$2,986,494Average Value$1,178Average Price per Sq Ft6Homes For Sale
Luxury living and natural scenery on the peaks of Mount Tam
Blithedale Canyon unfurls beside Marin County’s Mt. Tamalpais (Mt. Tam to locals) and the towering redwoods of Muir Woods. Roughly 10 minutes north of The Presidio along Route 101, this Mill Valley suburb offers convenience to San Francisco, the small shops and markets of Downtown Mill Valley, and some of Northern California’s most beautiful open spaces. “This is one of the warmest, sunniest spots in Marin," says Whitney Potter, founder of Own Marin Real Estate and Marin native. "It’s protected from the fog you'd experience in places closer to the San Francisco Bay.” These scenic hillsides have inspired works by authors like Nathanial Hawthorne; the 19th-century dairy ranch turned resort hotel turned coveted northern California housing subdivision has long been a respite for Bay Area nature lovers.
Houses in Blithedale Canyon are varied and interesting.
Some houses sit high atop the mountains in Blithedale Canyon.
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Hike Blithedale Canyon on horseback
Time spent outdoors is central to the Northern California lifestyle, and Blithedale Canyon’s natureside location makes getting fresh air a breeze, where even the hottest days are ruffled by Richardson and San Francisco Bay winds. The canyon’s chain of nature preserves, snaked with rugged trails, are ideal for hiking, mountain biking or horseback riding. Blithedale Summit Preserve is the largest, rolling steeply up Mt. Tamalpais through deep forests. “It's especially sunny on the slopes of Mt. Tam, where you'll see lots of lush grasses and oaks," Potter says. The Camino Alto Open Space sprawls across the grasslands that turn golden brown in the early summer, the hillsides dotted with grazing horses. The lush landscapes spill into the southern tip of Camino Alto, where Mill Valley Golf Course’s nine holes blanket redwood-rimmed acres. Homeowners head to Downtown Mill Valley to visit the community parks, full of kids on the playgrounds and athletes on the tennis courts.
The views atop Blithedale Canyon's hiking trails are breathtaking.
The ocean mist rolls in over Blithedale Canyon, offering refreshing clean air all year round.
A group of hikers enjoy the lush foliage and mountain terrain at Blithedale Park.
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Woodsy abodes in the mountain foothills
Architectural styles range widely in the Canyon, though most residences are single-family homes tucked into the hillsides on private woodsy lots. Craftsman and storybook cottages line the curled streets, alongside sturdy midcentury cabins and contemporary mansions, and brand-new construction with energy-efficient features and walls of windows. Pools are common, as are outdoor living spaces, allowing homeowners to enjoy the good weather year-round. Properties start around $1.2 million, which buys a remodeled midcentury spot or a quarter-acre lot to build a bespoke home. From there, prices climb well into the multi-millions, increasing with square footage, location and modern updates. A brand-new six-bedroom abode with a detached guest house can sell for $9 million in the beautiful Blithedale Canyon.
Cabins and mansions intermingle in Blithedale Canyon.
Blithedale Canyon features a wide variety of home styles, many with beautiful front yards.
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Downtown Mill Valley shopping
Locals putter around Downtown Mill Valley to browse upscale boutiques like The Goods and Makers Market, or to find a bite to eat. Dining options are abundant here, ranging from local eateries like The Cantina, a 40-year favorite, and healthy fast-casual options like Vitality Bowls and salad spot MIXT. For date nights and celebrations, locals head to hot spots like Bungalow 44 for seasonal farm-to-table fare or low-lit Boo Koo, known for healthy Southeast Asian-inspired street food. Marin County's own Equator Coffees is the go-to for a morning pick-me-up. The open-air malls of Corte Madera are 5 miles eastward, housing big brand shopping options like Nordstrom and REI. Whole Foods, the gourmet Mill Valley Market, and Safeway are also minutes away for weekly grocery shops.
TSYA in Mill Valley is where tradition meets modern style near Blithedale Canyon.
Mill Valley flowers bloom with color and life in Blithedale Canyon.
Downtown Mill Valley is the central meeting point for Blithedale Canyon residents.
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Technological literacy at top-rated Mill Valley Middle
Blithedale Canyon kids can attend some of Northern California’s best public schools, served by the Mill Valley Public School District, which carries an overall Niche rating of A. Many start at the A-rated Edna Maguire Elementary before continuing to the A-rated Mill Valley Middle and earning their diplomas from the A-plus rated Talampais High. Each top-performing school is located within a 10-minute drive for most Blithedale Canyon locals. Mill Valley Middle is known for emphasizing technological literacy and quirky extracurriculars like cabaret theater and Bluegrass Club. Buyers interested in exploring education alternatives will also find several private school options nearby.
Edna Maguire is a highly rated school in Blithedale Canyon.
Mill Valley Middle School ranks among the top 100 middle schools in California.
Tamalpais High School provides exceptional education and a nurturing environment.
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Straightforward commutes on the 101
It’s typically less than an hour’s drive south into the heart of San Fransisco and about half the time to San Rafael in the north. Blithedale commuters hop on the 101 for a direct route in either direction. Most homeowners here are drivers, but Marin Transit buses make stops in Downtown Mill Valley and along the county’s eastern edge for those who prefer a car-free ride into town. With a CAP Index score of two, Blithedale Canyon also experiences less crime than the national average and some surrounding areas.
Highway 101 is only minutes from Blithedale.
The ferry departs from Larkspur, making its way across the bay to San Francisco.
The Larkspur Ferry is a popular option for commuters to reach San Francisco without driving.
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
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Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Blithedale Canyon
US
Homicide
1
4
Sexual Assault
2
4
Assault with Weapon
1
4
Robbery
1
4
Burglary
3
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
3
4
Larceny
2
4
Crime Score
2
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Blithedale Canyon Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Blithedale Canyon, Mill Valley sell after 38 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Blithedale Canyon, Mill Valley over the last 12 months is $2,787,200, down 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Bank on the Market– Rare Opportunity! On the market for the first time in 50 years, this 4BD/2BA Mill Valley City home sits at the end of Hillcrest Rd in sought-after neighborhood. Lots of natural light, skylights, and large windows framing treetop views, this primed property is waiting for a transformation. Reimagine the living spaces with an unfinished insulated basement that can be another
Newly featured in Dwell Magazine! This beautifully preserved and expanded mid-century residence offers charming village living close to downtown Mill Valley. It blends distinctive architectural features like wood-paneled walls and an efficient floor plan to create a peaceful retreat nestled among redwoods. Situated in Blithedale Canyon, the timeless design integrates nature with living spaces.
Discover an exceptional opportunity to build your dream home in one of Downtown Mill Valley's most coveted neighborhoods. Perfectly positioned just a block from the iconic Old Mill Park, highly rated Old Mill School, and the vibrant downtown, this prime, sunny southeast-facing lot spans nearly 1/4 acre, offering both convenience and tranquility. With privacy and inspiring valley views, this
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
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.
