In San Mateo County halfway between San Francisco and San Jose, you'll find the prestigious town of Woodside. Aptly named, Woodside sets amid huge second growth redwoods. Woodside Store, after which the town was named, was the center of logging activity in the early 1900s. That store is now a museum and the town is populated not by loggers, but by those who are seeking a quiet and bucolic lifestyle.
Woodside is known as a horse community. There are many equestrian estates, as well as some gorgeous mansions. You can also find some small mountain cabins on 1/4 acre lots. Many famous people have sought to take advantage of Woodside's peace and quiet and have purchased homes in the area. Some of the town's more famous current and past residents have included Tennessee Ernie Ford, Shirley Temple Black and Tom Cruise.
The Woodside School District consists of one elementary school, which ranks in the top 10 percent of the state and is a California Distinguished School. Teenagers attend Woodside High.
As Woodside backs on to a game refuge, deer watching is a common activity in the area. Residents can also take advantage of the town's small library as well as the county park. Click here for more Woodside information.