CITIES AND TOWNS IN
MARIN COUNTY
The cities and townships of Marin County offer every kind of gracious living; urban gentry,
slow paced small town friendliness and individualized, eclectic privacy. The principal cities
and towns are listed below in alphabetical order. Come along for a brief tour of this lovely
area!Click on city name below to find out more.
With a population of approximately 2,200 the town is located on a tiny island at the end
of the Tiburon peninsula. While there are a few shared buildings, this jewel of a
neighborhood is known for its stately mansions and beautifully manicured gardens and
lawns, reminiscent of the South. Most of these homes were built by San Francisco's
wealthy businesspeople as isolated summer homes on this beautiful island that is at once
convenient and removed from the rush of daily life. The median price of homes in Belvedere as of August 2000, according to the Marin County Assessor is $ $5,475,000
This peaceful, private community was originally part of the fabulous Corte Madera del
Presidio Rancho of Mexico, which included land granted to John Reed (the first known
English speaking resident) by Governor Figueroa of Mexico. A lumber mill was built there
which provided the lumber to build the Presidio in San Francisco. Today, Corte Madera
(population 8,525) is a prestigious bedroom community, reflecting the easy, outdoor
lifestyle associated with the open spaces of California. Water sports, hiking, biking and
picnicking are available in nearly every direction. According to the Marin County Assessor, as of August 2000 the median price home in Corte Madera was $593,500.
This midwestern, old-fashioned charming town of 7,125 is the small town people dream
of, where everybody knows everybody else. Although Fairfax didn't install it's first traffic
light until 1992, that doesn't mean it is out of touch with the times. In fact, the area is
extremely environmentally-oriented and is constantly working to preserve its natural
treasures. Originally, the town was part of the personal estate of area governor Lord
Charles Snowden Fairfax. During the Gold Rush, Italian immigrants settled in Fairfax
because it reminded them of home. Lots of open space in the hills just outside the city
make Fairfax the perfect location for outdoor activities; anything from picnicking to hiking
along the picturesque trails and pathways. The median price of a home in Fairfax as of August 2000 was $ 450,000 according to the County Assessor.
At present Larkspur is a city of approximately 12,000, although its real growth did not
start until after the completion of the Golden Gate Bridge in 1937. Originally the area was
inhabited by the Coast Mace Indian tribe, who relocated when Mexican settlement began.
The name is actually a mistake; the wife of the founding developer thought that the local
blue wildflower found there was Larkspur, when in reality it was lupine. Larkspur is a city
of contrasts, modern and open by the ferry terminal; and on the other side of town, the
city is graced with well-kept homes amidst redwood forests that grow wild, even through
the streets. The downtown district is a gathering place for locals and visitors alike, with
bricklined sidewalks gracing the restaurant section. The County Assesor's records states the median price home was $895,000 as of August 2000
Mill Valley is a commuter haven, only 3 minutes from the freeway, and as few as 15
minutes from downtown San Francisco. It is an ecclectic combination of artists,
film-makers and entertainers, a magnet for those with creative spirits. The Annual Film
Festival is an international event which attracts and showcases premiere films and visitors
from all parts of the globe. Another popular event in Mill Valley is the Dipsea Footrace, a
seven and a half mile race established in 1904, which begins in downtwon Mill Valley and
ends up on the other side of Mt. Tamalpais at Stinson Beach. But what really sets Mill
Valley apart, is not just the spectacular beauty of its setting, but its unique environment - a
combination of tranquility and liveliness, privacy and community involvement, urban
sophistication and village charm. The County Assesor's records states the
median price home as of Auguat 2000 was $1,020,000
Where city meets country. Novato the first or second largest city in the county (sharing
honor with San Rafael ), is truly a blend of atmosphere - with hiking, horseback riding and
jogging as three of the area's most popular pastime. Novato is home of the largest
employer in the county, with all the services of a real city, yet enough space to allow
residents to feel like they live in the country. Perhaps no township in Marin County is a
better representation of the blending of the natural and the urban than Novato. It's a tough
combination to beat. The County Assesor's records as of August 2000 states the median price home was $441,000
ROSS
A peaceful, private township, Ross tends to retain things and people over time. In fact
many residents are now raising their families in houses where they themselves grew up.
The local grocery is owned and operated by the same family since World War II.
Residents agreed years ago to forego door-to-door mail delivery. Ross was named after
a local developer, as was the railroad station. This affluent community where gated homes
with swimming pools and tennis courts are common, is proud of its town especially the
local school which has an outstanding record. The County Assesor's records states the median price home as of August 2000 was $ 1,615,000
Just 20 minutes north of the Golden Gate Bridge you may visit this charming city, also
known as Northern California's Antique Capital. Tree-lined streets offer award winning
cuisine, over 130 antique shops, many California craft and gift shops. On week-ends you
may enjoy jazz at the local coffee house, or picnic at Creek Park with the creek running
right through the downtown. The most striking attraction however, is the San Francisco Theological
seminary with its majestic stone buildings inspired from the Middle Ages. The County Assesor's records states the median price home as of August 2000 was $515,000 .
