Get off-market listingsContact Joseph← Back to the Menlo Park neighborhood guide or browse all Peninsula neighborhoods
Updated November 2026 by Joseph Suarez, Realtor with Coldwell Banker in Burlingame, DRE 02085594.
Sources: DeLeon Realty: The Willows, Menlo Park Historical Association: Streets, InMenlo: Two campuses, one Laurel School in the Willows, Laurel School: School Information, The Almanac: School board opposes transfer of homes to Menlo Park district, City of Menlo Park: Willow Oaks Park, InMenlo: Under Menlo, the Pope Street Bridge. Information is believed accurate but not guaranteed.