July 2, 2008

Menlo Park: Burgess Park Neighborhood

I had the opportunity to swing by this neighborhood earlier this week, and take a gander at the Morgan Lane development (model home at right). I wrote about the grand opening last Fall, and now most of the construction is complete or close to it on the 56 homes scheduled to be built. These are 3 and 4 bedroom homes, two or three stories, ranging from 1,470 square feet to 1,951 square feet, with a base price of $1,249,000 to $1,409,000. I thought that they looked mighty close to one another, but I like the old town charm that they project. Reminded me of being on the Warner Brothers lot down in Burbank, walking through the Stars Hollow set (Gilmore Girls). Quaint is the word I would use.

Our friends over at Playborhood reviewed these homes and their kid-friendly attributes, coming up with a mixed verdict. But I would add to their list of Pros the nearby Burgess Park. Burgess is over 9 acres with majestic oaks, lots of lawn and open space to play, plus baseball field, soccer field, tennis courts, basketball courts, playground and picnic areas. Next door is Burgess Pool, where I swam as a child, as well as a Rec Center, Skate Park and Sports Center.

There is also a great walkability factor about this neighborhood. Close to CalTrain and downtown Menlo Park, it would make a nice stroll to go have a coffee at Cafe Borrone or to browse the books at Kepler’s. But as you see by the price of the Morgan Lane homes, this is not an area for the poor or working class. While there are pockets of apartments in this neighborhood, they tend to be better kept and probably don’t come cheap. Right now there are only two homes for sale, and they are running a whopping $849 and $1009 per square foot.

510 Barron, just off Burgess Road near the Menlo Park City Maintenance Center, is an 8-year-old traditional two-story home with 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths. It sits on a 3,851 sf corner lot in a small development, with HOA fees at $30/month. Originally listed 75 days ago at $1,399,000, it has been reduced 5.3% to $1,325,000 ($849/sf). When it was new in 1999, it sold for $645,000.

250 E. Creek Drive is a remodeled 3/2 of 1,680 square feet on an oversized 7,597 sf lot. It’s located on a quiet street between Willow Road and Burgess Avenue. On the market 16 days, it is priced at $1,695,000 ($1,009/sf) and last sold (prior to remodel) in 2007 for $1,085,000. Open House July 5 and 6, 1:30-4:30 pm.