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Central Novato

Central Novato

Suburban Neighborhood in Novato, California

Marin County 94945, 94947
$1,003,764 Average Value
$217 Average Price per Sq Ft
6 Homes For Sale

Affordable Bay Area living

Central Novato, a neighborhood in the heart of Novato, is loved for its small-town feel, its access to beautiful Bay Area coastlines and mountains, and its proximity to San Francisco. But unlike many areas close by in the county, Central Novato is affordable.
Central Novato's Dr. Insomniac's Fine Coffee, Tea, Smoothies Cafe has won multiple awards.
Central Novato's Dr. Insomniac's Fine Coffee, Tea, Smoothies Cafe has won multiple awards.
Downtown Novato is a charming shopping district with unique retail shops and restaurants.
Downtown Novato is a charming shopping district with unique retail shops and restaurants.
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From small bungalows to large custom homes

According to Kevin McGinnis, a realtor with Compass Real Estate and a current Marin County resident, Novato is the most affordable city in Marin County and the homes there are typically more affordable than the average Marin County home. “Many of the homes tend to be modest, built in the 60s and 70s with an easy walk to nearby shops and restaurants,” he says. They consist of compact bungalows and ranch-style houses situated mainly in the center of the neighborhood, near Grant Avenue. To the north and south, the streets wind into rolling pastures of nearby hillsides and feature large, custom contemporary homes boasting mountain views, with higher price tags but still affordable for the Bay Area. Residents make the most of their sometimes-limited front yards, landscaping with vibrant shrubs, flowers and small trees. Some streets have sidewalks, but even for those that don't, the roads are quiet and wide, with plenty of room for a walk or bike ride. Prices range from $675,000 for 680 square feet to $2 million for 3,900 square feet. Condos and townhouses are also available, most concentrated in the neighborhood’s northern and central sections, ranging from $325,000 for 580 square feet to $899,000 for 1,600 square feet.
Novato has many large Spanish style homes scattered along the hillsides.
Novato has many large Spanish style homes scattered along the hillsides.
Ranch style homes are commonly found in the suburbs of Central Novato.
Ranch style homes are commonly found in the suburbs of Central Novato.
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Novato Unified School District serves area kids

Kids in Central Novato often start school at Lu Sutton Elementary and then head to Sinaloa Middle School and San Marin High School, all of which are a part of the Novato Unified School District. Lu Sutton Elementary has a C-plus on Niche, Sinaloa Middle has a B and San Marin High has a B-plus. San Marin High serves about 1,100 students and has a student-teacher ratio 21-to-1. It is notable for its two STEM programs, STEM Marin and the Biotechnology Academy. Families considering private education for their kids can choose from several faith-based schools in the area.
Emily Gates Performing Arts Studio at San Marin High School.
Emily Gates Performing Arts Studio at San Marin High School.
Lu Sutton Elementary School serves students in the Novato community.
Lu Sutton Elementary School serves students in the Novato community.
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Proximity to many parks and open spaces

One of Central Novato's biggest draws is its proximity to parks and outdoor spaces. Mount Burdell Preserve, among the largest open space preserves in Marin County, is only a few miles north. It has trails for hikers of various abilities and stunning views of the surrounding forests, pastures and hills. For a more challenging climb, locals head to nearby Ignacio to Big Rock Ridge, a 7-mile roundtrip hike that ascends to the top of the second-highest peak in Marin County. Point Reyes National Seashore, about 20 miles west of the neighborhood, is a seaside park with craggy cliffside overlooks and pristine beaches that offer additional views of the Pacific Ocean. The neighborhood has smaller parks, including Hill Recreation Area, which provides a large athletic field, and Arroyo Avichi Park, where kids play on the playground and the baseball field.
Mount Burdell provides many opportunities for loop hikes, with views into Novato and beyond.
Mount Burdell provides many opportunities for loop hikes, with views into Novato and beyond.
Central Novato trails are expansive and Big Rock Ridge welcomes you to your next adventure.
Central Novato trails are expansive and Big Rock Ridge welcomes you to your next adventure.
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Grant Avenue offers shopping and dining

Grant Avenue serves as the neighborhood's main shopping and dining corridor. Residents find Masa's Sushi, an upscale Japanese restaurant for omakase dining, and Flour Chylde Bakery, which serves gluten-free pastries, desserts and bread. For groceries, they shop at Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s, located on the neighborhood’s northeast side. In nearby Black Point, they shop at the large retail hub along Vintage Way, which offers over a dozen national retailers including Target, Costco and Petco.
Masa Sushi in Central Novato is a favorite Japanese restaurant and people are always smiling.
Masa Sushi in Central Novato is a favorite Japanese restaurant and people are always smiling.
Grab a snack at Central Novato's Trader Joe's.
Grab a snack at Central Novato's Trader Joe's.
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Novato offers many annual events

Residents take advantage of the city’s many annual events, including live concerts at Novato Civic Green during the summer, the Novato Art, Wine & Music Festival in early June and the annual Bouncy Ball New Year, where area kids celebrate New Year's Eve by donning souvenir hard hats and catching thousands of small bouncy balls as they’re dropped from a ladder truck 40 feet in the air.
City Hall in Central Novato is like a welcoming gate to downtown Grant Street businesses.
City Hall in Central Novato is like a welcoming gate to downtown Grant Street businesses.
Civic Green in Central Novato is known for summer performances.
Civic Green in Central Novato is known for summer performances.
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Highway 101, Marin Transit help residents get around

