Lush mountains surrounding hilltop homes with spectacular views of San Francisco Bay
In the 1820s, this area was nothing more than a cattle ranch on the flatlands. But as more people arrived, they began building up the hills the town is named after. “Bel monte” is Italian for beautiful mountain, and the city of Belmont was incorporated in 1926. Today, these hillside homes set Belmont apart from other towns in the Peninsula. Many of the homes are surrounded by lush mountains and have the most spectacular views of San Francisco Bay.
You’ll find a wide range of housing, both old and new. Carlmont is one of the most diverse, with century-old houses on large lots, mid-century ranch estates, and modern homes closer to downtown. For newer and even more spacious homes, the Hallmark neighborhood has properties built from the 1960s onward. Perched on top of the hills, they have the best views of the water. The Belmont Woods area has small single-family homes and condominiums. Belmont is also close to the Caltrain and Highway 101, so it’s great for commuters.
Residents enjoy spending time outdoors, giving Belmont a more laid-back feel. It’s a small city with a close-knit community. It’s primarily residential but close enough to the technology and cultural hubs of Silicon Valley and San Francisco to give it both an urban and suburban appeal. The parks, mountains, and views of the bay make it a great escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and the technology world.
Although Belmont is one of the smaller cities in the Peninsula, it still has plenty of eateries. Most of them are on El Camino Real or Ralston Avenue. Farm House has an eclectic menu and is a neighborhood favorite for brunch. Marvin Gardens is a rustic tavern-style bar serving pizzas and sandwiches.
If you’re looking for a social night out, St. James Gate is your typical Irish sports bar, but it hosts live bands, karaoke, and trivia nights. Godfather’s Burger Lounge is an upscale and highly rated burger joint. Around the corner is SunRice Café, serving Filipino-American fusion breakfast and lunch.
Aji Limon Peruvian serves authentic family-style Peruvian cuisine. Spoon and Fork has Thai specials served in an informal dining room. Iberia specializes in tapas and paellas. Blue Sky Cafe is a bustling restaurant specializing in Cantonese dishes.
Falafelle is a vegetarian restaurant serving bowls, pitas, and combo plates counter-style. For Japanese fare, try Sushi Monster or Yama Sushi. For fine dining, go to The Iron Gate, a French-Italian restaurant serving traditional dishes.
At the Carlmont Village Shopping Center, you’ll find restaurants, several cafes, and a gourmet grocery store, Lunardi’s Markets.
Residents take advantage of all the parks and recreation in Belmont. Water Dog Lake has a network of trails surrounding the lake and offers beautiful views of the canyons. It’s also pet-friendly, as the name suggests. Twin Pines Park has two playgrounds, picnic and BBQ areas, and nature trails. It houses the Belmont Historical Society, Belmont City Hall, the Twin Pines Art Center, and the Senior and Community Center. The park also hosts the Hungarian Heritage Festival, various art fairs, and concerts in the summer.
You can catch a performance at the Carlmont Performing Arts Center, which houses the main stage and the smaller Studio Theatre. The Belmont Farmers Market happens on Sundays year-round. Here you’ll find fresh produce, artisanal vendors, florists, baked goods, and live entertainment. Every year, the community organizes theme events, such as Santa at the Firehouse and Easter egg hunts.
Belmont is served by the Belmont-Redwood Shores School District and the Sequoia Union High School District.
Together with his wife and son, the Buljan Group has grown as a commanding force in the local real estate realm over the years selling every major landmark property in the community.
