$1,701,436Average Value$931Average Price per Sq Ft8Homes 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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San Anselmo is known for its community events in the downtown area.
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.
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
Micah Suard,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in San Anselmo, CA sell after 35 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in San Anselmo, CA over the last 12 months is $1,842,500, up 19% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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Stunning, remodeled, and must-see in person: 3BD/2BA + Office with an Open Floor Plan, a Chef's Kitchen, Views, a deck, and modern finishes. This beautifully renovated home offers the perfect blend of comfort, privacy, and style. The open floor plan seamlessly connects the living room, dining area, and chef's kitchen, creating a spacious and light-filled environment with multiple skylights. The
This inviting residence reflects a well-executed remodel, blending enduring design with comfortable modern living. The kitchen features wood-inspired cabinetry with a clean, contemporary profile, complemented by sleek slab countertops and stainless-steel appliances, including a range, microwave, and dishwasher. The main living areas are finished with neutral plank flooring adding warmth and
An inviting property that offers the comfort of home along with exceptional flexibility in a beloved San Anselmo neighborhood. Set close to downtown conveniences, nearby parks, and local schools, this property presents a rare chance to enjoy a residential lifestyle with space that adapts to your needs. The upper level serves as a private living environment featuring hardwood floors, a bathroom,
Rare new construction estate property that balances architectural distinction with everyday ease. Set in the flats of Sleepy Hollow, this custom contemporary home was thoughtfully designed for modern family life where beauty, function, and comfort coexist effortlessly. Clean lines and soaring ceilings create a sense of openness, while a warm, intuitive floor plan makes the home feel immediately
Build your dream home in San Anselmo! This vacant lot spans over 2 acres of picturesque rolling hills and offers a truly serene setting. Previously the area cultivated Syrah grapes as a gentleman's vineyard. This lot provides privacy at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac. Nature enthusiasts will delight in the proximity to world-class hiking and biking trails, providing endless opportunities for
This property is available. Please inquire on this site to schedule a showing. Well maintained 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom ADU - This property features wood floors, a spacious living area, tons of natural light and two patios! The kitchen comes complete with brand a refrigerator, gas stove/oven, dishwasher and ample cabinet space. Two spacious bedrooms are provided and have a shared bathroom
Charming 3-Bedroom, 2-Bath Home in the Heart of San AnselmoDiscover comfort, charm, and Marin living at its best in this beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom rental ideally located in San Anselmo. Nestled on a quiet, tree-lined street, this home offers a perfect blend of modern convenience and classic style.Step inside to a light-filled living room with large windows,
Location: One block from downtown amenities; dining, shopping, transportation, library, police/fire. Hundreds of miles of trails, award winning elementary school and dog park nearby.House: Tranquil decks off primary and secondary bedrooms, updated appliances, eat-in kitchen with 2 cooking stations, Big Screen tv with Sonos surround sound included. Gas fireplace, radiant floor heating,
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