Highway 101 runs along the neighborhood’s east side, connecting to Petaluma to the north, about 11 miles, and San Francisco to the south, about 30 miles. Marin Transit offers bus stops along major streets, including Grant Avenue, Redwood Boulevard, and Novato Boulevard, for locals who want to get around the neighborhood without a car.
Marin Transit connects Central Novato residents to the greater bay area.
Marin Transit connects Central Novato residents to the greater bay area.
Central Novato is easy to access on Highway 101 from San Francisco or Santa Rosa.
Central Novato is easy to access on Highway 101 from San Francisco or Santa Rosa.
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Sara Huffman
Written By
Sara Huffman
Luke George
Photography Contributed By
Luke George
Victoria York
Video By
Victoria York

Agents Specializing in this Area

  • Shirin Zehtabfard

    Shirin Zehtabfard

    Responds Quickly

    Coldwell Banker Realty

    (650) 870-9647

    42 Total Sales

    1 in Central Novato

    $785,000 Price

    Shirin Zehtabfard
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  • Rick Warner

    Rick Warner

    Vanguard Properties

    (628) 288-7149

    101 Total Sales

    3 in Central Novato

    $840K - $920K Price Range

    Rick Warner
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  • Deborah Solvason

    Deborah Solvason

    Compass

    (510) 808-6910

    90 Total Sales

    1 in Central Novato

    $737,000 Price

    Deborah Solvason
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  • Joshua Bouffier

    Joshua Bouffier

    Responds Quickly

    The Bouffier Group

    (415) 417-0731

    16 Total Sales

    1 in Central Novato

    $1,165,000 Price

    Joshua Bouffier
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  • Andy Falk

    Andy Falk

    Coldwell Banker Realty

    (628) 240-0187

    62 Total Sales

    2 in Central Novato

    $565K - $795K Price Range

    Andy Falk
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  • Julie Widergren

    Julie Widergren

    Coldwell Banker Realty

    (707) 665-1664

    57 Total Sales

    2 in Central Novato

    $645K - $1.4M Price Range

    Julie Widergren
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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
Explore All Schools

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Shirin Zehtabfard, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Charles M Schulz - Sonoma County

45 min drive

Bus

Seventh St & Novato Blvd

Bus

San Marin Dr & Somerset Dr

Bus

Atherton Ave Bus Pad

Bus

Grant Av & Second St

Bus

S Novato Blvd & Lauren Av

Bus

Novato Blvd & Grant Av

Bus

Delong Ave Bus Pad

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Central Novato US
Homicide 2 4
Sexual Assault 3 4
Assault with Weapon 3 4
Robbery 4 4
Burglary 5 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 6 4
Larceny 5 4
Crime Score 4 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Central Novato Demographics and Home Trends

On average, homes in Central Novato, Novato sell after 36 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Central Novato, Novato over the last 12 months is $348,000, up 8% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$379,900
Median Sale Price
$348,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$375,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$212,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$455,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
-1%
Last 12 months Home Sales
120
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
8%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$217

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
3,069
Number of Homes for Sale
6
Median Year Built
1970
Months of Supply
0.60
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,886
On par with the national average
1,924
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,382
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,200
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
764
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
8,276

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Aug 2
    10am - 12pm

    754 Bradley Ave, Novato, CA 94947

    $998,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,550 Sq Ft
    • 754 Bradley Ave
    • New 5 days ago

    This storybook retreat tucked away at the end of a peaceful cul-de-sac in the heart of Novato, this enchanting property is a rare blend of character, versatility, and serenity. Set on a lush and level .29 acre lot, this mid-century gem offers a tranquil escape while remaining moments away from vibrant downtown amenities. Step inside the main residence where gleaming original white oak floors

    Agent Photo
    Cooper Gaines
    eXp Realty of Northern CA, Inc
    (415) 798-2471
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  • Saturday, Aug 2
    1 - 3pm

    706 Tamalpais Ave, Novato, CA 94947

    $775,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,528 Sq Ft
    • 706 Tamalpais Ave
    • New 3 days ago

    Here is your opportunity to own a beautiful Central Novato home! This home has great bones but is in original condition so perfect for a handy owner user, contractor or investor to transform. Located on an 8,520 sq. Ft. level parcel with a completely fenced back yard. Has hardwood floors throughout, fireplace in the living room, laundry room with access to the side yard. There is a 2 car garage

    Bob Walker GM Green Real Estate, Inc.

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

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Homes for Rent

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Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Shirin Zehtabfard, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value

Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
12,461
Median Age
45
Population Density
8 ppl/acre
Population under 18
21.4%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
22.8%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$85,331
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$115,837

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
87.3%
College Graduates
38.9%
On par with the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
12.3%
% Population in Labor Force
61.4%
On par with the national average
65.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
34''
Average Winter Low Temperature
42°F
Average Summer High Temperature
81°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Bikeable

Bike Score®

63 / 100

Very Walkable

Walk Score®

80 / 100

Some Transit

Transit Score®

36 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

Learn How Walk Score Works

Nearby Neighborhoods

Indian Valley
Indian Valley

A taste of the country that’s close to downtown, with large lots and open spaces

Midwest Novato
Midwest Novato

A peaceful Bay Area neighborhood with large homes surrounded by natural preserves.

Green Point
Green Point

A woodsy, hilly neighborhood between Novato and the Petaluma River

West Novato
West Novato

Upscale Marin suburb with a small-town feel, great schools and open space for days

Ignacio
Ignacio

An array of homes, commuter convenience and thousands of acres of open space

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Reviews

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California Marin County Novato
Central Novato
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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Central Novato
Shirin Zehtabfard
Coldwell Banker Realty Section Image
Shirin Zehtabfard
Shirin Zehtabfard
Coldwell Banker Realty
Agent experienced in this area
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