$1,496,205Average Value$752Average Price per Sq Ft13Homes For Sale
Legendary musicians and scenic hills
Fairfax blends small-town charm and big-city convenience less than 20 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge. This town in Marin County features a lively downtown district, a very active local music scene and scenic pastoral mountain views. Fairfax’s ties with famous California '60s and '70s rock musicians are widely known, and music remains a major part of its cultural landscape today. “There’s a lot of musicians who live up in those hills," says Christine Christiansen, a local Realtor with Engel & Volkers. "I don’t think there’s a night of the week that you can’t find live music in Fairfax."
Irish singer-songwriter Van Morrison lived in Fairfax in the early 1970s, and Grateful Dead guitarist Jerry Garcia, a longtime Marin County resident, was honored in 2013 by the Fairfax Town Council for his “innumerable” connections to the town, according to local news reports. Garcia and Van Morrison both played local shows at River City, a former Fairfax venue, in the ‘70s. Famously, the Grateful Dead and Jefferson Airplane played a softball game at Central Field, now known as Contratti Park, in downtown Fairfax in the late 1960s.
Downtown Fairfax has a small rural town vibe.
Downtown Fairfax sits between Broadway and Marin's rolling hills.
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Varied architectural styles from bungalows to midcentury moderns
Homes near Fairfax’s downtown district bolster a variety of architectural styles, including bungalows, split-level houses, California ranch-style homes and midcentury modern residences. The median year built for these homes is 1951, so some houses were built as early as 1905 while others are practically brand-new. That said, many homes here have been renovated with upscale amenities, new hardwood floors and updated appliances. On the outskirts of town, along narrow, winding roads, properties sit on larger lots atop the slopes of forested ridges and deep ravines. It’s not uncommon for homes thisaway to boast views of woodland vistas with towering pines and rangy hilltops. Overall listing prices for single-family homes range from $1 million to upwards of $3 million.
The mid-century vibe can be found in Fairfax as well.
Central Fairfax is filled with small bungalows.
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Head to Broadway for shopping, dining, and live music
A stroll through Fairfax’s downtown is often accompanied by live music from small venues and cocktail bars. This is especially true on Broadway, one of the town's main thoroughfares, which connects residents to wine bars, restaurants, outdoor patios, cafes and boutique shops. It’s the perfect place to take the kids for ice cream on a hot summer day or to grab dinner and split a bottle with friends. For example, The Hummingbird is a popular brunch spot, serving up New Orleans-inspired breakfast and lunch entrees in a cozy, eclectically decorated setting. “Fairfax has a true downtown that is bustling. It’s very alive. It’s very fun,” Christiansen says.
As for running errands, commercial corridor Sir Francis Drake Boulevard is lined by convenient retailers, such as grocery stores Good Earth Natural Foods and Fairfax Market.
The shops are busy along Broadway in Fairfax.
The Hummingbird is a great place to grab breakfast in Fairfax.
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Hike among ancient redwoods
In Fairfax, outdoor activities and gorgeous hiking trails are always within reach. The town is surrounded by natural preserves and a wide variety of hiking and biking trails that snake through the hills and canyons. It’s just a few miles from Roy’s Redwood Preserve, a 293-acre forest overlooking the San Geronimo Valley, which features picturesque trails and ancient redwood groves. Local neighborhood playgrounds can be found here as well, such as Peri Park, which sits right behind the Contratti Park baseball field, shaded from the California sun by the canopy of mature trees. “Anywhere you are in Fairfax, you’re in nature,” Christiansen says.
Roy's Redwood Preserve is a short drive from Fairfax.
Fairfax-Marin's Cascade Canyon Open Space is one of the area's many nature preserves.
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Environmentally-conscious schools
Regarding school districts, Fairfax is served by not one but two. The town’s elementary and middle schools fall under the Ross Valley School District. So students can start school at Manor Elementary School, rated with an A-minus on Niche, before moving on to White Hill Middle, which is also rated with an A-minus on Niche. For the last stop on students' academic journey, they’ll switch to the Tamalpais Union School District and attend Archie Williams High, rated 9 out of 10 on GreatSchools. This high school was named after former Marin County teacher and Olympic gold medalist Archie Williams and has recently undergone environmentally conscious renovations that introduced 774 solar panels and eight EV car-charging stations to the building.
Archie Williams High School has a refreshed campus.
Manor Elementary School sits at the north end of Fairfax.
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Multiple bus stops with access to San Francisco
Marin Transit has multiple bus stops throughout Fairfax, most located on Sir Francis Drake Boulevard. This main thoroughfare is also the primary method of travel for personal vehicles since it’s one of the ways to hop on Route 101, which crosses the Golden Gate Bridge into San Fransisco.
