5,181 people live in Woodside, where the median age is 46.5 and the average individual income is $152,475. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Total Population
Median Age
Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.
Average individual Income
Known for its scenic beauty, equestrian culture, and exclusivity, Woodside is one of the most prestigious small towns in Silicon Valley. Residents enjoy a rare combination of privacy, open space, and proximity to major tech hubs. With expansive estates, wooded hillsides, and a strong rural character preserved through zoning and land use protections, Woodside continues to attract high-profile residents seeking tranquility and understated luxury.
Nestled in San Mateo County, Woodside is celebrated for its rolling hills, redwood forests, and strong equestrian traditions. Despite its rural feel, it sits just minutes from major employers in Silicon Valley and Stanford University, making it an ideal retreat for executives and entrepreneurs. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy access to nearby preserves like Wunderlich Park and Huddart Park, while the town’s small but charming commercial district offers upscale dining and boutique shops. With strict development limits, Woodside has maintained its character and remains one of the most exclusive real estate markets in California.
Key Facts about Woodside, CA | |
---|---|
Area | Approx. 11.7 sq miles |
County | San Mateo County |
Founded | 1920s (incorporated 1956) |
Population (2024) | ~5,500 |
Metro Population | Part of the San Francisco Bay Area (7.8 million+) |
Main Roads | I-280, CA-84 (Woodside Rd), CA-92, Skyline Blvd (CA-35) |
Woodside offers a lifestyle that blends rural charm with Silicon Valley convenience. Whether it’s horseback riding on scenic trails, hiking through redwood forests, or enjoying world-class dining nearby, residents embrace a slower pace while remaining connected to the region’s innovation and opportunity. Its real estate market is defined by luxury estates, ranch properties, and unparalleled privacy, making Woodside one of the most coveted addresses in California.
Woodside blends rural serenity with Silicon Valley convenience. Known for its redwood forests, scenic horse trails, and privacy, this small town offers a rare lifestyle: large lots, quiet lanes, and quick access to Stanford, Menlo Park, and major tech campuses. The village center hosts upscale dining and everyday essentials, while nearby open-space preserves invite year-round hiking, riding, and cycling.
What sets Woodside apart is its commitment to open space and low-density living. Strict zoning helps protect its rural character, and the real estate market is defined by estate properties and custom architecture. With proximity to top medical centers, excellent schools, and two major airports, Woodside attracts equestrians, executives, and nature lovers seeking long-term value and privacy.
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Community Type | Rural-residential small town with large-lot zoning, equestrian amenities, and preserved open space |
Popular For | Equestrians, privacy-seekers, executives/entrepreneurs, outdoor enthusiasts, architecture lovers |
Main Housing & Property Types | Equestrian estates & ranch properties (barns/arenas/trail access); gated compounds; custom contemporary and traditional estates; vineyard/orchard parcels; mid-century homes; cottage-style homes near town center; view lots & buildable acreage |
Parks & Outdoor Areas | Huddart Park, Wunderlich Park, Skyline Blvd (CA-35) trailheads, El Corte de Madera, Windy Hill & Coal Creek Open Space (nearby) |
Shopping & Dining | Woodside Village: Roberts Market, Buck’s of Woodside, Village Pub, cafes & boutiques; quick access to Menlo Park & Redwood City retail |
Health & Wellness | Stanford Health Care & Lucile Packard Children’s (nearby), Sequoia Hospital (Redwood City), fitness & yoga studios, private training barns, farmers’ markets |
Schools & Universities | Woodside Elementary School District; Sequoia Union High School District (Woodside High); nearby private options include Sacred Heart Schools, Menlo School, Woodside Priory (Portola Valley), Phillips Brooks |
Transportation | I-280, CA-84 (Woodside Rd), CA-92, Skyline Blvd (CA-35); Caltrain stations in Redwood City/Menlo Park; SFO & SJC airports |
If you’re seeking a countryside lifestyle without leaving the heart of the Bay Area, Woodside offers rare privacy, top-tier amenities, and exceptional real estate—from equestrian ranches to architect-designed estates.
