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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Veronica Peter
Compass
(510) 939-7811
46 Total Sales
1 in Central Novato
$928,000 Price
Tish Charles
(510) 880-1682
22 Total Sales
1 in Central Novato
$970,000 Price
Cooper Gaines
eXp Realty of Northern CA, Inc
(650) 502-6235
55 Total Sales
1 in Central Novato
$940,000 Price
Edward Buckner
Keller Williams Realty
(707) 360-6898
77 Total Sales
1 in Central Novato
$329,000 Price
Douglas Hecker
Coldwell Banker Realty
(707) 634-2774
142 Total Sales
2 in Central Novato
$425K - $1.1M Price Range
Shirin Zehtabfard
Coldwell Banker Realty
(650) 870-9647
38 Total Sales
1 in Central Novato
$785,000 Price
On average, homes in Central Novato, Novato sell after 46 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Central Novato, Novato over the last 12 months is $930,000, consistent with the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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Median List Price
$920,000
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Median Sale Price
$930,000
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Median Single Family Sale Price
$1,163,900
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Median Townhouse Sale Price
$962,500
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Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$572,000
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Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
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Last 12 months Home Sales
87
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Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
0%
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Average Price Per Sq Ft
$585
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Number of Homes
3,027
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Number of Homes for Sale
17
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Median Year Built
1968
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Months of Supply
2.30
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Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,888
On par with the national average
1,935
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Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,092
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Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,195
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Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
748
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Median Lot Size Sq Ft
8,276
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$1,345,000
Welcome to 84 Pinheiro Circle, a beautifully appointed residence in Novato that combines modern elegance with warm, inviting living spaces. From the moment you enter, you are greeted by an expansive open-concept floor plan accented with gorgeous hardwood flooring, high ceilings, and an abundance of natural light. The heart of the home is the chef-inspired kitchen, featuring rich custom cabinetry,
Martha Moran Coldwell Banker Realty
$915,000
A fresh opportunity at 10 Joan Avenue. Previous market exposure occurred while the home was tenant-occupied; it is now vacant, easy to show, and ready for buyers to experience in full. Filled with natural light, this charming single-level 3-bedroom, 1-bath home offers approximately 1,100 sq. ft. of comfortable living space on an expansive approximately 8,102 sq. ft. private lot. The property
$3,195,000
A Price Improvement Right out of the Gate! Built in 2020 by an owner-builder who refused to cut corners, this Central Novato estate is a masterclass in architectural depth and premium craftsmanship. Spread across 2.75 acres, the property feels like a private sanctuary where every detailfrom the soaring ceilings to the custom-milled cabinetrywas executed by a master woodworker. The main level is
Henry Hautau Compass
$599,000
Opportunity awaits with this end-unit townhome featuring a fully fenced backyard, offering privacy and outdoor space rarely found at this price point. The home offers 3 spacious bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, a detached one-car garage, and an additional reserved parking space conveniently located directly in front of the home. Inside, you'll find a large living room with a cozy fireplace, a separate
Bill Byrd Luxe Places International Realty
$1,500,000
Centrally located in the heart of Downtown Novato, Third Street Apartments is a well-maintained 4-unit property featuring spacious 2-bedroom units setback on a level parcel in coveted Marin County. This midcentury gem includes exposed beam ceilings, in-unit laundry, dishwashers, covered parking, tenant storage, several fenced patios or decks, and updated electrical. Third Street Apartments offers
Kate Raphael Smith NORCAL COMMERCIAL
$427,200
Welcome to 1540 Center Road, Unit 270, a 2-bedroom, 1-bath condominium offering approximately 980 square feet of living space in Novato. The interior has been freshly painted within the past six months, providing a clean, refreshed backdrop for the next owner. The functional floor plan includes a comfortable living area, kitchen, two bedrooms and a full bathroom. The property also includes
Gary DiGrazia eXp Realty of California Inc.
$1,295,000
HUGE price adjustment! Get away from it all in this luxurious home with great views and magnificent oak trees. While feeling like a sanctuary, this home is convenient for commuters and families who like access to thriving towns. Close to town for shopping and activities, this home feels like you're away from it all. With an extraordinary kitchen with top appliances, granite countertops and room
Nadia Ferrua Coldwell Banker Realty
$385,000
Stylish single-level, end-unit condo with nice light in a building with an elevator (or use the outdoor entrance and bypass the elevator). Open floor plan features a kitchen with granite countertops, all-stainless-steel appliances, and a spacious living area that opens to an outdoor patio. Newer laminate flooring throughout, fresh paint, an upgraded electrical panel, and Anderson dual-pane
David O'Brien Compass
$925,000
Tucked at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac, this charming single-story home offers the perfect blend of comfort, privacy, and modern updates. Featuring 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, the home has been thoughtfully improved with recent upgrades including a new electrical panel and updated flooring throughout. The inviting layout flows seamlessly to both the front and backyard spaces. A fully fenced
Azadeh Hunter Coldwell Banker Realty
$399,000
Rare top-floor two bedroom at Center Place, and one of the few units in the community with air conditioning, available only on the third floor. No neighbors overhead, generous natural light, and a private balcony with treetop and hillside views. The open living and dining area flows out to the balcony, and both bedrooms offer good closet space and quiet separation. Community amenities include
Peter Schardt Berkshire Hathaway
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Number of Homes for Rent
2
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Median Rent
$4,125
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Median Single Family Home Rent
$5,400
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Median 4 Bedroom Single Family Home Rent
$6,200
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Median Condo Rent
$2,975
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Median 2 Bedroom Condo Rent
$2,975
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Total Population
12,461
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Median Age
45
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Population Density
8 ppl/acre
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Population under 18
21.4%
On par with the national average
23.8%
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Population over 65
22.8%
On par with the national average
19.1%
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Median Household Income
$85,331
Above the national average
$79,597
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Average Household Income
$115,837
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High School Graduates
87.3%
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College Graduates
38.9%
On par with the national average
34.1%
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Advanced Degrees
12.3%
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% Population in Labor Force
61.4%
On par with the national average
64.9%
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Annual Precipitation
34''
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Average Winter Low Temperature
42°F
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Average Summer High Temperature
81°F
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Annual Snowfall
0''
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Bikeability
Walkability
Transit
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.
A taste of the country that’s close to downtown, with large lots and open spaces
A peaceful Bay Area neighborhood with large homes surrounded by natural preserves.
A life off the beaten path, with horses, ducks and wetlands
A woodsy, hilly neighborhood between Novato and the Petaluma River
Upscale Marin suburb with a small-town feel, great schools and open space for days
An array of homes, commuter convenience and thousands of acres of open space
