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Living in Belmont, CA

wooden bridge walkway on a scenic woodland path in Belmont, CA

What is Belmont Known for?

  • Scenic Beauty: Rolling hills, lush greenery, and epic views of the bay.
  • Commuting Convenience: Centrally located between San Francisco and Silicon Valley, with ease of access via Caltrain.
  • Architectural Charm: Storied historic homes blend with modern new residences.
  • Good Shops & Dining: Cute local boutiques and delicious places to eat in Belmont as well as nearby San Carlos.
  • Outdoor Pursuits: Over 14 parks and recreational areas, from Twin Pines Park to Waterdog Lake & Open Space and more.
  • Mild Climate: Moderate temperatures and minimal extreme weather.
  • Safety: Low crime rates compared to many other cities in the region.
  • Good Public Schools: Part of the Belmont-Redwood Shores School District and the Sequoia Union High School District.
  • Job Opportunities: Companies with offices in or near Belmont include Nikon Precision Cengage, Volkswagen, Arctx Medical, Electronic Arts, + much more.
  • A More Relaxed Pace of Life: Enjoy a great quality of life in the heart of the culturally and technologically rich Bay Area.

What's the Population & Demographics?

As of 2023, the US census estimates the population of Belmont to be around 26,622. 52% of the population identifies as white, 29% as Asian, 14% as Hispanic or Latino, and 2.1% as Black. 96% of the population has a high-school degree or higher; 69% has a bachelor's degree or higher. Belmont has an average of 2.51 persons per household.

Where is Belmont?

Belmont, CA, is located in San Mateo County on the San Francisco Peninsula in Northern California. It's situated about halfway between San Francisco and San Jose. Here are distances to nearby cities:

  • Belmont to Palo Alto: ~15 miles south, with a driving time of around 20-25 minutes.
  • Belmont to Mountain View: ~ 18 miles south, taking about 25-30 minutes by car.
  • Belmont to Sunnyvale: ~20 miles south, with a driving time of 25-35 minutes.
  • Belmont to San Francisco: ~22 miles north, taking around 24-40 minutes by car.
  • Belmont to Cupertino: ~25 miles south, taking about 30-40 minutes to drive.
  • Belmont to Santa Clara: ~25 miles south, with a driving time of around 30-40 minutes.
  • Belmont to San Jose: ~30 miles south, taking around 35-45 minutes by car.

What are commuting options?

Highways (Car)

  • US-101: Runs north-south, providing direct access to San Francisco, San Jose, and other Bay Area cities.
  • I-280: Another major north-south route that offers a scenic drive through the Peninsula's western side and also connects to San Francisco and San Jose.
  • CA-92: Runs east-west, connecting Belmont to the San Mateo-Hayward Bridge, providing access to the East Bay.

Public Transport (Train or Bus)

  • Caltrain: Belmont has a Caltrain station that offers commuter rail service between San Francisco and San Jose.
  • SamTrans (San Mateo County Transit District): The bus service provides local and regional routes throughout San Mateo County, including routes that connect Belmont to nearby cities and BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) stations.
  • BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit): While there is no BART station in Belmont, nearby stations in Millbrae and Daly City can be accessed via SamTrans buses or by driving.

What's the history of Belmont?

Originally inhabited by the Ohlone people, the area was later explored by Spanish missionaries and settlers. During the Mexican era, the land was part of a large land grant called Rancho de las Pulgas, given to the Argüello family. In the mid-19th century, after California became part of the United States, the land was subdivided and sold to settlers. Belmont's development accelerated with the arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century, connecting it to San Francisco and other nearby cities. Agriculture, particularly dairy farming and orchards, became prominent industries in the area.

The early 20th century saw Belmont's transition into a suburban community, with residential development increasing as transportation networks expanded. Now a suburban community, Belmont is popular due to its attractive neighborhoods and proximity to Silicon Valley.

What are some favorite local attractions?

A few key places to vsit, shop, and eat that we especially love, including directions and distance from The Hayden:

  • Twin Pines Park - .5 Miles Away The subject of the featured photo on this post, Twin Pines is a hidden treasure in the middle of Belmont with picnic areas, public art, wooded walking paths, a historic art center, and more.
  • Belmont Farmer's Market - .6 Miles Away Located in the CalTrain parking lot, this popular local market offers exquisite finds from area farmers, crafters, and producers.
  • Farm House - .6 Miles Away This New American restaurant offers a "quaint twist on the classics" with "excellent ambiance," outdoor seating, and a "great neighborhood vibe".
  • Academy of Design - .5 Miles Away Targeted exclusively towards young designers aged 8-15, popular courses and offerings at this popular fashion school frequently sell out.
  • Dog Haus Biergarten - .2 Miles Away A laid-back spot with lots of outdoor seating, handcrafted hot dogs & burgers, and of course, great beer.
  • Iberia Tapas - .4 Miles Serving up authentic Spanish cuisine on El Camino Real with superb paella and a wide variety of tapas.
  • Sainted Goods - 1.6 Miles Away A curated selection of high-quality vintage and upcycled fashion finds.

Discover The Hayden

Come home to The Hayden in charming Belmont, CA. Learn more about our modern new apartments and luxe amenities that elevate every day. We can't wait to show you around.