Woodside’s market is defined by privacy, acreage, and equestrian-friendly zoning. Inventory is limited and highly customized—think ranch properties, architect-designed estates, and wooded retreats—so pricing varies widely by lot size, location, and improvements (barns, arenas, guest houses). Condominiums are rare; most transactions involve single-family homes on large parcels and legacy estates.
Property Type | Median Price (USD) | Price per Sq.Ft (USD) | Average Rent (USD/year) | Rental Yield |
---|---|---|---|---|
Village Cottage (2–3BR) | ~$2.0M–$3.5M | ~$1,000–$1,600 | ~$60,000–$120,000 | ~2%–3% |
Mid-Century / Ranch Home (3–4BR) | ~$3.5M–$5.5M | ~$1,000–$1,700 | ~$84,000–$150,000 | ~2%–3% |
Equestrian Property (Acreage + Barn/Arena) | ~$6M–$10M+ | Varies (land value heavy) | ~$144,000–$240,000+ | ~2%–3% |
Architectural / Contemporary Estate (4–6BR) | ~$8M–$15M+ | ~$1,200–$2,000+ | ~$180,000–$360,000+ | ~2%–3% |
Buildable Acreage / View Lot | Site-dependent | — | N/A | N/A |
Notes: Figures are generalized ranges for Woodside’s luxury-dominated market and can vary substantially by parcel size, setting, and improvements. Condos/townhomes are uncommon within Woodside proper. For precise comps, consult current MLS data.
Woodside is a rural-residential enclave with limited in-town lodging. Most visitors stay at nearby luxury and boutique hotels in Menlo Park, Palo Alto, and along the coast, or choose private stays that match the area’s equestrian and estate lifestyle.
Relevant stay types: wellness retreats (treehouse rooms), luxury resorts, boutique inns, extended-stay suites with kitchens, and short-term rentals such as guesthouses, carriage houses, and ranch cottages.
Set between redwood forests and scenic ridgelines, Woodside is a haven for outdoor adventure, equestrian life, and refined country living. Ride through miles of bridle trails, hike shaded canyons in Huddart and Wunderlich Parks, or cruise classic cycling routes to Skyline Boulevard.
Relevant property types in Woodside: equestrian estates with barns/arenas and trail access; ranch compounds on acreage; gated architectural/modern estates; vineyard or orchard parcels; cottage-style homes near the village; view lots and buildable acreage.
Below is a curated look at local favorites and nearby highlights that showcase Woodside’s understated luxury and natural beauty.
Whether you’re trail riding under redwoods, savoring a meal in the village, or cruising Skyline at sunset, Woodside delivers everyday moments that feel like a retreat—right in the heart of the Peninsula.
Woodside offers families access to top-rated public and private schools with a strong emphasis on small class sizes, outdoor learning, and college preparation. The area’s rural-residential setting, proximity to Stanford, and short drives to neighboring towns provide exceptional educational choice at every level.
Relevant Woodside property types for families: equestrian estates with barns/arenas and trail access; large-lot ranch homes; gated architectural/modern estates; vineyard/orchard parcels; cottage-style homes near the village; view lots and buildable acreage.
School / Nursery | Type | Distance | Highlights |
---|---|---|---|
Woodside Elementary School | Public • K–8 | In-town |
Small class sizes, strong community support, outdoor learning opportunities, and a well-rounded curriculum with arts and enrichment.
|
Woodside High School (SUHSD) | Public • 9–12 | ~10–15 min (Redwood City) |
Comprehensive academics with AP/CTE pathways, competitive athletics, and extensive extracurriculars.
|
Woodside Priory School | Private • 6–12 (Day/Boarding) | ~10–12 min (Portola Valley) |
College-prep program with rigorous academics, character education, and strong arts/athletics; intimate campus setting.
