$1,602,813Average Value$791Average Price per Sq Ft14Homes 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
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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 30 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 $1,155,000, down 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
On the edge of the Mount Tamalpais Watershed open space, famous for hiking and mountain biking, this spectacular ridgetop home feels far from civilization, yet moments from the vibrant town of Fairfax. An oleander-lined driveway welcomes you to an impressive historic two-story home, poised on two lots spanning nearly 4 acres of private ridgeline buffered from neighbors and the world. The home
Set among mature oaks in Fairfax Heights, this home offers a rare mix of privacy, natural beauty, and easy access to everything that makes Fairfax special. Multiple decks create opportunities for quiet seclusion and outdoor living, while downtown Fairfax is just moments away. The main level has two bedrooms and one bath, with large windows framing peaceful views of the surrounding trees. A
Tucked into the flats of Fairfax, 9 Manor Road is a light-filled, welcoming home with a sense of ease that feels perfectly at home here. Just moments from the heart of town, it offers generous, flexible spaces, a sunny backyard and a separate ADU*. The main residence features four bedrooms and two baths, with a comfortable living room and a spacious kitchen with quartz countertops and
Discover a rare 10.35 acre gem in the Fairfax Housing Element. Build multiple homes with ADUs or a private estate bordering Loma Alta Open Space. Enjoy breathtaking views and direct preserve access. A premier opportunity for builders and buyers. This premier estate offers a rare blend of expansive privacy and significant development potential. Situated in an unparalleled location, the property
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. Plans (not currently approved) available in disclosure packet with multiple studies and documents associated with prior development
Incredible opportunity to own a stunning, newer built, custom modern estate with sun-filled Mount Tam views on approx. 40-50 acres within the charming town of Fairfax. This rare property sits close to town yet feels miles away, with access to the ridge top trails that wind through the rolling topography and scenery that make Marin County so special. On the property itself are multiple private
Mid-Century Inspired Fixer/Project. Conveniently located in Fairfax Heights, just above downtown Fairfax restaurants and shops. Sweeping hillside views and vaulted ceilings span the entire upper level. This is the first time on the market in 45 years. The main street level has two bedrooms, one full bath, a kitchen, and a spacious living room. The partially finished lower-level guest suite has
Finish Your Dream Home in Fairfax Owner Financing Available. The hard work is already done now it's your turn to add the final touches. This newly constructed custom home offers 3 bedrooms plus a den, 4 bathrooms, and nearly 2,800 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space, including a three-car garage. Set on a sunny, nearly one-acre lot in the Cascades, the home enjoys sweeping views and
Build your vision in the heart of Marin. Located near downtown Fairfax at the end of Cypress Drive, this scenic parcel offers captivating views of hills, forests, and mountain ridges. Enjoy excellent sunlight, a gentle upslope setting, and immediate access to nearby trails and open space. A rare opportunity to own land in a peaceful, nature-filled setting. APN: 003-161-06 For more information,
Unique opportunity for builders who want a possible buildable lot with road access and views. Past utilities were hooked up & disconnected when tree hit the house. House was demolished, much clean up done, but there is still a partial foundation, terraced retaining walls & plastic covering dirt. Seller planned to stay there until house was not livable. He had invested in professional car deck
Build your dream home in the charming town of Fairfax. This downslope residential lot is tucked into a peaceful, wooded hillside setting and offers a wonderful opportunity to create a custom home surrounded by natural beauty. Situated between two existing homes, the property benefits from a convenient location with utilities available at the lot line. Enjoy a serene setting with a forested
Just Reduced! ***Shovel Ready***, Permited, aprox. 10.79 Acre Fairfax Development Opportunity - Create a Legacy Family Compound or Exceptional Residential Project Now offered at a newly reduced price, this extraordinary 10.79 acre ridgeline property above the charming town of Fairfax presents one of Marin County's most compelling development opportunities. Bordering the Golden Gate National
