Feeling comfortable and a part of your community is just as important as choosing the perfect home. As local experts, we're here to help you find a neighborhood that matches your lifestyle and needs. Whether you're interested in local restaurants, activities, school options, or market insights, explore the communities we serve below, and let us guide you every step of the way.
Sausalito
Dorsi’s hometown, Sausalito, is the first charming town you encounter in Marin after crossing the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco, making for one of the easiest commutes. If you prefer other ways to get around, Sausalito’s close proximity to the city offers a quick bike ride and a scenic ferry ride from the downtown terminal that takes you across the bay—making for a truly magical journey to the Financial District. With breathtaking, world-famous views that evoke the feeling of being in the Mediterranean, Sausalito is lined with harbors perfect for sailing, water sports, or simply enjoying the stunning skyline. The area is also known for its excellent seafood restaurants, including two that previously held Michelin stars—Murray Circle at Cavallo Point (now closed) and Sushi Ran on Caledonia Street, known as the locals’ Main Street. Rich in history, Sausalito was once settled by Portuguese dairy farmers and even had a whiskey distillery in what is now Whiskey Springs. The name Sausalito means “little willow,” and as you explore this cozy seaside village, you’ll notice plenty of these charming trees around.
Mill Valley
Tucked at the base of Mt. Tamalpais, Mill Valley is a charming town where natural beauty meets vibrant community spirit. Known for its stylish boutiques and cozy restaurants, it still carries the laid-back vibe of the peace and love era that once made it a cultural hub. Once a haven for beat poets and writers—including a mention in Jack Kerouac’s On the Road—Mill Valley blends history with a creative soul. Winding wooded canyons and towering second-growth redwoods surround the town, and each neighborhood has its own unique feel. Just outside the city lies Muir Woods National Park, a favorite for locals and visitors alike. The town boasts a top-rated, community-supported school system, and there’s no shortage of activity—from golf and soccer to swim, yoga, and cycling clubs. Life here moves at a friendly, relaxed pace. Neighbors catch up over coffee at locally-owned cafés, and there’s a strong sense of connection throughout the community. Mill Valley is also home to the iconic Dipsea Race, offering both beauty and challenge to runners each year. History buffs will love visiting the old sawmill site at Old Mill Park and the former train depot, now a beloved café and bookstore in the heart of downtown. And just off Highway 101, you’ll spot Horse Hill—an open space preserve where 18 horses graze peacefully, a reminder of the town’s rustic roots.
Tiburon/Belvedere
The Tiburon-Belvedere peninsula is a stunning slice of Marin, known for its luxurious homes and sweeping views of the Bay. Belvedere, once an island, is now connected by a short land bridge and features the beautiful, manmade Belvedere Lagoon—offering level, waterfront living in a truly serene setting. Tiburon, whose name means “shark” in Spanish (likely a nod to the leopard sharks found in nearby waters), offers natural beauty around every corner. Hike through hills bursting with wildflowers near Old St. Hilary’s Church, a historic landmark, or explore Ring Mountain, home to rare and endangered species like the Mariposa Lily. For a bit more privacy, the backside of Tiburon is tucked away along a winding road, with hillside homes overlooking the East Bay and hidden beachfront properties nestled right on the water. From the charming downtown, you can hop on a ferry to San Francisco or Angel Island State Park, perfect for biking, camping, or enjoying a relaxing picnic with unforgettable views of the City and the Bay.
Corte Madera
Heading north on Highway 101 past Tiburon, Mill Valley, and Horse Hill, you’ll find the welcoming town of Corte Madera. Nestled on both sides of the freeway, it’s best known for its two popular shopping destinations—The Village and the Corte Madera Town Center. These bustling hubs are where locals gather to shop, dine, and connect, and between the two, you can find just about anything you need. Corte Madera is made up of close-knit neighborhoods that give the town a warm, community feel. It blends seamlessly into its sister city, Larkspur, creating a charming area where small-town vibes meet modern conveniences.
