Punta de Tiburon, translated as Shark's Point, was the Spanish name for the town now known as Tiburon. Originally a Miwok Indian Village, Tiburon prospered as a Spanish Land Grant settlement, and later became a bustling railroad town in the 1800's. Today Tiburon is a busy waterfront town, reminiscent of a quaint New England fishing village. Upscale shopping, art galleries, and waterside dining charm visitors and residents alike.
Tiburon enjoys the same Mediterranean climate experienced throughout Marin County. Warm, dry summers, kept comfortable by ocean breezes pushing in around the Marin Headlands, and mild winters hold the promise of pleasant conditions year-round. Pleasure in Tiburon abides, regardless of the season. There are few experiences more delightful than basking in the sun and looking out across the bay toward San Francisco on a clear summer day or admiring the city lights on a crisp winter evening.
With easy access to ferry services and only minutes away from the Golden Gate Bridge, Tiburon is an attractive location for commuters. Homes in Tiburon and nearby Belvedere are expensive. Forbes Magazine has long rated the Belvedere/Tiburon area as being among the most expensive zip codes in the United States. Homes in Tiburon are high-end luxury homes and range from stylish single-family detached homes to sweeping estates, although luxury condominiums and townhouses are also available. Most properties have panoramic views of the bay, the surrounding mountains, or the San Francisco city lights.
Tiburon's interesting past has created a rather eclectic collection of architectural styles. Main Street is full of shops and restaurants housed in historic wood buildings dating back to Tiburon's railroad days. During the late 1800's and early 1900's, floating homes were popular with summer residents, sea captains, and bohemian artists; remnants of this era can still be found on Ark Row, which is full of charming little shops that used to be houseboats. Examples of classic architecture can be found in the Hilarita Reed Lyford House, an Italianate villa that now serves as headquarters for National Audubon Society, and Old St. Hillary's, a former Catholic church, which is a fine example of the Carpenter Gothic style.
Tiburon also has a long history with the mid-century modern movement in architecture, and many homes in the area reflect the simple, understated style of modernists such as Raphael Soriano and Charles Warren Callister, both prominent mid-century architects who were based in Tiburon for many years. William Wurster, another of California's influential architects, designed one of the hillside homes perched above the waters of Tiburon. Other homes influenced by the modern movement include a 1960's Quinn and Oda home, and an award winning, master-planned community of condominiums designed by Fisher-Friedman Associates.
Interesting homes, stunning views, and a wonderful climate just scratch the surface of Tiburon's charms, however. With two yacht clubs - the Corinthian Yacht Club and the Tiburon Yacht Club; acres of shopping and waterfront dining, and miles of biking, hiking, and skating trails there is always something to do in Tiburon.
Real estate in Tiburon is expensive, but properties hold their value. Despite the general decline in California real estate, the luxury market in Marin County, including Tiburon, has remained steady or, in many cases, actually increased in value. The cost of property in this area reflects the location, views, and standard of living as well as the architecture and amenities of the home.
