$1,919,835Average Value$2,079Average Price per Sq Ft5Homes For Sale
Bolinas is an artistic haven surrounded by protected land
Long a magnet for artists and beat poets, Bolinas is a small coastal village with an eccentric heart. Foggy mornings, dynamic seascapes and dramatic cliffs create a poignant backdrop here. "We're surrounded by protected land, and with little light pollution, we can actually see the stars and the Milky Way," says associate broker for Bolinas Real Real Estate Theresa or "Terry" Donohue, who is also a local artist and writer and has sold homes for decades. Bolinas' unique culture became legendary along the West Coast, making it somewhere many wanted to be, even if they couldn't find it. "In the past, a covert group would take the road signs down. But now, because of GPS and Google Maps, everyone knows where it is." The community's quaint downtown with its farm stand and local galleries showcases its richness and self-sufficiency. Thirty miles from San Francisco, Bolinas now draws in remote entrepreneurs seeking a quiet life filled with color and nature.
The Bolinas neighborhood stretches from the Pacific Ocean to Stinson Beach and separated by the Bolinas Lagoon.
Gospel Flat Farm Stand in Bolinas offers honor payments and an egg vending machine.
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Bolinas' small downtown area and strong support for local artists
Bolinas' downtown area offers a small selection of commercial conveniences, galleries, coffee shops and eateries. "We don't do a lot of shopping. You might go to Point Reyes or what we call 'over the hill' for that. We do have a grocery store and a farm stand," Donohue says. The neighborhood also gets by without a gas station and a post office. Smiley's Saloon, established in 1851 and freshly renovated in 2020, serves coastal cantina food made fresh from local ingredients. It also a venue for regional and touring music artists. The Bolinas Museum, another downtown area highlighted and deeply cherished by the community, hosts rotating exhibits demonstrating Bolinas' wide range of local talents.
The Coast Cafe is a local hotspot in Bolinas.
Smiley's Saloon, Hotel & Kitchen in Bolinas offers up a gnarly eight-dollar taco.
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Homes area eclectic, coveted and rarely come on the market
Preserved land and a water moratorium limit development as demand rises, making each property fetch a pretty penny. Homes typically range from the high $800,000s to over 11 million, but finding a house under a million can be challenging. "Each property is individually priced because no two properties are the same," Donohue says. The array of architecture includes mid-century modern ranch styles, timber-framed chalet cottages, traditional beach houses, old-school farmhouses and luxury estates. Most homes are older, with the median building year of 1962, and have either been modernized or maintain their vintage feeling. As prices rise, organizations like Bolinas Community Land Trust work to create affordable housing to preserve and stabilize the community. The CAP Index Crime Score in Bolinas is 2 out of 10, lower than the national average of 4.
Some Bolinas homes are perched in the hills with large parcels of land.
Modern Bolinas homes are perched in the hills with peaceful land often shrouded in clouds and fog.
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Hiking and surfing spots in and around the community
A quiet spot in the winter and packed in the summer, Bolinas Beach is a popular spot for surfing, fishing and beachcombing. "When the surf is up and the sun is out, it's hard to find parking," Donohue says. The small beach is also one of the most dog-friendly spots to bring the pups. The Bolinas Lagoon Nature Preserve is another local gem. Seals relax on the mudflats of the 1,100-acre tidal estuary, also home to diverse waterfowl. Another spot to walk along the sand is RCA Beach, a part of the Agate Beach County Park. "It's a protected marine reserve, and it's a good place to go tide pooling because of Duxbury Reef, and when it's low tide, all the schools come out to study the starfish," Donohue says. Trails weave through the community's bluffs toward the shoreline, leading to peaks with epic views. Mesa Park has a playground and skate park. National, state and country parks surround Bolinas, offering more places to hike through the wild, swim from the sand and view wildlife.
Bolinas Beach is a great place to spend the day waiting on waves.
Palomarin Trailhead offers long hikes to the coast and waterfalls.
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The road to Bolinas, and some of the weather challenges
Bolinas only has one road in and out of the community, and it tends to flood during heavy rain. "We can have floods, landslides, you name it. In the winter, it gets intense around here," Donohue says. "You have to be flexible and resourceful." Coastal erosion, a strained water supply and the threat of wildfires are concerns here. Many residents counteract this by investing in fire-resistant landscaping and water conservation.
Students attend two highly rated school districts
Students attend both the Bolinas-Stinson Union School District and Tamalpais Union High School District. Bolinas-Stinson Elementary School, serving kindergarten through eighth grade, scores an A-rating on Niche. Tamalpais High School earns the same ranking.
Bolinas-Stinson Elementary School has a wonderful campus for it's students.
Tamalpais High School is walking and biking distance to shopping and dining.
This bucolic Bolinas estate offers a unique blend of rustic charm with modern updates that will tug at your heartstrings. Nestled in the serene landscapes of Bolinas on 4.62 private acres, 125 Horseshoe Hill Rd is located minutes from downtown Bolinas, national parks, and the Pacific Ocean. This equestrian-friendly estate features a 2,600 sq. ft. barn perfect for car collectors, artists,
Escape to this picturesque log cabin nestled in the heart of Bolinas, California. This unique property features 1 cozy bedroom and 1 bathroom, perfect for those seeking a tranquil getaway or a weekend retreat. The cabin exudes rustic charm with its natural wood finishes and inviting ambiance. In addition to the main cabin, you'll find a versatile outbuilding that serves as an additional
Just steps from the ocean yet perfectly sheltered from wind and weather this rare property offers a unique blend of privacy, sunshine, and sweeping views. Enjoy panoramic ocean vistas, all-day sunlight, and a stunning lookout over the charming village below. With a stones throw to the beach and the town, convenience meets coastal luxury.
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Andy Falk,
an experienced agent in this area.
Average Home Value
Source: Public RecordsDisclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
