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Bethel Island

Bethel Island

Located in Contra Costa County

$764,808 Average Value
$442 Average Price per Sq Ft
8 Homes 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.
Peaceful fishing moments are abundant on Bethel Island's serene waters.
The Bethel Island neighborhood has multiple stunning views of the Delta.
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's location is perfect for anyone seeking tranquility.
Bethel Island neighborhood homes offers the convenience of the waterfront.
Bethel Island neighborhood homes offers the convenience of the waterfront.
Garage space is abundant in Bethel Island.
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
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 enjoy lunch and dinner at Sugar Barge Waterfront Bar & Grill.
Bethel Island locals shop for all of their daily needs at the Bethel market.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Bethel Island residents enjoy an afternoon on the water.
Jean Paul Toshiro
Photography Contributed By
Jean Paul Toshiro

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Christi Durflinger, an experienced agent in this area.

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Schools

Source:
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. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Bethel Island Housing Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$978,990
Median Sale Price
$925,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$925,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
7%
Last 12 months Home Sales
35
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
3%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$442

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
470
Number of Homes for Sale
8
Median Year Built
1969
Months of Supply
2.70
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,713
Below the national average
1,924
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
742
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
9,147

Open Houses

  • 1596 Taylor Rd, Bethel Island, CA 94511

    $385,000

    • 1596 Taylor Rd

    **Rare Waterfront Land Opportunity:** Discover an exceptional waterfront paradise at 1596 Taylor Road, Bethel Island, CA 94511. This .23-acre builder-ready land parcel offers two 30-foot covered boat berths and proximity to fast-water channels, adjacent to Caliente Harbor. With utilities in place, envision your dream waterfront retreat tailored to your desires. Boating enthusiasts will relish the

    Agent Photo
    Christi Durflinger
    Nexthome Town & Country
    (925) 701-8007
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  • 1410 Taylor Rd, Bethel Island, CA 94511

    $899,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,027 Sq Ft
    • 1410 Taylor Rd

    Private Oasis on the Delta! Rare property is available for the first time in 35 years. Hosting many amazing amenities. Beautifully landscaped front & backyard, owned private secured boat dock minutes away from fast delta water access. Detached Sunroom on the rear of the house allowing an abundance of natural light into home. The detached garage is used as a shop, hobby & laundry room with a

    Agent Photo
    Sean Feeney
    RE/MAX Gold
    (925) 722-6374
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  • 4610 Gateway Rd Unit 12, Bethel Island, CA 94511

    $99,950

    • 2 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 715 Sq Ft
    • 4610 Gateway Rd
    • Unit 12
    • New 2 days ago

    Welcome to your brand-new Champion Manufactured Home in the Bethel Island Community! This beautifully designed 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom home features modern touches throughout and a spacious, well-thought-out floor plan perfect for comfortable living. Enjoy the convenience of affordable space rent at just $695/month. A perfect blend of style, value, and location. Don't miss this opportunity!

    Sherrie Johnston Harmony Communities, Inc.

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Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

Bethel Island Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
1,545
Median Age
56
Population under 18
14.9%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
31.8%
Above the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$88,434
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$110,725

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
82.7%
Below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
18.3%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
9.4%
% Population in Labor Force
60.8%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
11''
Average Winter Low Temperature
41°F
Average Summer High Temperature
91°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®®

30 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®®

3 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
Bethel Island