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Bel Marin Keys

Bel Marin Keys

$1,567,608 Average Value
$832 Average Price per Sq Ft
2 Homes For Sale

Bel Marin Keys residents have private docks and waterfront views

Residents of Bel Marin Keys wake up to waterfront views, boats bobbing in the surf and palm trees dotting the horizon. Built between the 1950s and 1980s, it’s a planned community where private docks stare out across blue lagoons and lush wetland habitats. It sits between the rolling mountains of Marin County and the San Pablo Bay, just south of Novato. “I love how quiet and secluded it is. There’s a lot of wildlife out here. We’ve got everything from birds and deer to coyotes,” says Steve Nash, president of the Bel Marin Keys board of directors and a longtime resident.

Palm trees and private boats are abundant in Bel Marin Keys.
Palm trees and private boats are abundant in Bel Marin Keys.
Bel Marin Keys offers homes that look similar to homes in the Florida Keys.
Bel Marin Keys offers homes that look similar to homes in the Florida Keys.
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Well-maintained homes overlook lush lagoons and wetlands

Bel Marin Keys offers a mix of well-maintained ranch style homes and two-story, Traditional homes. Many of these homes have been lovingly cared for by their owners, who have made tasteful upgrades and renovations over the years. The streetscape is dotted with landscaped lawns, lush gardens and leafy palm trees. Home prices range from $1.2 million to $2.2 million, with waterfront properties fetching the highest prices. “There are times when there’re no homes for sale, and then sometimes you’ll have two that sell before they even hit the market. It’s in very high demand,” Nash says. Safety is also part of the appeal — the community gets a CAP Index crime score of 1 out of 10, compared to 4 nationally. One of the drawbacks of living by the water is recurrent flooding. In 2024, the community approved a major plan to build stronger levees and locks in the neighborhood.

Bel Marin Keys is a unique neighborhood that is the perfect place to own a private dock and boat.
Bel Marin Keys is a unique neighborhood that is the perfect place to own a private dock and boat.
Bel Marin Keys is home to many different condominiums which helps
Bel Marin Keys is home to many different condominiums which helps
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The community gathers at waterside parks and the Bel Marin Keys Yacht Club

Seven small parks are perched along the community’s shores, meaning residents are just a stroll away from an outdoor public space. Cavalla Cay has a playground that overlooks the water, while Montego Park offers tennis courts and picnic tables in a breezy meadow. The Bel Marin Keys Yacht Club is a community gathering place where residents can launch their boats or simply enjoy the sun setting over the Marin Hills in the evening. Residents also benefit from their proximity to nearby hiking destinations, including Ignacio Valley, Pacheco Valley Preserve and Mount Tamalpais.

Bel Marin Keys Yacht Club is full of amazing boats that locals in Bel Marin Keys use regularly.
Bel Marin Keys Yacht Club is full of amazing boats that locals in Bel Marin Keys use regularly.
Monteco Park offers a fun playground right in the heart of Bel Marin Keys.
Monteco Park offers a fun playground right in the heart of Bel Marin Keys.
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Plenty of local events keep things interesting in Bel Marin Keys

Community events are a fixture in Bel Marin Keys. Locals celebrate Easter with a neighborhood Easter egg hunt, there’s a litter pick-up on Earth Day and every couple of weeks a bookmobile rumbles through the neighborhood. Neighbors can also gather for live music and food trucks at the yacht club every few months. “We’ve got all kinds of events: food truck nights, book clubs, yacht club dinners. It’s a really active community,” Nash says.

Students attend schools in the Novato Unified School District

Students can start their education at Hamilton Meadow Park School, which serves kindergarten through 8th grade. It gets a C-plus rating from Niche. Those looking for an alternative might consider Novato Charter School, a public K-8 charter school that won the prestigious California Distinguished Schools Award in 2023. It’s highly rated, earning an A-minus grade from Niche. The next step is A-minus-rated Novato High School, known for its wide range of AP classes and its variety of arts programming.

