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Fairfax

Fairfax

Located in Marin County

$1,507,814 Average Value
$761 Average Price per Sq Ft
18 Homes 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 has a small rural town vibe.
Downtown Fairfax sits between Broadway and Marin's rolling hills.
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.
The mid-century vibe can be found in Fairfax as well.
Central Fairfax is filled with small bungalows.
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 shops are busy along Broadway in Fairfax.
The Hummingbird is a great place to grab breakfast 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.
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.
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.
Archie Williams High School has a refreshed campus.
Manor Elementary School sits at the north end of Fairfax.
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.

Daniel Berti
Written By
Daniel Berti
Anthony Lindsey
Photography Contributed By
Anthony Lindsey
Mike Dunleavy
Video By
Mike Dunleavy

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Marni Cunha, an experienced agent in this area.

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
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. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Parks in this Area

Area Facts

Number of Homes
2,664
Number of Homes for Sale
18
Median Year Built
1954
Months of Supply
2.40
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,638
Below the national average
1,932
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,907
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,083
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
836
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
7,405

Open Houses

  • Saturday, May 30

    51 Berry Trail, Fairfax, CA 94930

    $795,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,189 Sq Ft
    • 51 Berry Trail
    • New 16 days ago

    Tucked into a private and serene setting above the heart of Fairfax, 51 Berry Trail offers a rare opportunity to own a multi-unit property in one of Marin County's most iconic outdoor communities. With approximately 1,189 square feet of living space, this unique property combines comfort, flexibility, and the unmatched lifestyle that has made Fairfax a destination for nature lovers and mountain

    Ryan O'Neil Eleven Real Estate

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  • Saturday, May 30

    5 Love Ct, Fairfax, CA 94930

    $599,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 1,168 Sq Ft
    • 5 Love Ct
    • New 12 days ago

    Tucked into the desirable Canon Village community, this charming two-level end-unit townhome is ready for you to add your personal touches. Surrounded by nature and hillside views, the home offers a wonderful indoor/outdoor lifestyle with a private front and rear patio, an upper balcony off the primary suite, and close proximity to the community pool, which is scheduled to be reopened in time for

    Monique Kimmer Navigate Real Estate

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  • Sunday, May 31
    Open Sun 1PM - 4PM

    1 Hickory Rd, Fairfax, CA 94930

    $2,995,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • 2,781 Sq Ft
    • 1 Hickory Rd
    • New 8 days ago

    Tucked behind a gated entrance and surrounded by mature trees, flowering landscape, climbing ivy, and timeless brick details, 1 Hickory Road offers rare privacy, charm, and possibility in the heart of Fairfax. Set on an exceptional 17,859 sq. ft. level corner lot, this property is truly unique for its scale, usability, sun, and proximity to town. Located next to Doc Edgar Park and less than mile

    Missy Zech Stacy Achuck Compass

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Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Neighborhoods in Fairfax

Property Mix - Square Feet

Rental Home Trends

Number of Homes for Rent
3
Median Rent
$5,050
Median Single Family Home Rent
$5,050
Median 3 Bedroom Single Family Home Rent
$5,050
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

Bikeability®

30 / 100

Somewhat friendly

Walkability®

30 / 100

Not friendly

Transit®

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.
Fairfax