How about a glimpse into one of California’s highest-income communities? That’s Belvedere. This residential city sits pretty on the San Francisco Bay in Marin County. Belvedere boasts a unique landscape of two islands and a lagoon. These are connected to the Tiburon Peninsula by causeways.
Belvedere’s story starts back in 1896 when it became an incorporated city. A year later, in 1897, its first post office opened. Imagine the excitement as this new community began to flourish.
Now, picture Belvedere City Hall. It wasn’t always a city hall. This building started as a Presbyterian Church. It was then moved to its current spot on San Rafael Avenue in 1949.
Belvedere offers stunning views. Depending on where you stand, you might see San Francisco, Angel Island, or Sausalito. The Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco Bay, and Mount Tamalpais can also be seen.
The houses in Belvedere reflect a range of styles. You will see Victorians, Mediterranean designs, and mid-century modern homes. Some houses are even built as cliff-hangers. The houses on the Belvedere Lagoon boast their own boat docks. Many homes on Belvedere and Corinthian Islands have docks with access to San Francisco Bay.
The Valentine Rey House is one notable home. It was designed by Willis Polk and built in 1893. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Other notable designers who have worked here include Joseph Esherick, Albert Farr, Henry Gutterson, and Charles Warren Callister.
Belvedere is primarily a residential community. For services, shops, and eateries, residents head to nearby Tiburon. If you are a yachting enthusiast, Belvedere has two yacht clubs: the San Francisco Yacht Club and the Corinthian Yacht Club.
In 2017, Belvedere became twin city with Portofino in Italy. Both cities are known as premier yachting destinations. Members of the San Francisco Yacht Club and the Yacht Club Italiano enjoy visitor privileges.
In 2020, the population was 2,126. The city has a total area of 2.42 square miles, but only 0.54 square miles is land. The rest is water.
Belvedere is known for its tranquility and strong sense of community. Despite its small size, Belvedere is a full-service city. It has police, public works, and planning departments. The annual budget is just over $10 million. The city relies on a small staff and many volunteers to deliver services.
Actress Vivian Vance, best known as Ethel on I Love Lucy, passed away in Belvedere in 1979.
Belvedere continues to be a desirable place to live.