West of the Alameda, Atherton

A preponderance of mature oaks gives West of Alameda, the neighborhood on the west side of Alameda de las Pulgas between Walsh Road and Stockbridge Avenue, a more natural and less manicured feel. But, as in other parts of Atherton, the properties are large and more accurately termed "estates" than "homes." Many are gated.

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"When our family first moved here, much of the area was open field," says Ginger Levick, a 25-year resident of West of Alameda.

"People used to ride their horses across our property to get to the fields beyond. You could hear the coyotes and owls at night, but sightings of mountain lions have abated. Bobcats have taken up residence in our neighbors' fields. My husband has taken brief walks with one when he's picked up the papers in the mornings. Our garden was originally designed by Thomas Church, but that didn't mean anything to us at the time," she said.

On Sargeant Lane where Ms. Levick lives, there is a vineyard at the start of the street. Split-rail fences demarcate properties, adding to the more casual atmosphere.

Ms. Levick says that nearby Bear Gulch Reservoir used to be a favorite destination for the mountain lions. Now, however, especially since 9/11, much of the area surrounding it is closed to hikers.

A neighborhood organization, which organizes community events, such as weekly walks and end-of-summer barbeques also has a residential directory, she says.

Eighty-eight year old Myrle Hillback and her late husband bought their Ridgeview Drive home about 30 years ago. "We used to be able to see Hoover Tower, but now the trees have grown," she said.

Ridgeview is part of the Atherton Heights tract. Many of the homes west of Alameda have stunning views -- some, of both the rolling hills and the city lights beyond.

"One of my neighbors used to describe this as the 'Magic Hill'. He said the sun used to shine here when it wasn't shining in other places," Ms. Hillback says. She loves the secluded feeling but really appreciates that the location affords her easy access to downtown Menlo Park and Palo Alto.

Many of the houses have been renovated as new families have moved into the dozen or so homes that form the neighborhood. However, the trend is toward newer, larger homes.

"Most of the houses were here when we moved in," Ms. Hillback says, adding that there has been a lot of turnover. She organized a block party, anxious to get to know some of her newer neighbors.

Are there any disadvantages to living in this area? Ms. Hillback can't think of any -- life in this part of town seems pretty idyllic, she said

-- Susan Golovin