Belmont Real Estate | Elevated Living in the Heart of the Peninsula

Welcome to Belmont, California—a city perched high in the Peninsula hills that offers the perfect balance of small-town charm, natural beauty, and Silicon Valley convenience. Known for its sweeping Bay views, forested terrain, and strong sense of community, Belmont is one of the most desirable and dynamic real estate markets in San Mateo County.

With a population of just over 25,000, Belmont is a residential haven that blends suburban serenity with urban accessibility. Its name—derived from the French phrase "beautiful mountain"—speaks to the city’s elevated setting and scenic ridgelines. For buyers seeking privacy, access to top-rated schools, and hillside properties with character, Belmont delivers a lifestyle that is both grounded and inspiring.

Geography, Neighborhoods & Character

Belmont’s topography is one of its most defining features. Unlike many Peninsula cities with flat urban grids, Belmont's winding streets and hillside elevations create a variety of microclimates, view corridors, and architectural diversity. Many homes are tucked into forested canyons, perched on ridgelines with panoramic vistas, or nestled into quiet cul-de-sacs that feel far removed from the bustle below.

Neighborhoods like Belmont Heights, Hallmark, and Homeview are known for their expansive views, larger lots, and proximity to open space preserves. Sterling Downs and Central Belmont offer more walkable access to downtown and Caltrain. Meanwhile, Carlmont Highlands and Skymont feature newer homes, many with luxury finishes and multi-level layouts that take full advantage of the terrain.

Belmont also borders San Carlos, Redwood Shores, and Hillsborough—placing it at a geographic sweet spot between major employment hubs, coastal open space, and elite retail and dining experiences.

Architecture & Housing Styles

The housing stock in Belmont is as varied as its topography. You'll find:

  • Mid-century modern homes with clean lines and walls of glass, many built in the 1950s and 60s

  • Contemporary custom homes built in the 1990s and 2000s, often with vaulted ceilings and multi-story decks

  • California ranch homes, some with ADU potential or recent renovations

  • Townhomes and planned communities, including luxury new-build developments near Carlmont Village

New construction is limited due to hillside zoning regulations, making turnkey and updated homes particularly valuable. Buyers often compete for well-located properties with Bay views, outdoor terraces, or flexible floorplans suitable for multi-generational living and hybrid work-from-home needs.

Lifestyle & Community

Belmont is deeply rooted in community. It hosts annual events like the Belmont Greek Festival, Concerts in the Park, and the citywide Save the Music Festival. Residents take pride in their city’s green spaces, local schools, and low-density development. Hiking trails, dog parks, and recreational amenities are abundant.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Belmont offers direct access to Water Dog Lake Park, Crystal Springs, and Sugarloaf Mountain, with miles of scenic trails for hiking and mountain biking. Families enjoy the Belmont Sports Complex, Twin Pines Park, and a network of smaller neighborhood parks that give each pocket of the city its own rhythm.

Dining and shopping are largely local, with boutique retail and neighborhood restaurants in the downtown core. For larger-scale needs, residents frequent nearby San Carlos, Hillsdale Mall, or venture just a short drive north to Burlingame and San Mateo.

Schools & Education

Belmont is served by two top-performing public school districts: the Belmont-Redwood Shores Elementary School District and the Sequoia Union High School District. Many elementary and middle schools in Belmont score well above the state average and benefit from strong community involvement and district funding.

Carlmont High School, one of the most sought-after public high schools on the Peninsula, is located right in Belmont and serves as a major draw for buyers. There are also excellent nearby private school options including Notre Dame de Namur University (until recently), Junipero Serra High School, Crystal Springs Uplands, and Nueva School in Hillsborough.

Real Estate Market & Trends

Belmont's housing market is competitive and resilient, fueled by limited inventory and consistent demand from Peninsula and South Bay professionals. The city attracts both move-up buyers and first-time luxury buyers, particularly those working in tech, biotech, and finance. With its central location and scenic setting, Belmont appeals to buyers priced out of Burlingame or Hillsborough but still seeking quality schools and a lifestyle upgrade.

  • Median Home Price: ~$2.3M (2025)

  • Average Days on Market: 9–14 days

  • Buyer Profile: Tech professionals, hybrid commuters, families, move-up buyers

  • Common Features: Bay views, terraced yards, modern kitchens, flex spaces for home offices or ADUs

Belmont's inventory tends to move quickly, and well-priced homes often receive multiple offers. The most desirable properties are those with modern updates, view orientation, and strong school assignments.

Why Work with the Boyenga Team

As Compass Founding Partners and Silicon Valley real estate strategists, the Boyenga Team brings unmatched value to Belmont buyers and sellers. We offer:

  • Hyperlocal expertise in Peninsula hillside homes and neighborhood-specific trends

  • Architectural knowledge to guide buyers through mid-century modern and rebuild opportunities

  • Access to off-market and pre-MLS listings through Compass Private Client Network

  • Strategic marketing that includes cinematic photography, drone footage, and AI-enhanced listing campaigns

  • Strong relationships with designers, builders, and lenders to support every phase of the transaction

Whether you're preparing to list a mid-century jewel box in Belmont Heights or looking for a modern family home with Bay views, we provide the negotiation skills, data-driven pricing, and neighborhood fluency to deliver outstanding results.

Begin Your Belmont Journey

If you're considering a move to Belmont or preparing to sell, connect with the Boyenga Team for expert guidance and access to off-market opportunities. Schedule a private consultation, receive a customized market report, or explore architectural listings tailored to your lifestyle and investment goals.