Written By
Daniel Berti
Photography Contributed By
Anthony Lindsey
Video By
Mike Dunleavy
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Keith Offord,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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On average, homes in Fairfax, CA sell after 37 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Fairfax, CA over the last 12 months is $1,150,000, down 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Refinished hardwood floors throughout. New HVAC system. Spacious bedrooms! Large windows with abundant natural light High ceilings with airy, open feel South eastern exposure, morning sun. Multiple decks for indoor/outdoor living Level yard on an 8,750 sq ft lot. Two-car attached garage. Dedicated laundry room. Quiet cul de sac location. Top-rated schools nearby. Walk to downtown Fairfax shops
Welcome home to 77 Willow Avenue, a charming bungalow-style home on a sun-drenched lot in the desirable flats of Fairfax. A beachy feel welcomes you into this inviting, cozy retreat, featuring an open floor plan and an abundance of windows that fill the home with natural light. The flexible layout showcases a large living room that flows to a quaint dining area and well-appointed kitchen. Updated
This historic gem is the first home built in 1921 in Fairfax's Manor neighborhood, located in the flats near vibrant downtown Fairfax. Enter through the garden gate at 7 Marin Rd. and follow the flagstone pathways to the main house. Step through the cherrywood front door into this charming, light-filled 105-year-old home. The sellers have lived here for 40 years, and there has been only one
Refinished hardwood floors throughout. New HVAC system. Spacious bedrooms! Large windows with abundant natural light High ceilings with airy, open feel South eastern exposure, morning sun. Multiple decks for indoor/outdoor living Level yard on an 8,750 sq ft lot. Two-car attached garage. Dedicated laundry room. Quiet cul de sac location. Top-rated schools nearby. Walk to downtown Fairfax shops
Welcome home to 77 Willow Avenue, a charming bungalow-style home on a sun-drenched lot in the desirable flats of Fairfax. A beachy feel welcomes you into this inviting, cozy retreat, featuring an open floor plan and an abundance of windows that fill the home with natural light. The flexible layout showcases a large living room that flows to a quaint dining area and well-appointed kitchen. Updated
Glorious light-filled large scale rooms, sunny & bright. Open living & dining rooms segue to a capacious kitchen with large eating area surrounded by windows. Primary bedroom has a generous walk-in closet with a vintage bath adjacent. The other bedroom has a sitting area which could work as an office, baby's room or playroom. On a street to street lot the new garage sits in the back corner; next
This historic gem is the first home built in 1921 in Fairfax's Manor neighborhood, located in the flats near vibrant downtown Fairfax. Enter through the garden gate at 7 Marin Rd. and follow the flagstone pathways to the main house. Step through the cherrywood front door into this charming, light-filled 105-year-old home. The sellers have lived here for 40 years, and there has been only one
A rare development opportunity set on an approximately 19,680 square foot parcel with views of Mount Tamalpais. The gently sloping grounds offer exceptional potential to expand or reimagine the existing 1930s-era residence. Wrapped in classic redwood shiplap siding, the home exudes timeless rustic character, enhanced by a generous covered porch and a Spanish tile entry. A long, stone-lined
Enjoy the good life in the heart of Downtown Fairfax at this sweet bungalow with a detached ADU cottage. Ideally located just one block from restaurants, shopping, and live music in one of Marin's most beloved towns. The main home offers easy single-level living with gleaming wood floors and an efficient 3-bedroom, 1-bath layout. Cozy up by the fireplace on winter evenings and enjoy year-round
Amazing new price! Perched atop a scenic ridge with sweeping views of Mount Tamalpais and the surrounding hills, this exquisitely renovated 5-bedroom residence offers an unparalleled blend of luxury and nature on approximately 17 private acres. Nestled along Iron Springs Road beside Camp Tamarancho, the property feels like a world away while remaining just minutes from the vibrant heart of
Discover an Organic Modern inspired retreat minutes from downtown Fairfax. This 4-bed, 2-bath home blends clean-lined modernism with warm, natural materials to create a serene indoor outdoor lifestyle. Neutral palettes, raw wood and stone textures, and abundant natural light make this home feel comfortable and elegant. Features of this home include wood floors, an updated chef's kitchen with
Exceptional 10.5 Acre +/- acre development opportunity perched on a sun-drenched ridgeline above the town of Fairfax, bordering the GGNRA. This rare offering provides multiple pathways for value. Ideal for an owner-user envisioning a private family compound, or a developer seeking a unique multi-home or spec-build project. "Shovel-Ready" Primary Residence (Approved Option #1) The current
Welcome to 2 Willow, a valuable mix of potential opportunities. Iconic 1916 structure, this updated duplex is earning a healthy ROI, it could also return to single family living, or utilize the commercial(CH) zoning for all sorts of future opportunities. Double pane windows throughout, the spectacular proximity is balanced by quiet and peaceful living. The lower level provides convenient living
Outstanding opportunity to acquire one of Fairfax's most iconic properties! Camp Fairfax is perfectly site placed on +- 7/10ths of an acre on street to street lot! Huge, estate like entrance with long driveway. The main structure has been used as a duplex/rental. Secondary building is not accessible (teardown)and located on lower half of property. Plans (not currently approved) available in
