Novato has been called one of the best places to live in the US. As the second largest city in the county, Novato is home to a list of neighborhoods and focal points. Enjoy great weather in the “gateway to the wine country” amongst rolling hills, valleys, and waterfront. In fact, Novato holds more than 3,600 acres of open space!
Take the family to Pioneer or Miwok Park, or wander one of the walking or biking trails. Visit one of the three golf courses. Find local treasures downtown, which is full of small-town charm – hosting outdoor movies, a farmers’ market (not open during winter), art and wine festivals, and parades amongst local shops and eateries. 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.
Hamilton, a formerly Hamilton Army Airfield, offers its own piece of history as it was converted into new housing and a business park. Here you’ll find cutting edge bio tech and digital development companies, artist studios, and the Marin Museum of Contemporary Art.
Homes and condominiums tend to be the most affordable in Marin County. As of 2020, condos start around $500,000 and single-family homes around 750K. Not as hilly as other parts of Marin, some neighborhoods boast large usable parcels of land.
Commute options have expanded in recent years, to include several SMART train stops. The SMART train, which is Wi-Fi enabled, runs as far north as the Schulz-Sonoma County Airport as far south as the Larkspur Ferry Terminal.
The Novato Unified School District is home to a number of schools, including California Distinguished School award-winner Pleasant Valley Elementary and Gold Ribbon Award-winner Hamilton K-8.
Weather is frequently sunny and warm. Average temperatures range between 41-85F, with at least 6 months averaging highs of 70-85F.
Fun Facts – Buck Institute for Research on Aging was the world’s first institute founded primarily to research aging. These pioneers are passionate about harnessing healthier years, and extending quality of life.
- City of Novato – https://www.novato.org/community/get-to-know-novato
- Novato Unified School District – https://nusd.org/nusd-school-boundary-maps/
- Downtown Novato – https://www.downtownnovato.com/
- Shop Local Novato – https://shoplocalnovato.com/
- SMART Train Info – https://www.sonomamarintrain.org/
- Marin Museum of Contemporary Art – https://www.marinmoca.org/
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging – https://www.buckinstitute.org/
