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Tamalpais Valley

Tamalpais Valley

$1,914,625 Average Value
$266 Average Price per Sq Ft
1 Home For Sale

Hilly neighborhood below Mount Tamalpais embraces the outdoors

Tamalpais Valley, or Tam Valley as locals call it, is a few miles across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco in low-lying hills along the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Some of California’s most well-known treasures are within a stone’s throw, like the iconic Mount Tamalpais (Mount Tam). Muir Woods National Monument’s 1,000-year-old redwood forest is within 5 miles, as is Muir Beach Overlook, with its oft-photographed staircase. For decades, the unincorporated area of Tam Valley has attracted people with diverse backgrounds who are attuned to this natural setting. “We moved here 43 years ago and to me it felt like home because you had a variety of people that lived here—you couldn’t broad brush it,” says Cathy Youngling, owner and broker of Cathy Youngling Real Estate. “It’s still that kind of place today, very warm and inviting. It has that small-town vibe of very outdoorsy people. At the end of every street is a trailhead. From my house I can walk to the beach or go down a trail and walk a couple of miles to national parkland. And it's protected — the views of the hills will not change. We’re blessed that way.”
Homes adjoining the vast, natural beauty of Golden Gate National Recreation Area.
Homes adjoining the vast, natural beauty of Golden Gate National Recreation Area.
The modern homes in Tamalpais Valley offer stunning views and open layouts.
The modern homes in Tamalpais Valley offer stunning views and open layouts.
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Events at Tam Valley Community Center and miles of trails

The Tam Valley Community Center hosts local events, including a Crab Feed, Spaghetti Bingo, Oktoberfest and Breakfast with Santa. Creekside Fridays bring neighbors together for concerts and food trucks during the summer along Coyote Creek. “Families come young and old and bring their dogs,” Youngling says. “That’s hard to find in a big city.” Tam Valley has small community parks within the residential section of the neighborhood, such as Eastwood Park, with wooded trails for walking dogs. There are playgrounds for the kids at Kay Park. More strenuous recreational opportunities are on the southwest side of the neighborhood, where trails navigate the area’s rolling peaks and valleys and lead to mountain and ocean views. Trailheads in the neighborhood include Coyote Ridge, Rhubarb and Miwok Trails, which in turn connect to the Tennessee Valley Trailhead and the Marincello Trail. Hikers may spot hawks, raccoons or bobcats, or hear the sound of coyotes. “The coyotes may come up into the neighborhood,” Youngling says. “If you have pets, you just have to be aware of the wildlife and use common sense, and don’t let your dogs run off leash.”
MT Tamalpais State Park is just a short drive from Tamalpais Valley.
MT Tamalpais State Park is just a short drive from Tamalpais Valley.
The community center in Tamalpais Valley hosts activities for all ages.
The community center in Tamalpais Valley hosts activities for all ages.
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Homes built to fit into the hillside

Residential development in Tam Valley ran from early to mid-century. The neighborhood is filled with older hillside homes on large lots with mature gardens. An occasional newer home appears, built as an infill project. Homes spend an average of 26 days on the market, compared to the national average of 44 days. “With inventory being so low, we’re seeing multiple offers in a relatively busy market,” says Joe Polyak, Realtor and founder of RISE Homes and Bay Area expert. Most homes have staggered layouts designed to fit into the hills and make the most of the views. They are widely divergent in style and size. Ranch-style homes are next to two-story traditionals and mid-century modern homes, each with its own personality, on narrow roads that wind up into the hills. Trees and foliage are thick and full. The homes range from around $1 million to $1.8 million for smaller homes of 2,000 square feet or less. Larger homes or those with views start around $2.1 million up to $2.7 million. The occasional multi-level large estate will bring around $4 million.
Many houses like these have large gardens in Tamalpais Valley.
Many houses like these have large gardens in Tamalpais Valley.
A large home sits on the outer border of Tamalpais Valley.
A large home sits on the outer border of Tamalpais Valley.
Wood cladding protects this Tamalpais Valley home from the fog.
Wood cladding protects this Tamalpais Valley home from the fog.
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Hot spots and Tam Junction shopping center