Also the county seat, San Rafael draws together people of diverse cultures and
backgrounds. The largest city in the county, honor shared with Novato, has many unusual
characteristics: from quaint, upscale middle class neighborhoods, and Victorians in the
downtown district to the county civic center designed by world famous Frank Lloyd
Wright and Mission San Rafael Arcangel, the twentieth mission established in California
by Father Junipero Serra. Other interesting sites are San Quentin state prison just outside
the city limits, Dominican College and its elegant surrounding neighborhood and
LucasArts, the entertainment company owned by George Lucas ("Star Wars"), which is
rapidly becoming one of the largest employers in the county.
San Rafael boasts very good schools, including Gallinas Elementary which in 1995 was
placed in the states "distinguished" category. Its busy downtown district has been going
through some renovation and modernization recently.
The city of San Rafael with its 14 parks, yacht clubs, tennis and swim clubs and bike trails
is the kind of town for the family with an active lifestyle. There are several good docking
and launching facilities for the boater or fisherman.
San Rafael and Novato are practically the only cities in Marin County adding population
in significant numbers. If you are buying in either town and the adjoining fields are vacant,
we recommend you check with city hall to see if any construction is planned.
The County Assesor's records show the median price home as of August 2000 was $547,500.
A mere 10 minute ride from Golden Gate Bridge, the first Marin County city North of San
Francisco. Visitors from all over the world fall in love with Sausalito and its unique lifestyle
and architecture. Quiet, elegant with its Mediterranean-like sophisticated charm, this
waterfront community is a haven for artists, writers and craftspeople.
Sausalito was originally home of the Miwok Indians and was first discovered in 1775 by
Spanish explorer Juan Manual de Ayala. He named the area "Saucelito", which means
little willow. During World War II Sausalito's district now known as Marinship, became a
major shipbuilding site for ships, tankers and landing craft.
Today ferryboats operating from Fisherman's wharf in San Francisco, take you past
Alcatraz Island and Golden Gate Bridge to the picturesque village on the bay. A quiet
stroll along Sausalito's waterfront takes you to boutiques, shops, galleries, street side
cafes, fine restaurants and elegant hotels. All this while you enjoy a magnificent view of
sailboats, friendly seals and seagulls, and in the background, the Oakland Bay Bridge and
towering buildings of downtown San Francisco.
Prices of homes listed for sale in Sausalito range from $219,500 to $ 3,600,000,
according to the Multiple Listing Service. A report from the Marin County Assessor,
shows the median price home in Sausalito as of August 2000 was 1,200,000. According to the
1990 census (most current data as of 11/98) population 10,032.
The hilly Tiburon peninsula stretches southward into Richardson Bay, toward Angel Island
State Park making the town of Tiburon a haven for surfers, boaters, bikers and hikers.
Surrounded on three sides by water, Tiburon boasts plentiful marinas, yacht clubs and
swim facilities, as well as tennis courts. Once a railroad working class community, Tiburon
is now a wealthy community with a history all its own, and where a home that lines the
shore may sell for close to $ 5 million.
Tiburon is extremely proud of its heritage and takes special care of its landmark treasures,
especially St. Hilary's Roman Catholic Church, built in 1886. It is one of the few examples
of Carpenter Gothic architecture which survives in its original condition and setting. The
building stands on beautiful gardens which include extremely rare plants, two of which
grow nowhere else in the world. Another cherised treasure is the China Cabin, a 22 k
gold Social Saloon from the SS China which landed in San Francisco in 1867. The China
Cabin is open to the public as a maritime museum. You may call Parks and Recreation at
415 - 435 - 4355 to inquire about hours open to the public. The median price home according to the Marin County Assessor as of August 2000 was $ 1,400,000
West Marin towns include Bolinas, Dillon Beach, Forest Knolls, Inverness, Lagunitas,
Marshall, Muir Beach, Nicasio, Olema, Point Reyes Station, San Geronimo, Stinson
Beach, Tomales and Woodacre. Although the coastline of West Marin is rugged and
seemingly forbidding, it holds tremendous appeal.
The shore is rich with shells and populated with thousands of migrating birds. Some areas,
such as Stinson Beach are open to tourists while another like Bolinas, just North of
Stinson Beach may be difficult to find, simply because the locals destroy highway signs
giving directions to the town.
Along the West Marin coastline and towns are wonderful attractions one must see: The
Point Reyes Lighthouse and Point reyes National Seashore, Slide Ranch in Muir Beach,
Muir Woods National Monument, Agate Beach located in the Duxbury Reef State Marin
Preserve in Bolinas, Samuel P. Taylor State Park in Olema, Hog Island Oyster farm in
Inverness or the Tomales Bay Oyster Company in Tomales, just to name a few.
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