Park Forest, Menlo Park

Surrounded by a mix of Italian stone pines and redwoods, this cluster of 85 townhomes and a half dozen detached houses may just be Menlo Park's best-kept secret. Tucked between El Camino Real and the railroad tracks lies a community with the feel of an urban European neighborhood. Most people don't realize the neighborhood is even there.

Organized into three groupings, Park Forest is bordered by Stone Pine Lane and Buckthorn Way, and surrounded by Atherton. Within close proximity are a hair salon, pharmacist, exercise studio and neighborhood fixture Atherton Gallery. There is even a psychotherapist in the nearby commercial district.

The land was once owned by Roger Reynolds, a San Francisco printer who purchased the property to pasture goats in 1916. Reynolds grew gladiolas on the side, and initially gave them away. Eventually, he turned the flower-growing business into Roger Reynolds Nursery, the oldest nursery on the Peninsula, which is still in business today.

The nearby forested area of the nursery was used for neighborhood picnicking. Many of the trees in Park Forest were part of the original woodland, according to Sally Halstead, Reynolds' granddaughter.

Built 30 to 45 years ago, the 2,500 to 3,500 square foot homes are designed in the International Style, or Bauhaus tradition.

Most of the homes have been remodeled, some quite extensively. Far from being cookie-cutter, the homes reflect the personal tastes of residents, without ranging too far outside the box. Major reconstructions are reviewed by the board of directors, Park Forest 3 resident Martin Engel says.

Surrounded by trees, each community has its own grove of stately redwood trees, a swimming pool and garden, creating a park-like setting. Summer neighborhood potlucks are held in the common garden areas. Park Forest 2 renovated its swimming pool, and Park Forest 1 and 3 have won the Menlo Park Environmental Quality Commission awards for their tree grove and garden.

Professionals have largely come here to downsize. At or near retirement, with empty nests, many have come here for all the comforts of their former larger homes, with less of the hassles.

The Engels, who moved here seven years ago, are quite happy. "There is a strong communal sense in the neighborhood. In the evenings, neighbors walk their dogs and meet in the street for conversation," Mr. Engel says.

"I love the neighborliness. People socialize and help each other out," Linda Worcel, a Park Forest 1 resident for 13 years, says. "It's a quiet enclave with a wonderful location."

The only real challenge is trying to get onto El Camino during rush hour. With El Camino being only one way out -- through Buckthorn Way or Stone Pine Lane -- there isn't any cut-through traffic, but residents don't have options to avoid El Camino either.

In the very early morning, the noise from Caltrain seems to bother the residents, she says.

Sylvia Elliman is a relative newcomer, having lived in Park Forest 2 for a little over a year. The large window of her residence overlooks the commons and affords a view of magnificent maples and oaks. Park Forest, she says, is a "fabulous place to live with a sense of neighborhood."

-- Sue Dremann