By Mary Swift-Swan

The Tiburon Peninsula reaches out into the Bay forming the Marin side of Raccoon Straits across from Angel Island. On average, it takes 20 minutes from Highway 101 along Tiburon Boulevard in Southern Marin to reach the center of this quiet historic town. It only takes 17 minutes on the Blue & Gold Ferry to reach downtown Tiburon from San Francisco. The land is hilly with much of the developed property wrapping around the long shoreline working up the hills to near the top of the peninsula’s ridge. The eastern ridge top can be accessed at the end of Lyford Drive. It is a sanctuary for walkers, obtained for the community by forward-thinking residents as a track of open land for all to walk the hills and see forever.

It is estimated that 50 percent of the homes in Tiburon have water views of San Francisco Bay. The price range for the 82 homes on the market in Tiburon today goes from $795,000 to $24.5 million. Prices for condos range from $385,000 for a one bedroom to $1,949,000. Some homes are true mansions. Three mansions currently on the market include an AndreAgassi’s home for $24.5 million, a true palatial estate for $17 million, and a home (seen here) that is on the market but can be rented for movie shoots, conferences or private use until it is sold. (See www.tiburonpalace.com or call the Marin Land Co. for more information.)

“Property in Tiburon is selling and growing in value at more than 20 percent per year for homes under $3 million and around 10 percent for homes above,” said Marin Land Company real estate Broker, and local Rotary pesident Paul Grothe. “Sales in the first two months of this year are higher than last year. If the interest rates stay low, there is no reason to expect the upward trend to falter.” Excellent properties, such as he Corinthian Island historic home, located near the heart of town and featuringBayviews from every room , is priced at $2,595,000, or it can be leased.

Paul continued, “ Tiburon was not as adversely affected by the downturn in the economy because of unique community and climatic factors. We have a near zero crime rate and very low incidence of fire. The police and fire departments are superb. The local schools are excellent, which brings many who have young children or want to start a family. Tiburon is a richly diverse community of interesting people of all ages.

“The climate is the best in the area. It is classically Mediterranean with sun when most other areas have none. There is practically no fog or humidity. The tempurature is consistently 55-65 degrees. Not many homes have docks that can handle a boat over 40 feet, but there are three yacht clubs with dockage. Most community members who enjoy boating, join the Yacht Clubs,” Paul finished with a warm smile.