Tiburon, California, sits just across the Bay from the city of San Francisco, a location that has blessed the town with spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean.

Tiburon takes its name from the Spanish. The town was once called "Punta del Tiburon," or "shark point." Tiburon is actually one of a series of smaller towns located near the San Francisco Bay (they include Sausalito, Corte Madera, Novato, and Mill Valley); collectively, they make up Marin County. The closer one approaches the south end of Marin County, the closer one gets to San Francisco -- and that proximity carries with it a hefty price tag. According to Marin County Realtor Jill Hill of Coldwell Banker, the privilege of a Bay view can add between $25,000 and a staggering $100,000 to the asking price of a home. And in San Francisco's real estate market -- undeniably the hottest and most expensive residential real estate market in the country -- buyers are quite willing to pay the extra amount without batting an eye.

Tiburon's hilly terrain, like the geography of greater Marin County, means that space is at a premium. As you make your way into San Francisco, there's not much room to expand at all. Developers are attempting to build more and more on less and less. The friendly climate keeps many residents outdoors more than indoors. According to Hill, garages are an anomaly in this area, and homes tend to be touted in terms of the number of amenities they have -- not their square footage, because homes are comparatively smaller here than in other regions of the country. Relocating families are in many cases a bit surprised at the size of homes in and around Tiburon; yet, the privilege of living in what's sure to be one of the most beautiful areas of the country quickly makes them forget that sacrifice.

Tiburon, like neighboring San Francisco, is commanding high prices for its homes. The average asking price of a three-bedroom, two-bath detached home in Tiburon is between $500,000 and $850,000, according to Hill's 1998 data. In the period between the first quarter of 1997 and the first quarter of 1998, the average selling price of a home in Tiburon (that includes condominiums) jumped 25.7 percent. In the first quarter of 1997, the average selling price of a home in Tiburon was $798,266; during the same period in 1998, the average selling price of a home tipped the scales at $1,003,750.

But it's more than scenery and high resale prices that brings prospective residents here to stay. It's the lifestyle in this community of approximately 8,550 (according to 1997 figures). Tiburon has a small-town atmosphere, but its residents enjoy the conveniences of living less than half an hour from a major city. They can hop on a ferry each morning and commute to the city for work, eliminating bumper-to-bumper stress. And because the weather is friendly year-round, Tiburon residents spend time outdoors constantly -- whether they're hiking, biking along the town's bayside trails, or merely reading a book on the beach or a stretch of lawn.

More than 75 percent of Marin County is comprised of open space, either public or private. Residents never have to deal with the inconveniences of snow (shoveling, freezing, etc.); yet, ski trails are within a few hours' drive. Tiburon also provides exclusive ferry service to Angel Island, which offers beautiful beaches and even more beautiful Bay views. Simply put, the quality of life is high in Tiburon. Residents here truly enjoy the best of all possible worlds: Cheaper real estate than neighboring San Francisco, yet easy proximity to the city; a terrain unlike any other in the United States; and a carefree, relaxed way of life.

Published: October 1, 1998

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Editor's Note: This article reflects the opinions of Courtney Ronan only and not necessarily the views of this or any other publication, organization or Website owner.