The Hamilton Meadow Park School educates Bel Marin Keys students in grades Kindergarten through 8th.
The Hamilton Meadow Park School educates Bel Marin Keys students in grades Kindergarten through 8th.
Novato High School teaches grades 9-12 in Bel Marin Keys.
Novato High School teaches grades 9-12 in Bel Marin Keys.
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Local shopping and dining are just a few miles away

The Bel Marin Keys may feel secluded, but it’s only a few miles to local shopping destinations. Pacheco Plaza is about 2 miles away and features a Nuggets Market grocery store and a handful of local shops and restaurants. Marin Coffee Roasters is a local go-to for coffee and pastries, while those looking for takeout can order a pie from Boca Pizzeria. There’s also Taki Japanese Restaurant for sushi and Mamita Cocina Mexicana for Central American cooking. Vintage Oaks shopping center is a go-to for everyday essentials — it has a Target, a Costco and a Sports Basement sporting goods store.

Starbucks keeps residents of Bel Marin Keys caffeinated with delicious hot drinks.
Starbucks keeps residents of Bel Marin Keys caffeinated with delicious hot drinks.
Sports Basement is the perfect place for residents of Bel Marin Keys to buy sporting goods.
Sports Basement is the perfect place for residents of Bel Marin Keys to buy sporting goods.
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Getting around Marin County and the greater Bay Area

State Route 101, also known as the Redwood Highway, runs along the western edge of the neighborhood. It’s a major area highway that connects with San Francisco, about 28 miles south, and Santa Rosa, about 32 miles north. Those who prefer rail travel can catch the SMART train about 3 miles away at Novato Hamilton station. The train shuttles passengers from Larkspur all the way to Santa Rosa and the Sonoma County Airport. Novato Community Hospital, the nearest medical center, is about 5 miles away.

Bel Marin Keys has homes sprawling throughout the bay water.
Bel Marin Keys has homes sprawling throughout the bay water.
Bel Marin Keys is easy to commute through with all it's many bus stops.
Bel Marin Keys is easy to commute through with all it's many bus stops.
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Daniel Berti
Written By
Daniel Berti
Teal Mandzik
Photography Contributed By
Teal Mandzik

Agents Specializing 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

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Charles M Schulz - Sonoma County

51 min drive

Reviews

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Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Bel Marin Keys US
Homicide 1 4
Sexual Assault 3 4
Assault with Weapon 2 4
Robbery 2 4
Burglary 2 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 3 4
Larceny 3 4
Crime Score 2 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes
659
Number of Homes for Sale
2
Median Year Built
1974
Months of Supply
1.50
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,037
Above the national average
1,930
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
3,464
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,270
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
10,018

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Mar 14
    1 - 4pm

    133 Montego Key, Novato, CA 94949

    $1,349,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • 1,835 Sq Ft
    • 133 Montego Key

    Enjoy single level living in one of Marin County's most sought-after waterfront communities! This newly updated, turn-key home has a lot to offer with 3 large bedrooms (one with private entrance) and 3 full baths, all with heated floors. Primary bath has door to backyard and garden, looking out to open space. The chef's kitchen opens to dining room and includes a peek-a-boo window looking into

    Marty Wickenheiser Berkshire Hathaway

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  • Saturday, Mar 14
    1 - 3pm

    289 Montego Key, Novato, CA 94949

    $1,098,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,127 Sq Ft
    • 289 Montego Key
    • New 5 days ago

    Welcome to 289 Montego Key in Novato, located in the highly sought-after Bel Marin Keys waterfront community, where scenic waterways, peaceful surroundings, and resort-style amenities define everyday living. This beautifully positioned 3-bedroom, 2-bath residence with a 2-car garage offers a rare opportunity to enjoy Marin County's coveted waterfront lifestyle in a tranquil natural setting.

    Angela Maroevich Coldwell Banker Realty

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
1,463
Median Age
59
Population Density
1 person/acre
Population under 18
14.2%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
37.4%
Above the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$147,249
Significantly above the national average
$79,601
Average Household Income
$168,164

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
96.1%
Above the national average
89%
College Graduates
44.4%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
17.3%
% Population in Labor Force
59.4%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
35''
Average Winter Low Temperature
42°F
Average Summer High Temperature
81°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Moderately friendly

Bike Score®

70 / 100

Somewhat friendly

Walk Score®

20 / 100

Not friendly

Transit Score®

0 / 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic

Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

Nearby Neighborhoods

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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Bel Marin Keys
Oggi Kashi
North Point Real Estate
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