Seller says Sell! Motivated, Bring your Offer, Single Story PUD w 2 Car Detached Garage in Village West! End Unit, No One Upstairs, Walk to Downtown Fairfax! Street Level, Level Entry, No Steps, , Highly Upgraded, New Tile Flooring, Pella Sliding Patio Doors, Engineered Hardwood Floors, Newer Windows, Plumbed for AC Unit, Newer Furnace, Plantation Shutters, Recessed Lighting, Newer Carpet,
Property Address2555 Sir Francis Drake Blvd. Fairfax, CA 94930Available March 31st_________________________________________________________Welcome to The Lanai Apartments, a quiet and peaceful 33-unit complex located West of the Town of Fairfax. This newly remodeled, large unit has stunning views of the West Marin hills and of the beautifully landscaped courtyard and pool area
Welcome to 71 Rocca Drive, a charming upper-level 2BR/1BA home perched in the sought-after Fairfax Heights neighborhood. One of the earliest homes built in the area, this property enjoys sweeping panoramic views over downtown Fairfax and across Ross Valley toward the Mount Tamalpais Watershed. Approached via a peaceful, town-maintained lane, the home features classic redwood shingle siding and a
Nestled in the rolling hills and woods of Marin County, Sleepy Hollow provides a peaceful place for anyone to rest their head at night. The community's stylish midcentury modern homes are situated on large parcels that back against hillside trails and winding rural roads. Though largely isolated north of Mountain Tamalpais, residents can commute to San Francisco and Oakland. Much closer to home, the neighborhood's main artery, Butterfield Road, leads into the small villages of San Anselmo and Fairfax. Sleepy Hollow's residents in the 19th century tended a dairy ranch before a wealthy man from San Francisco with an appreciation for American author Washington Irving built a large mansion and estate, the source of the community's contemporary name. Cows remained a big part of the landscape for several generations until developers subdivided the property into housing tracts in the mid-20th century.
In their serene hillside setting, the stylish midcentury modern homes with floor-to-ceiling windows, exposed beams and open floor plans command sales in the $1 million to $4.5 million price range. Modest ranch-style homes in the area tend to be less expensive while boasting beautiful views and natural style. At the top of the market, however, villa-like homes with in-ground pools, gated entrances and majestic views of Mount Tam stun visitors and residents.
Real estate experts and locals also cite the nature hiking trails throughout the hills as one of Marin County's best amenities. "It's our best-kept secret. We have our own little microclimate," said local Realtor and Marin native Lori Saia Odisio. "We get great weather out in these areas – we don't get a lot of fog off the bay." Sleepy Hollow neighbors San Anselmo, a quaint town with a central main street corridor and several community parks. At Memorial Park, kids play basketball and baseball on its athletic courts and fields. Youth also come to the park on wheels to ride the ramps and flip over obstacles at the skatepark.
Music fills the air during the summer as the city closes its main street and invites bands and artists to perform for the Live on the Avenue Music Series. The town hosts other community events throughout the year, including an annual holiday tree lighting, an Easter egg hunt in the spring and a Halloween party where merchants, the local firehouse and volunteers hand out candy to costumed trick-or-treaters.
There's a tight-knit closeness to Sleepy Hollow, San Anselmo and Fairfax, as neighbors and friends frequently gather for street festivals, parties, dinners and youth sports events. The kitchen at Cucina SA, established in 1998, produces flavorful southern Italian dishes. The dinner menu covers multiple courses and includes a variety of pasta and wood-fired pizzas. Up the street from the community library in San Anselmo, visitors shop for new threads and home goods at retailers like Kismet Clothing Boutique, Curate Studio and SeeSaw Children's Consignment before stopping for a latte at Marin Coffee Roasters or a sweet treat at Flour Craft Bakery. For grocery trips, folks visit Safeway in the Red Hill Shopping Center, a small commercial center next to Memorial Park.
The Dominican Order of the Catholic Church purchased the Sleepy Hollow mansion in 1966 after most of it burned down. The church restored the building to create the San Domenico School, a private co-ed, K-12 school. Neighborhood students can also attend Hidden Valley Elementary, which Niche gives an A. Students can go to White Hill Middle School and Archie Williams High School from there. Niche gives the White Hill an A-minus and Williams, formerly known as Sir Francis Drake High School, an A.
The community is a short drive from downtown San Rafael and Highway 101, connecting North Bay to San Francisco via the Golden Gate Bridge. Folks can also board Martin Transit system buses in San Anselmo and Fairfax to shuttle around the Bay Area.
Property Mix - Square Feet
Rental Home Trends
Number of Homes for Rent
2
Median Rent
$3,250
Median Single Family Home Rent
$4,925
Median 3 Bedroom Single Family Home Rent
$4,925
Median Condo Rent
$2,750
Median 2 Bedroom Condo Rent
$2,750
Weather
Annual Precipitation
44''
Average Winter Low Temperature
42°F
Average Summer High Temperature
83°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Somewhat friendly
Bike Score®®
30/ 100
Somewhat friendly
Walk Score®®
30/ 100
Not friendly
Transit Score®®
10/ 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: 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.
