Belmont is a charming hillside community on the San Francisco Peninsula known for its family-friendly atmosphere, excellent schools, and scenic canyon setting. The city offers a quiet residential character with easy access to major employment centers and the natural beauty of the surrounding hills.
Life in Belmont revolves around family, community, and outdoor recreation. The Belmont-Redwood Shores School District and Carlmont High School attract families seeking educational excellence. The canyon setting provides natural beauty right outside residents' doors, with Waterdog Lake and surrounding trails offering hiking and mountain biking opportunities minutes from home. Belmont's location provides practical advantages—San Francisco is 25 miles north, while Silicon Valley employers in Redwood City, San Carlos, and beyond are even closer. Caltrain's Belmont station offers car-free commute options. The city's microclimate tends to be slightly warmer than coastal areas, with less fog and more sunshine. Community events, including the annual Music and Arts Festival, bring neighbors together throughout the year. Notre Dame de Namur University adds a college-town element, while nearby Carlmont Shopping Center provides convenient retail access.
Living in this Neighborhood
Belmont occupies a scenic stretch of the Peninsula hills between San Carlos and San Mateo, with terrain ranging from bay-level flats to wooded hillsides reaching over 900 feet in elevation. The city's approximately 28,000 residents enjoy a mix of architectural styles, from charming 1950s ranches to contemporary hillside homes with spectacular views. Ralston Hall, a historic Victorian mansion on the Notre Dame de Namur University campus, connects the city to California's colorful past as the former estate of financier William Ralston. Downtown Belmont, centered on Ralston Avenue, offers local shops, restaurants, and services that serve the community's daily needs. The city has maintained a slower pace of development compared to neighboring cities, preserving its residential character and avoiding the dense commercial development found elsewhere on the Peninsula.
Real Estate Snapshot
Median home price in 2025: $2.4 million
Price per square foot (2025): ~$1,100
Average days on market: 15
Market trends: Most competitive market with homes selling fast
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