Why Live in Belle Haven
Belle Haven in Menlo Park, CA, is a community-focused suburb in Silicon Valley, known for its waterfront parks and proximity to regional hotspots. The neighborhood is minutes from Meta's headquarters and a few miles from downtown Menlo Park. Tree-lined streets with sidewalks create a peaceful atmosphere where residents often walk their dogs or push strollers. Belle Haven features an active community association, walkable parks, a senior center, and a neighborhood library, making it welcoming for people from all walks of life. The area is safer than the national average, contributing to its family-friendly reputation.
Belle Haven's residential development began during the Great Depression, and it remains relatively accessible compared to other Bay Area neighborhoods. The architectural mix includes smaller ranch-style houses and modern homes. The neighborhood is highly walkable, with landscaped green spaces and minimal traffic.
Outdoor features are a highlight, with Bedwell Bayfront Park offering hilltop views of the Bay and Dumbarton Bridge Vista Point and Trail providing scenic bike rides. Kelly Park is the largest neighborhood park, popular for youth soccer and community cookouts. The Belle Haven Community Garden and Hamilton Park's playground are also local favorites.
Belle Haven Action, a community organization, hosts events like the Belle Haven Farmers Market and health-focused gatherings. Students attend schools in the Ravenswood City School District, with older kids going to the highly rated Menlo-Atherton High School. The Belle Haven Branch Library is a community hub next to the neighborhood elementary school.
A small shopping center in the eastern corner of Belle Haven includes restaurants, shops, and a Starbucks. For more extensive shopping and dining, residents head to downtown Menlo Park, less than 2 miles away. Belle Haven is well-connected by the Bayfront Expressway and Bayshore Freeway, with city buses providing public transportation options. Located about 30 miles south of downtown San Francisco and 20 miles from San Jose, it is a convenient location for commuters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Belle Haven a good place to live?
Belle Haven is a good place to live. Belle Haven is considered very car-dependent and somewhat bikeable with minimal transit options. Belle Haven is a suburban neighborhood. Belle Haven has 5 parks for recreational activities. It is sparse in population with 1.9 people per acre and a median age of 36. The average household income is $133,054 which is above the national average. College graduates make up 22.5% of residents. A majority of residents in Belle Haven are renters, with 59.9% of residents renting and 40.1% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Belle Haven can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Belle Haven neighborhood guide.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Belle Haven?
The median home price in Belle Haven is $1,198,000. If you put a 20% down payment of $239,600 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.5%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $6,060 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $260K a year to afford the median home price in Belle Haven. The average household income in Belle Haven is $133K.
What are the best public schools in Belle Haven?
The best public schools that serve Belle Haven are:
- Sequoia High School has an A Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 18:1 and an average review score of 3.9.
- Menlo-Atherton High School has an A Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 17:1 and an average review score of 3.7.
- Tide Academy has an A- Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 9:1 and an average review score of 3.8.
What are the best private schools in Belle Haven?
The best private schools that serve Belle Haven are:
- Synapse School has an A+ Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 5:1 and an average review score of 4.5.
- Nativity School Menlo Park has an A Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 9:1 and an average review score of 5.0.
- Peninsula School has an A Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 5:1 and an average review score of 4.7.
What are the most popular zip codes in Belle Haven, Menlo Park, CA?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near Belle Haven, Menlo Park, CA?
Home Trends in Belle Haven, CA
On average, homes in Belle Haven, Menlo Park sell after 26 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Belle Haven, Menlo Park over the last 12 months is $1,300,000, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$1,300,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$1,300,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$1,089
Number of Homes for Sale
1
Last 12 months Home Sales
23
Median List Price
$1,198,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
-1%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
4%