|
Sacred Heart Schools, Atherton | Private • PK–12 | ~10–15 min (Atherton) |
Integrated lower, middle, and upper divisions; faith-based values, robust STEM and humanities, and championship-level sports.
|
Menlo School | Private • 6–12 | ~15 min (Atherton) |
Selective college-prep with advanced coursework, renowned arts and athletics, and strong student support services.
|
Phillips Brooks School | Private • K–5 | ~15 min (Menlo Park) |
Project-based learning, social–emotional development, and a nurturing community focused on curiosity and character.
|
Woodside Village Nursery School | Preschool | In/near town |
Play-based, nature-forward early childhood program with strong parent community.
|
Sacred Heart Preschool (Atherton) | Preschool | ~10–15 min |
Faith-informed early learning with emphasis on discovery, kindness, and foundational skills.
|
Woodside offers quick Peninsula and Silicon Valley access via I-280, CA-84 (Woodside Rd), CA-92, and Skyline Blvd (CA-35). Residents commute efficiently to Stanford, Sand Hill Road, Menlo Park, and Redwood City while enjoying a quiet, rural-residential setting.
Relevant Woodside property types: equestrian estates with barns/arenas and trail access; large-lot ranch homes; gated architectural/modern estates; vineyard/orchard parcels; cottage-style homes near the village; view lots and buildable acreage.
Major Highways |
Direct access to I-280, CA-84 (Woodside Rd), CA-92, and Skyline Blvd (CA-35) connects Woodside to Menlo Park, Redwood City, Stanford, and the Coastside. |
Public Transit |
Caltrain stations in Redwood City and Menlo Park are a short drive away for Peninsula/SF commutes. Regional buses (SamTrans) serve nearby corridors; most residents rely on cars. |
Biking & Walking |
Famed road-cycling routes—Old La Honda, Kings Mountain, and Skyline—start near the village. Local parks offer hiking/bridle trails; shoulders can be narrow on rural roads. |
Airports |
San Francisco Intl. (SFO) ~25–35 min* • San Jose Intl. (SJC) ~30–40 min* — both with extensive domestic and international routes. *Typical off-peak drive times. |
Ride Sharing |
Uber and Lyft are widely available in the Peninsula; pickup times may vary in hillside areas. Private car services are popular for airport runs and events. |
With rural ambiance and elite connectivity, Woodside makes it easy to enjoy equestrian living and open space while staying close to work, schools, and the broader Bay Area.
Woodside is one of the Peninsula’s most exclusive real estate markets, defined by privacy, acreage, and a rural-residential character that severely limits supply. Demand is driven by proximity to Stanford and Silicon Valley, plus a unique lifestyle of redwoods, ridgelines, and equestrian amenities. Transactions are often bespoke, with values shaped by lot size, setting, and improvements (barns, arenas, guesthouses, vineyards).
Relevant Woodside property types: equestrian estates with barns/arenas and trail access; large-lot ranch homes; gated/architectural contemporary estates; vineyard & orchard parcels; cottage-style homes near the village; legacy compounds with multiple structures; view lots and buildable acreage.
For buyers and long-hold investors, Woodside favors capital preservation and bespoke appreciation over yield. Target properties with exceptional settings, usable acreage, and high-quality improvements for the strongest long-term outcomes.
Choosing where to invest on the Mid-Peninsula depends on your priorities—privacy and acreage, school access, village walkability, or coastal living. Woodside leads for large-lot estates, equestrian amenities, and redwood-lined tranquility, while nearby communities like Portola Valley, Atherton, and Menlo Park offer their own compelling mixes of convenience and lifestyle.
Relevant Woodside property types: equestrian estates with barns/arenas and direct trail access; large-lot ranch homes; gated architectural/modern estates; vineyard/orchard parcels; cottage-style homes near the village; legacy compounds with guesthouses; view lots and buildable acreage.
