Novato
COUNTRY ROADS, OPEN SPACE & ROLLING HILLS
Land, sky, and room to room - set in the northernmost part of Marin, just below Sonoma County, Novato is all about endless open space, small town charm, and a good dose of sunshine. Sprawling and expansive, a variety of lifestyles are available here: from rural vibes and acreage to classic neighborhoods and small town charm. One thing everyone has in common? Access to a network of country roads that surround the town, affording locals unparalleled access via bike and car to nearby coastal beaches, the wine country, and the beauty of West Marin.
THE VIBE
With the lowest population density in all of Marin, Novato’s rural charm allows for plenty of open space and room to breathe.
THE COMMUTE
Despite feeling a world away from the hustle and bustle of SF, cruising from the northernmost exit of Novato the entrance of the Golden Gate Bridge can sometimes be accomplished in a 25 minute breeze. In busier times, expect a slower clip heading south in the morning and north in the afternoon on busier days. Headed North? Check out the SMART train, which currently begins in Larkspur and connects Novato to Petaluma, Cotati, Rohnert Park, Santa Rosa, and even the Sonoma airport.
THE SCHOOLS
Public:
Elementary: Hamilton Meadow Park (K-8), Loma Verde (K-5), Lu Sutton (K-5), Lynwood (K-5), Olive (K-5), Pleasant Valley (K-5), Rancho (lottery enrollment - K-5), San Ramon (K-5), Novato Charter School (lottery enrollment, K-8)
Middle School: San Jose (6-8), Sinaloa (6-8),
High School: Novato High School (9-12), San Marin High School (9-12), NOVA (independent study), North Bay Christian Academy (9-12),
Private: Marin Christian Academy (preschool - 8), Good Shepherd Lutheran (Preschool - 8), Our Lady of Loretto (Christian, K - 8)
College: College of Marin, Indian Valley Campus
THE REAL ESTATE
Rural ranches in Atherton and Ignacio, marsh front properties in Black Point, Greenpoint, and Bahia, waterfront living in Bel Marin Keys, golf course life in Country Club, picturesque ranches in Pleasant Valley … thanks to Novato’s diverse topography and geographic expansiveness, there’s something for everyone. We also love that this is one of the few Marin County towns where it’s possible to find sheep, horses, and a busy playground all within the same few block radius.
LOCAL FAVORITES
The Marin Country Club, for a healthy, active and social lifestyle | Dr. Insomniac’s for award winning coffee beans and their forever loved scruffins | Vintage Oaks for your leisurely shopping | Beauty Heroes for glowing skin | Indian Valley Trail head nestled behind the College of Marin IVC campus, a truly magical place to recenter | Mantra Wines Tasting Room downtown for unique pairings and live music | Mi Pueblo for some of the best Mexican you’ll ever have | Ayawaska Hilltop, newly renovated hotspot for Peruvian cuisine and sweeping vistas | Bicycle Brustop for all your beer and biking needs
