Why Live in West Novato
West Novato is a quiet suburb situated between downtown Novato and Stafford Lake Park, known for its established atmosphere and appealing schools. The neighborhood, developed primarily in the 1970s, features ranch-style homes with well-maintained lawns or gardens of shrubs and small trees. Over the years, the area has transitioned from a community of first responders to an upper-middle-class neighborhood, with home values significantly increasing. San Marin High School, part of the Novato Unified School District, is highly rated and offers various extracurricular activities, including ping pong, mountain biking, and comic book clubs. West Novato is safer than the national average, making it a comfortable place for families. The neighborhood is conveniently located about five miles from Redwood Highway, providing a direct route to San Francisco, which is approximately 30 miles away. For public transit, the Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit station in downtown Novato offers routes around Marin and to the San Francisco Ferry. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy nearby Ohair Park and Indian Tree Open Space Preserve, with trails like Big Trees Trail and Rebelo to Wilson Trail. Stafford Lake Park, covering about 140 acres, offers bird watching, fishing, and equestrian activities. Downtown Novato, particularly Grant Avenue, features a variety of restaurants, shops, and cafes, including Bacon, Marvin’s Breakfast Club, Dr. Insomniac, Watts Music, and Ayawaska Hilltop. For grocery shopping, residents have access to Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is West Novato a good place to live?
West Novato is a good place to live. West Novato is considered very car-dependent and somewhat bikeable. West Novato is a suburban neighborhood. West Novato has 7 parks for recreational activities. It is sparse in population with 0.8 people per acre and a median age of 53. The average household income is $176,756 which is above the national average. College graduates make up 50.6% of residents. A majority of residents in West Novato are home owners, with 14.6% of residents renting and 85.4% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving West Novato can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
West Novato neighborhood guide.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in West Novato?
The median home price in West Novato is $1,250,000. If you put a 20% down payment of $250,000 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.56%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $6,360 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $273K a year to afford the median home price in West Novato. The average household income in West Novato is $177K.
What are the best public schools in West Novato?
The best public schools that serve West Novato are:
What are the best private schools in West Novato?
The best private schools that serve West Novato are:
What are the most popular zip codes in West Novato, Novato, CA?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near West Novato, Novato, CA?
Are home prices dropping in West Novato?
Yes, home prices in West Novato are down 2% in the last 12 months.
Home Trends in West Novato, CA
On average, homes in West Novato, Novato sell after 36 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in West Novato, Novato over the last 12 months is $1,202,000, down 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$1,202,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$1,230,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$3,150,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$656
Number of Homes for Sale
13
Last 12 months Home Sales
72
Median List Price
$1,250,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-2%