$768,053Average Value$462Average Price per Sq Ft10Homes For Sale
The Delta's most populated island
The California Delta sits at the confluence of the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers and serves as a gateway from the buzzing San Francisco Bay Area to the agricultural bounty of the Central Valley. Here, one finds Bethel Island — the Delta's most populated island and its self-proclaimed "heart." River living defines this tight-knit community of more than 2,000 people. "People come to Bethel Island to have a home on the water, to escape the hustle and bustle of cities and to have the opportunity to experience the California Delta. It's about being able to introduce your children and grandchildren to life on the water and all that it includes. That's the Delta lifestyle," says Michael Temby, a longtime Delta resident, CEO of Keller Williams Realty East County and president of Delta Communities Consulting, a development consulting company currently working on the island.
Outdoor activities on water and land
The waters surrounding Bethel Island open to the Delta's 1,000 miles of waterways, making the island a paradise for boaters and water sports enthusiasts. Locals also love swimming, kayaking and paddleboarding in slower waters near the coastline. On shore, locals can walk or bike to the Bethel Island Community Park, a small green space with benches, and the Franks Tract State Recreation Area draws fly fishermen looking for striped bass or birdwatchers hoping to glimpse great blue herons, cormorants and kingfishers.
Peaceful fishing moments are abundant on Bethel Island's serene waters.
The Bethel Island neighborhood has multiple stunning views of the Delta.
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Homes from $60,000 up to $1 million
Homebuyers find a range of housing options, from narrow bands of well-established homes along the waterfront to inland clusters on rural farmland to new, luxury construction on the Delta's canals. The median list price in Bethel Island is $818,000, but that includes a broad range. Small mobile and manufactured homes sell from $60,000 to 150,000; homes built between the 1960s and early 2000s are priced between $500,000 and $1 million; and brand-new construction, like at Delta Coves, Bethel Island's newest luxury development where prices range from $700,000 to around $2 million, but include amenities like private boat slips, a marina and private club area, Island Camp. Island Camp offers a club room, a gym, a movement studio, a lap pool, a hot tub, barbecues, fire pits and pickleball courts, along with the crown jewel, the Duffy Bar — a waterside bar area constructed from a retired Duffy boat featuring barside swings and a front row to sunset views.
Bethel Island neighborhood's location is perfect for anyone seeking tranquility.
Bethel Island neighborhood homes offers the convenience of the waterfront.
Garage space is abundant in Bethel Island.
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Freezing waters don’t stop Bethel Island skiers
Bethel Islanders stay busy with events like Chamber of Commerce mixers and Bingo dinners, boat parades and the Lion's Club Annual Crab Feed fundraiser. The real highlight, however, comes New Year's Day when The Rusty Porthole hosts the Frozen Bun Run. The almost 50-year-old event draws as many as 1,500 spectators who come to watch skiers and wakeboarders take to the freezing water in what is a costume — and clothing — optional event.
“Off the hook” waterfront dining
Oakley, just 5 or 6 miles from the island, provides retail centers and grocery stores like Lucky and Raley's, but for day-to-day needs, locals find staples at Bethel Market, grab coffee at the Buzzy Bean, stock up on bait and tackle at The Bass Hole and search for vintage treasures at French Prairie Antiques. For eating out, there are options like Isla Bonita for Mexican and Delta Sports Bar and Grill for pizzas and burgers. But for Temby, the Sugar Barge Restaurant is where to go for great food with a waterfront view. "The food here is off the hook. It's the perfect place for a date night – it's simply amazing." For a different vibe, he recommends The Rusty Porthole. "This is the ultimate watering hole. The people are great, there's live music, and the best part is that you can come by car or boat."
Sugar Barge Waterfront Bar & Grill offers waterfront views in Bethel Island
Bethel Island locals enjoy lunch and dinner at Sugar Barge Waterfront Bar & Grill.
Bethel Island locals shop for all of their daily needs at the Bethel market.
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A high school with nearly 50 electives
Schools are nearby in Oakley, and youngsters can start at Summer Lake Elementary, which earns a 5 from Great Schools, before going on to Delta Vista Middle School, a C-plus-rated school by Niche. Both schools are part of the Oakley Union Elementary School District. For high school, teens head to Freedom High School in the Liberty Union High School District. Liberty earns an A-minus from Niche and offers nearly 50 electives, ranging from computer coding and engineering to fashion design and A Capella choir.
Summer Lake Elementary School is a popular option in East Contra Costa.
Delta Vista Middle School provides a quality education to those in sixth through eighth grade.
Freedom High in South Oakley is committed to the academic and personal success of all students.
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New BART station makes commuting easier
Bethel Island is approximately 60 miles east of San Francisco, 70 miles northeast of San Jose and Silicon Valley and 50 miles east of Oakland, each offering a major airport, and residents can now commute via BART, thanks to a new station 8 miles away in Antioch.
The Bethel Island neighborhood has beautiful winding roads throughout the neighborhood.
Flood insurance required, except in Delta Coves
It may come as no surprise that Bethel Island sits in a flood plain, meaning that homeowners are required to have flood insurance. The one exception to this rule is Delta Coves, which is located on the finger-like canals of the island's southeast side. The development was built atop a levee, lifting its nearly 500 new waterfront homes above flood zones.
Bethel Island residents enjoy an afternoon on the water.
Photography Contributed By
Jean Paul Toshiro
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Glenn Macayan,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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On average, homes in Bethel Island, CA sell after 127 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Bethel Island, CA over the last 12 months is $839,254, up 8% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
New Construction Single-Story on Oversized Lot Near the Lake! Don't miss your chance to own this stunning, single-story home in the highly anticipated second release of Summer Lake North! Perfectly positioned on an expansive lot with a 52-foot-deep backyard, this home is just a short stroll from the lake offering the ideal blend of space, style, and location. Designed with comfort and elegance in
The Beautiful Water front view is spectacular, right from your dining area with open dock, to house all your boats. Located in a great neighborhood, 3rd bedroom is now detached creating a possible detached ADU. Kitchen Has Granite counter tops Dbl door Whirlpool Refrigerator, Kitchen Stove & Garbage disposal. Microwave, and security light system stay, Washer and dryer are also included. Home is
Waterfront Property Times Two! Double lot with 95 feet of waterfront on over a half acre, two houses, two u-docks (side-by-side, one covered, one open) with plenty of space on either side for side-ties. Double your pleasure, double your fun in this unique one-of-a-kind property in The Heart of the Delta! Large 900 sqft quonset hut garage/shop, plus additional carport parking. Automatic security
Property Id: 1949965Enjoy the delta life in Bethel Island. This large clean, quiet 1 bedroom has a full sized kitchen, ample storage, full bath with tub.Two parking spaces, grassy areas for relaxing and dock.
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