Larkspur
Larkspur is a hidden gem with a quaint old-town feel, where the beauty of redwoods and magnolia trees creates a picture-perfect backdrop along its main street, Magnolia Avenue. Once the main route through Marin, Magnolia still retains the character of its country-road past, with vintage storefronts and lovely Victorian homes that give the town its timeless appeal. Locals and visitors alike are drawn to Larkspur for its fantastic dining scene—some of Marin’s best restaurants and cafés call this cozy town home. At the heart of the community is the beautifully restored Art Deco Lark Theater, a beloved gathering spot that adds to the town's unique charm. With its warm, sunny weather and easy ferry commute to San Francisco, Larkspur is a favorite among both newcomers and long-time Marin residents. It’s a place where history, beauty, and a strong sense of community come together effortlessly.
Kentfield & Greenbrae
These Central Marin towns are known for their sunny weather, peaceful woodland estates, and a strong sense of community. Kentfield is home to the College of Marin, a beautifully renovated community college with state-of-the-art facilities in academics, athletics, and the arts. Offering over 70 associate degree programs and nearly 200 transfer agreements with UC, CSU, and private universities, it’s a great stepping stone for students pursuing higher education.
Just next door in Greenbrae, MarinHealth Medical Center (formerly Marin General Hospital) provides top-tier care, from a modern trauma center to thoughtfully designed labor and delivery rooms. Here, patients can even choose to have their own midwife deliver their baby, all within the safety of a hospital setting. With a strong commitment to wellness, these towns offer not only a beautiful place to live but also exceptional resources for education and healthcare.
Ross
Ross is a small, serene town known for its lush greenery, winding backroads, and elegant gated estates—think green, peaceful, and luxurious. Though tiny in size, it offers a strong sense of community, complete with a local soccer field and a charming farmers' market. The town is beautifully landscaped and surrounded by nature, with some of the best hiking in the area around nearby Phoenix Lake. A beloved local gem, the Marin Art & Garden Center is not only a popular spot for weddings but also a hub for community events, environmental education, and the arts—all while helping preserve the area's natural beauty.
Ross flows naturally into neighboring San Anselmo, creating a seamless connection between two of Marin’s most picturesque communities.
San Anselmo
San Anselmo is bubbly and warm—both in its friendly community spirit and its sunny weather. The town is known for its charming collection of rare and quirky antique shops, perfect for treasure hunting on a weekend stroll. Food lovers are in for a treat here, with plenty of great dining options. Local favorites include Insalatas, one of Marin’s top Mediterranean spots, and its lively sister restaurant, Marinitas, known for its fun happy hours and delicious Mexican fare. And no visit to San Anselmo is complete without swinging by Comforts to grab their legendary Chinese Chicken Salad—a true local favorite!
Fairfax
Fairfax is the definition of laid-back Marin living—full of local charm, friendly vibes, and a spirit that still carries the peace-and-love energy of decades past. Surrounded by miles of open space, it’s a haven for hikers, bikers, and anyone looking to escape into nature. Often compared to what Mill Valley was like 30 years ago, Fairfax offers a perfect mix of small-town character and natural beauty.
The downtown scene is always buzzing, with music floating through the air, friendly faces on every corner, and a strong sense of community. It’s also a magnet for musicians—world-renowned and local alike—who regularly perform at cozy venues around town.
When you’re hungry, Fairfax delivers. Grab a Fried Chicken Po’ Boy at Hummingbird Café, Marin’s only New Orleans-style restaurant, or treat yourself to a cone of honey lavender ice cream from the beloved Fairfax Scoop, made with local, organic ingredients. If sushi’s on your mind, head to Village Sake on Bolinas Road, a Japanese pub run by former Sushi Ran chefs, known for its top-quality fish and creative dishes. Chill, welcoming, and always full of life, Fairfax has earned its reputation—it’s been named one of the Bay Area’s Top 10 towns by San Francisco Magazine and voted “Best Town in Marin” two years running.
San Rafael
San Rafael is Marin’s most populated and diverse city, offering a vibrant blend of culture, history, and community spirit. It’s home to the second-largest farmers market in all of California, making it a favorite spot for fresh produce, local goods, and weekend strolls.
