Woodside is a small town of about 5,000 residents incorporated into San Mateo County. True to its name and population size, Woodside has a distinctly rural feel to it and is completely different culturally from the rest of Silicon Valley -- it's much more cowboyish than techie. Though it has an idyllic setting it's actually one of the wealthiest cities in the country.

Woodside’s business district is extremely small. There are very few restaurants, a post office, and a supermarket, but other amenities are fairly limited. However, Woodside offers easy access to surrounding Silicon Valley cities with more shopping and dining options.

As you might expect of a little town in the woods, there is great hiking and mountain biking here. Nature lovers will fall in love with the natural beauty in the area. 

Housing options for all but the wealthiest are nonexistent – real estate prices are some of the highest in the already high region, with median prices well into the millions of dollars. The tech and business elite have chosen to make this home to their luxurious mansions, hidden away in the woods. 

The older ranch style homes from humbler days are disappearing in favor of homes with huge lot sizes and gates, hiddne among the trees. There are no apartments or affordable housing options to speak of, so mere mortals will find it difficult to afford to live here.

Those who can afford to live here will find themselves falling in love with this charming town in the woods. Almost nonexistent crime and a friendly community make it a great place to settle down and raise a family.

Woodside is bordered on the north by Emerald Hills and Redwood City, on the east by Atherton and Portola Valley, and on the south and west by the Santa Cruz Mountains.