$1,739,454Average Value$741Average Price per Sq Ft1Home For Sale
Charming small town just north of San Francisco
San Anselmo is much more than a small town in the Bay Area — it’s the birthplace of the entire Star Wars film franchise. But this Marin County town’s history started well before George Lucas wrote the famed screenplay from his San Anselmo home in 1973. The story begins in the late 1800s, as the North Pacific Coast Railroad began to spur growth at the tiny junction between the Pacific Ocean and the San Francisco Bay. Population increases followed the introduction of the San Francisco Theological Seminary in 1871 and the San Francisco earthquake in 1906, and the completion of the Golden Gate Bridge in 1937 solidified the town’s role as a commuter-friendly residential area. Throughout its many years of growth, San Anselmo has retained its charming character by championing local businesses and bringing neighbors together with lively events.
The antique capital of Northern California
Holding steadfast to the self-appointed title “antique capital of Northern California,” San Anselmo is a destination for bargain hunters looking for vintage finds. Thrift stores, antique furniture galleries and consignment shops line San Anselmo Avenue, mixed in with contemporary fashion boutiques such as Kismet and local cafes like Flour Craft Bakery. “With the smaller restaurants and boutiques, you just have that small-town vibe, but you still have access to the city lifestyle,” says Adam Dobrinich, a Realtor with eXp Realty who has sold numerous homes in the area. In the evening, the sound of happy chatter spills onto the street from popular restaurants like Cucina, which has highlighted southern Italian dishes since its establishment in 1998. Less than a mile up Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, residents can shop for groceries at the Safeway in Red Hill Shopping Center.
San Anselmo has a wonderful shopping district.
San Anselmo is known for its local boutiques and specialty shops.
San Anselmo is filled with boutique shops, art galleries and cozy cafes.
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A summer concert series and the Country Fair Day and Parade
From June to September, San Anselmo residents can spend their Friday evenings at the Live on the Avenue music series, a longstanding event that takes place outside the boutiques along San Anselmo Avenue. On the last Sunday in September, the community gathers for Country Fair Day and Parade. The town also hosts an annual Easter egg hunt and holiday tree-lighting event, along with a festive Halloween party.
San Anselmo is known for its community events in the downtown area.
California cottages, Craftsman bungalows and Mediterranean-style homes
California cottages, Craftsman bungalows and Mediterranean-style homes are all common sights along San Anselmo’s hilly residential streets. There’s very little consistency, though, since many of these homes were built decades apart. Most lots are narrow, with little more than a grassy strip between properties, although backyards are still spacious enough to accommodate small private pools. Homes on the south and west sides of the town offer a slightly more mountainous allure, showcasing sprawling vistas of Mount Tamalpais and its surrounding peaks. When it comes to price, buyers should expect to see listings between $1 million and $3 million. “The housing market is highly desirable, so homes sell with velocity even though the price point is higher,” Dobrinich says.
Cottages and Craftsman bungalows can be found in San Anselmo.
San Anselmo has a variety of housing options.
The neighborhood of San Anselmo features a diverse range of housing styles.
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The highly rated Ross Valley Elementary School District
Students benefit from access to the highly rated Ross Valley Elementary School District, in which all schools maintain a grade of A-minus or better on Niche. Many students will attend Brookside Elementary before moving on to White Hill Middle School. In ninth grade, students can transition to Archie Williams High School, which maintains a grade of A on Niche. Here, interested students can explore the outdoors alongside their peers by joining the Team Academy, an experiential learning program that brings kids together for community service projects.
Hiking and picnicking in San Anselmo's parks
In addition to the hundreds of miles of trails found throughout the Mount Tamalpais Watershed, residents of San Anselmo have access to 60 acres of hiking and picnicking areas in Sorich Park. “What people really love is the lifestyle you get here. It’s very outdoorsy, and it’s not far to the harbors and beaches either,” Dobrinich says. Locals also frequent Memorial Park, which is home to a skate park and the whimsical Millennium Playground. Dogs and their owners can make new friends at the spacious Red Hill Community Dog Park, while film enthusiasts appreciate Imagination Park for its movie-themed sculptures.
Imagination Park in San Anselmo features movie-themed sculptures.
Memorial Park in San Anselmo has sports fields and other outdoor facilities.
There are plenty of great parks to walk dogs in San Anselmo.
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Easy routes to San Francisco and Silicon Valley
Located about 15 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge, San Anselmo provides commuters with easy routes to employment centers in San Francisco and Silicon Valley. Local bus routes are available along Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, connecting residents with the Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit station in nearby San Rafael.
Written By
Tina Davis
Photography Contributed By
Sean Viray
Video By
Melinda Anselmo
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Cecilia Mu,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in San Anselmo, CA sell after 12 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in San Anselmo, CA over the last 12 months is $2,082,000, up 28% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Nestled in the heart of Ross Valley and just a short stroll from downtown San Anselmo, this charming home blends timeless character with contemporary living. With 3 bedrooms and 3 full baths, the versatile floor plan is ideal for families, guests, or work-from-home lifestyles. The warm and inviting living room, complete with a fireplace, flows effortlessly into the dining area and updated
Enjoy resort-style living in this architecturally unique 4 bedroom, 3 bath San Anselmo home with epic views overlooking Sleepy Hollow. The open-concept great room flows from the kitchen to a dramatic heptagonal (7-sided) living and dining area with floor-to-ceiling windows, wood floors, and a fireplace flooded with natural light and breath-taking views. The main-level ensuite primary bedroom
Welcome to this beautifully updated 1 bed 1 bath home, with an attached studio apartment unit, The main home is thoughtfully remodeled to blend the classic charm with modern convenience. Inside you will find an inviting layout with brand new flooring throughout. The kitchen has ample natural light and new butcher block countertops. The bedroom has a remodeled bathroom with new tilework
Rare opportunity to buy almost an acre lot and build your dream home. Close to the shops and restaurant in downtown San Anselmo and San Rafael. Centrally located, approximately 2 miles to HYW 101 and College of Marin. Note: Highlighted boundary lines shown on images are approximate.
Offered for the first time since built in the 20s, this grand craftsman estate held by the same family for generations is a rare opportunity to own a true Legacy Property. Set among peaceful redwoods, the main 3-story house sits in dappled sunlight with a covered porch leading into the heart of the home. Inside, gleaming wood floors, original craftsman details and French doors create warm,
New Fantastic property in downtown San Anselmo on one of the most charming tree-lined streets! These units are very desirable and rarely available for rent. This brown shingled end unit townhome offers spacious living room w/fireplace and glass doors opening to the garden. The upstairs bedrooms offer vaulted ceilings with tall glass windows & views PLUS a loft just perfect for office or yoga
**Charming 2-Bedroom Home for Prioritized Tenant Rental in the Heart of San Anselmo** Welcome to your charming, meticulously clean, newly renovated home in the heart of Marin’s quintessential town, San Anselmo. Nestled on a quiet street, this home offers a spacious layout, furniture and grill, private entrances and a large backyard for your enjoyment. As
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