Rich in history, the city features landmarks like Mission San Rafael Arcangel, Dominican University, and the iconic Marin Civic Center, designed by the legendary Frank Lloyd Wright. Sports fans can even catch a game with the San Rafael Pacifics, the city’s beloved independent league baseball team. San Rafael is also leading the way in public transportation with the SMART train (Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit), bringing new energy and accessibility to the area. For outdoor enthusiasts, there are plenty of parks and trails to explore—including China Camp State Park, a favorite for hiking and mountain biking. The city is also a hub for community-focused organizations, including Guide Dogs for the Blind, WildCare (which rehabilitates injured wildlife), and the St. Vincent de Paul Society. With its warmer weather, strong community services, and easy commute to the East Bay via the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge, San Rafael is a top choice for those looking for a lively yet welcoming place to call home.
Novato
Novato, the northernmost and warmest town in Marin, is also the largest in area—offering plenty of space to spread out and enjoy. Tucked-away neighborhoods give this family-friendly community a peaceful, welcoming feel, while its 3,600 acres of open space make it a dream for nature lovers. The area is rich in history, with Olompali State Park and the Museum of the American Indian telling the story of the region’s roots, dating back to 1300 when the Miwok people lived in villages at the base of Mount Burdell, which rises 1,558 feet above town. On weekends, locals head out to hike through rolling hills and under shady California oaks—or take a quick drive to nearby wine country. With its close proximity to Napa and Sonoma, Novato is ideal for North Bay commuters and wine enthusiasts alike. The town also offers convenient amenities, including a bustling shopping center with Target and Costco, and is home to the Marin Humane Society, a cherished part of the community. Novato blends natural beauty, history, and convenience, making it a great place to call home.
West Marin
West Marin is a lush and charming region made up of small, laid-back towns, each with its own unique personality and appeal. Some of these towns are so tucked away that they even take down signs to keep their peaceful nature undisturbed by tourists.
This area is a haven for those who love local, organic food, with plenty of opportunities to visit family-run farms, oyster companies, and cheesemakers, all contributing to Marin’s thriving farmers' markets. With coastal gems like Stinson Beach, Bolinas, and Point Reyes, West Marin has become a popular destination for visitors—from city dwellers to Marin locals and travelers from all over the world. If you’re looking for a place to unwind and explore, take a day to get lost in West Marin. You’ll be amazed by the hidden treasures and natural beauty waiting to be discovered.
Petaluma
Petaluma, the charming gateway to wine country, is famous for its rich agricultural roots—especially chickens and cows—but it’s also home to some seriously cool restaurants that add a modern twist to this quaint town. Located just about an hour north of San Francisco, commuting is a breeze with the new Smart Train, which connects directly to the Larkspur Ferry. If you’re dreaming of a town-and-country lifestyle, Petaluma might just be the perfect spot for your family. Fun fact: Petaluma was once known as the "Egg Basket of the World," thanks to its booming poultry industry, and it still celebrates its egg-centric past with annual events like the Petaluma Poultry Days Festival. It’s a place where history, agriculture, and modern-day amenities all come together beautifully.
Sonoma & Napa County
With vineyards, orchards, and breathtaking natural beauty, Napa and Sonoma counties offer an ideal place to settle down or purchase a second home. Known worldwide for their exceptional wineries, these regions boast some of the most stunning landscapes in California, with majestic rolling hills and scenic valleys that create a perfect backdrop for wine lovers.
Each region has its own distinct charm, with areas like Napa Valley being renowned for its Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, while Sonoma County is celebrated for its Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Zinfandel. Napa's famous wine regions include Rutherford, Oakville, and Stags Leap District, known for producing some of the finest wines in the world. Sonoma’s diverse wine regions like Russian River Valley, Alexander Valley, and Dry Creek Valley offer a range of award-winning wines, from crisp whites to bold reds.
Tucked in Sonoma County, Healdsburg is a charming town that has become a foodie and wine lover’s paradise, with a vibrant downtown area full of gourmet restaurants, tasting rooms, and boutique shops. It’s also the gateway to the Dry Creek Valley, known for its exceptional Zinfandel wines. A short drive away, Sebastopol is a quirky, artsy town famous for its apple orchards and progressive vibe. Here, you'll find an eclectic mix of organic farms, local markets, and creative spaces, all within a short drive to the Sonoma Coast. Beyond the wine, these counties are home to a laid-back lifestyle, making them a popular choice for those looking for a balance of nature, luxury, and culture. Take a trip through the vines, explore hidden valleys, and discover the magic of wine country—you may find that it’s the perfect place to call home!