Locavores may choose to stock up on produce and fresh eggs at The Wooly Egg Ranch. The busy Tam Junction shopping center is home to a handful of local restaurants like Proof Lab Beer Garden, a casual bar-surf shop hybrid and neighborhood favorite. Good Earth Natural Foods is a gathering place for locals, who hang out around the fire pit. Nearby are the Green Door Design florist, Mill Valley Pottery Studio and a few other businesses. Marin Gateway Shopping Center, under two miles away, has stores like Target and Ross Dress for Less. There's also plenty to do in downtown Sausalito, about 3 miles away, with several fine dining restaurants on the Bridgeway Promenade.
Patrons relish coffee and work with ease at Good Earth Natural Foods At Tamalpais Junction.
Patrons relish coffee and work with ease at Good Earth Natural Foods At Tamalpais Junction.
Local shopper explores the eclectic mix at Proof Lab Station in Tam Valley.
Local shopper explores the eclectic mix at Proof Lab Station in Tam Valley.
The Woolly Egg Ranch offers a peaceful, rustic retreat with farm animals.
The Woolly Egg Ranch offers a peaceful, rustic retreat with farm animals.
Bold and colorful pieces of art greet visitors outside Green Door Design.
Bold and colorful pieces of art greet visitors outside Green Door Design.
Marin Gateway Center offers shopping, dining, and services in a convenient location.
Marin Gateway Center offers shopping, dining, and services in a convenient location.
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Schools get the highest ratings and graduate well-known figures

Kids can attend Tamalpais Elementary School, continue at Mill Valley Middle School and finish at Tamalpais High School, all three of which are rated A by Niche. Tam High, as it’s known locally, is spread over 22 acres and offers over two dozen AP and Honores classes. The school has graduated a number of well-known students over the decades, including actor Kathleen Quinlan, who was in “Apollo 13,” and rapper and music producer Tupac Shakur.
Tamalpais High School's famous clock tower.
Tamalpais High School's famous clock tower.
Discover exceptional education and nurturing at Tamalpais High School.
Discover exceptional education and nurturing at Tamalpais High School.
There are plenty of places to pass the time on the Tamalpais High School campus.
There are plenty of places to pass the time on the Tamalpais High School campus.
Mill Valley Middle School ranks in the top 100 California Middle Schools.
Mill Valley Middle School ranks in the top 100 California Middle Schools.
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Commuters to San Francisco have multiple options

From Tam Valley, Highway 101 heads across the Golden Gate Bridge to San Francisco. Most Tam Valley residents are drivers, but the Marin Transit bus stops along the highway for the 12-mile ride south into downtown. There is also a ferry terminal minutes away in downtown Sausalito for those who like a scenic commute to San Francisco. The MarinHealth Medical Center is 7 miles north. San Francisco International Airport and Oakland International are both about 24 miles away.
Tamalpais Valley offers stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge at golden hour.
Tamalpais Valley offers stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge at golden hour.
Bustling Tam Junction, where community and convenience intersect.
Bustling Tam Junction, where community and convenience intersect.
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Carol Parish
Written By
Carol Parish
Michael Chen
Photography Contributed By
Michael Chen
Emily McNamara
Video By
Emily McNamara

Agents Specializing in this Area

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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

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

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

San Francisco International

45 min drive

Bus

Shoreline HWY & Ross Dr

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Tamalpais Valley US
Homicide 1 4
Sexual Assault 1 4
Assault with Weapon 1 4
Robbery 2 4
Burglary 3 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 2 4
Larceny 3 4
Crime Score 3 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Tamalpais Valley Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$495,000
Median Sale Price
$509,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$485,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$638,900
Median Change From 1st List Price
6%
Last 12 months Home Sales
21
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-4%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$266

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
1,345
Number of Homes for Sale
1
Median Year Built
1963
Months of Supply
0.60
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,979
On par with the national average
1,924
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,480
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,535
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
9,365

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

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

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
3,717
Median Age
49
Population Density
4 ppl/acre
Population under 18
21.9%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
24%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$213,060
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$215,384

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
96.8%
College Graduates
76.5%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
39.2%
Significantly above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
70%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
44''
Average Winter Low Temperature
42°F
Average Summer High Temperature
83°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

23 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

15 / 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.

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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
Tamalpais Valley