City | Median Home Price | Avg. Annual Appreciation | Main Appeal |
---|---|---|---|
Woodside | $5M+ typical for estates (varies by acreage/improvements) | Scarcity-led | Large lots, redwoods, equestrian lifestyle, privacy |
Portola Valley | $4M+ (open-space, view lots) | Low supply | Trails, modern architecture, rural feel near Stanford |
Atherton | Ultra-luxury ($7M+ common) | Stable prestige | Grand estates, elite schools nearby, proximity to Sand Hill |
Menlo Park | $2.5M–$4M+ (neighborhood-dependent) | Strong core | Walkable pockets, cafes/shops, Caltrain access |
Los Altos Hills | $5M+ (acreage & views) | View premium | Hillside estates, privacy, top schools (nearby) |
Redwood City (Emerald Hills) | $1.8M–$3M+ | Steady | Hillside homes, views, broader price variety |
Half Moon Bay | $1.5M–$3M+ (coastal) | Coastal | Beaches, golf, coastal ranch/estate options |
Palo Alto | $3.5M–$5M+ (neighborhood-dependent) | High demand | Walkable urban amenities, tech/Stanford adjacency |
Key Takeaways: Woodside excels for privacy, acreage, and equestrian-ready estates; Portola Valley adds trail-rich open space; Atherton commands national-level prestige; Menlo Park balances schools, commute options, and village amenities. For buyers seeking land, barns/arenas, guesthouses, and redwood settings, Woodside remains the Peninsula’s benchmark.
Notes: Values are directional and vary widely by parcel size, location, and improvements. For exact comps and current medians, consult live MLS data.
Woodside, CA blends serene, rural-residential living with unmatched Silicon Valley proximity. Think redwood canyons, bridle trails, and large-lot privacy—yet minutes to Stanford, Sand Hill Road, Menlo Park, and top medical centers. It’s a rare mix of nature, discretion, and convenience on the Mid-Peninsula.
Relevant Woodside property types: equestrian estates with barns/arenas and direct trail access; large-lot ranch homes; gated architectural/modern estates; vineyard/orchard parcels; cottage-style homes near the village; legacy compounds with guesthouses/ADUs; view lots and buildable acreage.
Whether you’re relocating for work, schools, or lifestyle, Woodside offers a refined countryside feel without sacrificing access to world-class amenities. Explore neighborhoods, commute options, schools, parks, and what to know about zoning, acreage, and equestrian considerations.
Read the Complete Woodside Relocation Guide →Woodside has 1,745 households, with an average household size of 2.97. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Woodside do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 5,181 people call Woodside home. The population density is 451.85 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Total Population
Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.
Median Age
Men vs Women
Population by Age Group
0-9 Years
10-17 Years
18-24 Years
25-64 Years
65-74 Years
75+ Years
Education Level
Total Households
Average Household Size
Average individual Income
Households with Children
With Children:
Without Children:
Marital Status
Blue vs White Collar Workers
Blue Collar:
White Collar:
There's plenty to do around Woodside, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.
Explore popular things to do in the area, including Rsj Fit&healthy, Academy of American Ballet, and Jen DeLaney, MSPT MPH MA.
Name | Category | Distance | Reviews |
Ratings by
Yelp
|
---|---|---|---|---|
Active | 4.67 miles | 10 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
Active | 4.59 miles | 7 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
Active | 1.8 miles | 43 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
Active | 2.83 miles | 5 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
Active | 4.48 miles | 5 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
Beauty | 4.73 miles | 9 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
Beauty | 4.45 miles | 16 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
Beauty | 4.73 miles | 19 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
|
||||
|
||||
|
||||
|
||||
|
||||
|
Stephanie respects residential real estate’s dual role as a personal investment and chief financial one. Whether you are buying or selling a home, it will likely be one of the largest financial decisions you make. Stephanie will be with you every step of the way to expertly guide you.
Let's Connect