Novato is a small, suburban city situated in a wide valley between the rolling, redwood-covered hillsides of Marin County and San Pablo Bay. Home to around 53,000 residents, it’s a haven for outdoor enthusiasts who want to live near Northern California’s rugged wilderness, rocky coastline and world-famous vineyards, while staying in reach of San Francisco.
It got its start in the 1800s during the goldmining boom as thousands of people flocked to the west coast in search of the next big score, but Novato really came into its own in the 1950s as a suburban bedroom community for San Francisco. Today, it remains a popular spot for commuters, but it's also home to a large population of retirees and remote workers. “We’re your typical ‘burb.’ It’s for people who are looking for more space, more land and maybe a pool in the backyard,” says Realtor Kristie Martinelli of Coldwell Banker Realty, a top seller in Marin County.
The city’s location inland from the Pacific means it has hot, dry summers and mild winters. And like much of the Bay Area, it’s at a high risk for wildfires, especially in the outskirts of the city where homes are perched on forested hillsides.
Novato's Grant Avenue is lined with local shops and restaurants.
Mount Burdell Preserve is the county’s largest open space preserve near Novato.
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Marin County outdoor recreation
With San Pablo Bay to east, mountains and Pacific beaches to the west and Napa Valley to the north, Novato is a dream for outdoorsy types. It's within a daytrip to Point Reyes, where windswept cliffs overlook the foggy abyss of the Pacific Ocean. Visiting the small villages and towns tucked away in the hillsides and along the shoreline are a must. Bodega Bay, for instance, is a seaside hamlet about 39 miles northwest known for its beautiful beaches and panoramic views.
Novato is surrounded by hills, mountains and protected open space. Hiking and biking trails meander through redwood forests to rocky mountaintops. Mount Tamalpais is the tallest peak in the Marin Hills, accessible via loop trail that takes visitors to a scenic overlook at the top. Within the city, there are dozens of community parks, trails and recreation centers where residents walk their dogs, take their kids to sports games or simply enjoy the weather.
Wine enthusiasts are within a short drive of Sonoma and Napa, where some of the world’s best-known vintages are created. The Napa Valley Wine Train is an old-fashioned way to experience Napa’s beauty from the passenger car of a steam locomotive.
Enjoy beach hiking along the shore of Chicken Ranch Beach in Novato.
Mt. Tamalpais offers a picturesque hike that rests near Novato.
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Downtown Novato
Novato’s downtown district is centered around Grant Avenue, a walkable, tree-lined corridor with single-story buildings that house boutique shops, local businesses, eateries, bakeries and breweries. When the trees are in full bloom in the spring and summer, locals can be seen sitting outside on shaded restaurant and café patios. It’s also home to an increasing number of craft breweries, including a bicycle shop that serves pints of homemade beer. Big box stores and major grocery stores can be found at Vintage Oaks Shopping Center and Novato Fair Shopping Center.
Novato is a welcoming neighborhood for children as well as adults.
The Bicycle Brustop in Novato is a popular place among locals.
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Working in Novato
While many residents work in nearby major cities like San Francisco and Santa Rosa, Novato has become something of hub for the biotech industry, including companies like BioMarin Pharmaceutical, Biosearch Technologies and Utlragenyx. There are two hospitals in the city — Novato Community Hospital and Novato Healthcare Center — both of which are major local employers.
Novato Community Hospital in Novato is a major local employer.
Novato has become a hub for the biotech industry, including companies like BioMarin.
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Relative affordability in the North Bay housing market
Housing in Novato includes everything from eclectic early 20th century homes near the downtown district to newly built subdivisions. Common designs include ranch homes and split-level homes built between the 1950s and 80s and spacious contemporary layouts constructed over the last several decades. The median home price in Novato is just under $1 million as of September 2024, making it a slightly more affordable option compared to nearby San Rafael and Mill Valley, and about equal to the prices in the villages of Fairfax and San Anselmo. “Novato’s very sought after because it’s North Marin, which is a little more affordable,” Martinelli says.
