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.
Tish Charles
(510) 880-1682
21 Total Sales
1 in Central Novato
$970,000 Price
Cooper Gaines
eXp Realty of Northern CA, Inc
(650) 502-6235
56 Total Sales
1 in Central Novato
$940,000 Price
Edward Buckner
Keller Williams Realty
(707) 360-6898
78 Total Sales
1 in Central Novato
$329,000 Price
John Woodruff
Aethos Real Estate
(628) 200-7963
53 Total Sales
1 in Central Novato
$1,418,000 Price
Douglas Hecker
Coldwell Banker Realty
(707) 634-2774
149 Total Sales
3 in Central Novato
$425K - $1.1M Price Range
Shirin Zehtabfard
Coldwell Banker Realty
(650) 870-9647
40 Total Sales
1 in Central Novato
$785,000 Price
| 1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime | Central Novato | US |
|---|---|---|
| Homicide | 3 | 4 |
| Sexual Assault | 4 | 4 |
| Assault with Weapon | 4 | 4 |
| Robbery | 4 | 4 |
| Burglary | 5 | 4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 5 | 4 |
| Larceny | 5 | 4 |
| Crime Score | 4 | 4 |
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
On average, homes in Central Novato, Novato sell after 47 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Central Novato, Novato over the last 12 months is $875,000, down 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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Median List Price
$859,000
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Median Sale Price
$875,000
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Median Single Family Sale Price
$1,063,000
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Median Townhouse Sale Price
$875,000
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Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$569,000
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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
-6%
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Average Price Per Sq Ft
$587
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Number of Homes
3,064
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Number of Homes for Sale
11
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Median Year Built
1970
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Months of Supply
1.50
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Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,888
On par with the national average
1,932
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Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,092
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Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,200
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Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
763
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Median Lot Size Sq Ft
8,276
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$949,000
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
$529,000
Welcome to 1755 Novato Blvd #C21, a light-filled penthouse condominium tucked away in the sought-after Cedar Creek community. Ideally situated in a quiet, private location away from traffic, this second-story, single-level 2-bedroom, 1-bath end unit offers an ideal blend of comfort, convenience, and tranquility. Vaulted ceilings and an open floor plan create an airy feel, while abundant natural
McCarthy + Moe Group Compass
$899,000
Newer construction, gorgeous end-unit townhome with SOLAR in the vibrant Atherton Place community adjacent to downtown Novato. Desirable location offers a lifestyle where you can access shopping, restaurants and local events without ever getting in your car. Plus, a neighborhood park unites neighbors for potlucks and playdates. The home is filled with natural light, with windows on three sides,
Kevin McGinnis Compass
$1,650,000
Four 2BR/1.5 BA Townhouse apartments on a level lot near downtown Novato, but just far enough away. Located in the desirable far west side of the downtown area. All apartments feature individual laundry rooms and a private fenced in back yard area. Ample off-street parking with each apartment having two spaces - one carport and one open. The property was built in 1979 and has been well cared for
Pamela Burke Golden Gate Sotheby's
$675,000
Nestled in a peaceful, nature-filled setting, 188 Escallonia Drive offers effortless Marin County living in one of West Novato's most desirable communities. This beautifully appointed residence features 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and an inviting floor plan designed for both everyday comfort and stylish entertaining. A welcoming foyer opens to a light-filled interior where contemporary design
Denise Lucchesi Century 21 Epic
$2,250,000
Views, Views, Views! Spectacular 3.3 acre knoll-top estate offering privacy, space, and breathtaking panoramic views. 3749 sq ft per appraiser. The custom multi-level home features 4 bedrooms and 3.5 baths, with potential for additional building sites {buyer to verify with City of Novato) The spacious custom kitchen flows seamlessly into the formal dining room with beautiful hardwood floors,
Bob Brooks Homes & Acreage Real Estate
$599,000
This bright and inviting 2-bedroom, 2.5 bathroom condo offers a perfect blend of modern updates and a serene connection to nature. Tucked away in a prime spot that backs directly onto a peaceful creek and lush open space, the home feels like a private retreat while keeping everything you need close by. Inside, the layout is designed for comfort and privacy, with both bedrooms featuring their own
Henry Hautau Compass
$1,600,000
Four 2BR/1.5 BA Townhouse apartments on a level lot near downtown Novato, but just far enough away. Located in the desirable far west side of the downtown area. All apartments feature individual laundry rooms and a private fenced in back yard area. Ample off-street parking with each apartment having two spaces - one carport and one open. The property was built in 1979 and has been well cared for
Pamela Burke Golden Gate Sotheby's
$948,000
Where comfort meets convenience! Solar-equipped home on a quiet cul-de-sac near downtown Novato. Tucked away in a peaceful neighborhood just minutes from Ayawaska Hilltop Restaurant, shopping and Hwy 101, this beautifully maintained residence offers the perfect blend of privacy, efficiency and modern living. Set on a generous .42-acre lot, the property provides space to relax, garden and enjoy
Kristie Martinelli Coldwell Banker Realty
$2,626 - $3,139 per month
$3,950 per month
$6,200 per month
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Number of Homes for Rent
8
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Median Rent
$4,225
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Median Single Family Home Rent
$5,053
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Median 4 Bedroom Single Family Home Rent
$4,815
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Median Condo Rent
$3,950
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Median 1 Bedroom Condo Rent
$2,050
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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