Sand Hill Rd, University Heights

Sand Hill Road in Menlo Park is a long, sprawling road that almost has a state highway feel. It serves as the connector between the bustle of Silicon Valley and the foothills just west. Residents of Palo Alto, East Palo Alto, and even eastern Menlo Park will find some much-needed respite as you head further west.

There are several business complexes, which are sheltered from the rest of the community but contribute to the heavy traffic on this street. It is no surprise that this was once, per square foot, the most expensive real estate in the country.

The history-rich Sun Deck, at 3000 Sand Hill Road, is one of the most well-known, well treaded Silicon Valley venue. Many dollars were exchanged here back in the day, making it one of the most well-regarded venues in the area.

This is probably the most quintessential street in all of Silicon Valley.

Sand Hill is a great street to live on. It's close to Safeway, the Dutch Goose, Stanford shopping mall, and lots of good parks. Near Keygetsu (fantastic Japanese restaurant), Longs, Wells Fargo, and 280. Good school districts.

Best thing: Proximity to Stanford open space (the Dish) and world class cycling. Not too close to crowded major retail centers like Mountain View and Redwood City.

Worst thing: Verizon cell phone coverage is bad here.