Hillside homes in Novato have views into downtown Novato and Deer Island Preserve.
In Novato, you’ll find tree-lined streets with classic California bungalows.
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Top Marin County schools
Students attend schools in the Novato Unified School District, which earns a B-plus grade from Niche. Its high schools are among the best in Marin County, according to Niche. San Marin High and Novato High both earn A-minus grades, and graduation rates at both schools routinely top 90%. Those seeking an alternative to public schools might consider Marin Christian Academy and North Bay Christian High School, an A-rated private school that serves kindergarten through 12th grade. The city is also home to the Indian Valley Campus of the College of Marin, a public community college that enrolls around 4,000 students.
Olive Elementary School educates students in the Novato community.
San Marin High School is a highly-rated public school located in Novato.
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Crime in Novato
Novato has low violent crime and property crime rates compared to state and national averages, according to FBI stats. In December 2023, the city had a reported violent crime rate of 48 per 100,000 residents, putting about 86% lower than the national average.
Getting around the North Bay and beyond
State Route 101 passes through the center of Novato, providing a direct route to San Francisco and Santa Rosa, both of which are about 30 miles away. “It’s about an hour drive to the city. That works for people who only need to make the commute a few times a week, but it’s probably not going to work if you need to be there five days a week,” Martinelli says. Novato is served by Marin Transit, which operates bus routes throughout the county. Those who prefer to ride the rails can catch the Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit train at any of its three stops in the city. The train runs from San Rafael north to Santa Rosa with 12 stops along the way. Gnoss Field Airport is a small facility just north of the city that is mostly used for corporate flights. For commercial flights, San Francisco International Airport is 40 miles to the south.
On average, homes in Novato, CA sell after 35 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Novato, CA over the last 12 months is $1,350,000, up 54% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Housing Trends
Median List Price
$1,350,000
Median Sale Price
$1,350,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$1,350,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$814,990
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Last 12 months Home Sales
25
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
54%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$591
Neighborhood Facts
Number of Homes in Neighborhood
18,422
Number of Homes for Sale
1
Median Year Built
1973
Months of Supply
0.50
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,109
Above the national average
1,924
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,577
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,116
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
753
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
9,147
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Top Schools in Novato, CA
Source:
Best Public Elementary Schools
#1 Pleasant Valley Elementary School
B+
Niche
7
GreatSchools
#2 San Ramon Elementary School
B+
Niche
7
GreatSchools
#3 Loma Verde Elementary School
B
Niche
7
GreatSchools
#4 Olive Elementary School
B+
Niche
6
GreatSchools
#5 Rancho Elementary School
B+
Niche
6
GreatSchools
#6 Mary E. Silveira Elementary School
A-
Niche
5
GreatSchools
#7 Lu Sutton Elementary School
B-
Niche
5
GreatSchools
#8 Hamilton Meadow Park School
C+
Niche
4
GreatSchools
#9 Lynwood Elementary School
C+
Niche
3
GreatSchools
Best Public Middle Schools
#1 Miller Creek Middle School
A
Niche
6
GreatSchools
#2 Sinaloa Middle School
B+
Niche
6
GreatSchools
#3 Kenilworth Junior High School
A-
Niche
5
GreatSchools
#4 San Jose Intermediate School
B+
Niche
5
GreatSchools
#5 Hamilton Meadow Park School
C+
Niche
4
GreatSchools
Best Public High Schools
#1 San Marin High School
A-
Niche
8
GreatSchools
#2 Novato High School
A-
Niche
7
GreatSchools
#3 Terra Linda High School
A-
Niche
7
GreatSchools
#4 Casa Grande High School
A-
Niche
6
GreatSchools
#5 San Rafael High School
B
Niche
5
GreatSchools
#6 Marin Oaks High School
C
Niche
3
GreatSchools
Best Private Schools
#1 Marin Christian Academy and North Bay Christian High School
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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.
