Novato
Novato has been called one of the best places to live in the US – and it’s easy to see why. As the Marin’s second largest city, Novato combines small-town charm with modern amenities. Enjoy great weather in the “gateway to the wine country” amongst rolling hills, scenic valleys, and relaxing waterfront. With over 3,600 acres of preserved open space, it’s truly a haven for nature lovers. But with over 2,500 businesses – including biotech firms, corporate offices, and retailers – it is also a thriving local economy and business hub.
Take in the opportunities for outdoor recreation everywhere you go. Residents enjoy countless walking and biking trails, three public golf courses, and family-friendly destinations like Pioneer Park and Miwok Park. Novato’s vibrant downtown exudes a warm, welcoming vibe, featuring locally owned shops, cozy cafes, and a year-round calendar of events – including outdoor movie nights, seasonal farmers’ market, parades, and art and wine festivals. For a larger shopping experience, Vintage Oaks off of 101 is home to big box stores, such as Costco and Target, as well as an assortment of other shops and restaurants.
One of Novato’s unique neighborhoods is Hamilton, a master-planned community built on the grounds of the former Hamilton Army Airfield. Today, it blends historic charm with innovation, housing modern residences, a thriving business park, and the Marin Museum of Contemporary Art with rotating exhibit, workshops and over 50 working artist studios. It’s also home to several biotech and digital development firms, making Novato an emerging hub for cutting-edge industries.
Commuting is increasingly convenient thanks to the SMART train, which offers Wi-Fi enabled service from the Sonoma County Airport to the Larkspur Ferry Terminal. Novato features multiple stations, making travel more accessible than ever.
Families are drawn to the strong public schools within Novato Unified School District. Some standouts include California Distinguished School award-winner Pleasant Valley Elementary and Gold Ribbon Award-winner Hamilton K-8.
Novato enjoys a Mediterranean climate with over 260 sunny days per year. With average highs in the 70s and 80s during the spring and summer, the weather is ideal for year-round outdoor activities, farmers markets and patio dining.
Whether you’re looking at average values, recent sale prices, or current listings – Novato consistently offers more accessible price points while still delivering on Marin County’s high-quality lifestyle. Let me know if you’d like an analysis on price per square foot, more information on specific neighborhoods, or sales trends over time.