On the edge of the Mount Tamalpais Watershed open space, famous for hiking and mountain biking, this spectacular ridgetop home feels far from civilization, yet moments from the vibrant town of Fairfax. An oleander-lined driveway welcomes you to an impressive historic two-story home, poised on two lots spanning nearly 4 acres of private ridgeline buffered from neighbors and the world. The home
Set among mature oaks in Fairfax Heights, this home offers a rare mix of privacy, natural beauty, and easy access to everything that makes Fairfax special. Multiple decks create opportunities for quiet seclusion and outdoor living, while downtown Fairfax is just moments away. The main level has two bedrooms and one bath, with large windows framing peaceful views of the surrounding trees. A
Fairfax Deer Park Development Opportunity. Rare opportunity to create a custom home in one of Fairfax's most sought-after neighborhoods. Situated on an approximately one-half acre parcel, this unique property offers a premier street-level building site with utilities available on site, including sewer, water, gas, and electric. The existing structure is uninhabitable and the property is being
Nestled in the charming district of San Anselmo, this inviting property offers a comfortable living environment ideal for anyone looking to enjoy the beauty and community spirit of Marin County. With a spacious layout, this rental is conveniently located near a variety of great restaurants and department stores, ensuring you have everything you need just moments away. Additionally, MarinHealth
Property Id: 2823933 Welcome to this charming 3 bed, 2 bath single family home in Fairfax! Built in 1966, this property boasts modern amenities such as dishwasher, washer/dryer, and fireplace. Enjoy the fenced yard, garage, and driveway. Small dogs allowed. Don't miss out on this gem! Available 09/01/2026. $6700/mo.
On the border of San Anselmo and Fairfax with spectacular views of the valley and downtown below, this thoughtfully designed townhouse is unlike anything else on the Marin rental market. Built down-slope into the hill, the home stays naturally cool in summer, a rare comfort in Marin's warmer months, while every bedroom faces out toward the valley, filling the space with light and
Experience the charm and seclusion of a hillside retreat in this roomy 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom apartment, tucked away in a verdant, tree-filled Fairfax neighborhood. Quaint steps wind through the lush greenery, guiding you to a warm and inviting private entrance. Once inside, you'll find a bright and airy layout, complemented by light-colored walls, pristine white trim, and expansive windows that
Perfectly situated just one block from Good Earth Natural Foods and a quick walk to downtown Fairfax, 35 Willow Ave is a spacious 1,216-square-foot, 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom residence available starting August 1, 2026. The light-filled layout features gleaming oak hardwood flooring, crisp white walls, elegant wall sconces, and broad picture windows throughout the main living area. This space opens
Located in a convenient Fairfax location, this 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath condo/townhome offers approximately 1,386 square feet of living space with a comfortable floor plan and private outdoor areas.The main level features a spacious living room with a decorative fireplace, dining area and kitchen with ample cabinet and counter space. The home offers three bedrooms and two and a half bathrooms,
Come and view this gorgeous home for rent in the hills of Fairfax!36 Power Lane is a single story home and boasts a spacious living area that opens onto a large deck with spectacular views that are not to be missed! The living room features a gas fireplace, vaulted ceilings, and oversize windows that open to the deck and views of the hills of Fairfax and Marin. The first bedroom has 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.<br><br>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.<br><br>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.<br><br>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.<br><br>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.<br><br>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.<br><br>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
5
Median Rent
$3,950
Median Single Family Home Rent
$4,750
Median 3 Bedroom Single Family Home Rent
$5,725
Median Condo Rent
$3,700
Median 2 Bedroom Condo Rent
$3,375
Weather
Annual Precipitation
44''
Average Winter Low Temperature
42°F
Average Summer High Temperature
83°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Fairly bikeable
Bikeability®
40/ 100
Fairly walkable
Walkability®
40/ 100
Limited public transit
Transit®
20/ 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.
