2019 Best Places to Live in Marin CountyAbout this List

Corte Madera

• Suburb of San Francisco, CA
• 11 reviews

Current Resident: A lovely, relatively small town that maintains it's small town feel! It is warm, people are friendly, and there is a good variety of ages, from baby to grandparent. I absolutely love Corte Madera, and it's maintained small town feel! It's got everything you need as well: school from K through 12th, a mall, grocery store, park, and many trails to hike on.
Read 11 Reviews

• A+

• A+

• 9,811 Population

San Anselmo

• Suburb of San Francisco, CA
• 28 reviews

Current Resident: San Anselmo is a very charming town with excellent public schools and community oriented events. With all the fabulous Parks & Rec activities and events, unfortunately, it can't be enjoyed by everyone due to the high price of living. According to Marin IJ a family of 4 living in San Anselmowho make less than $105,000 are considered to be living in poverty. Residents who have lived here for decades are being "pushed" out due to the high prices of rent and living. If my apartment was not rent controlled my family would not be able to enjoy all that the public schools, library, Parks & Rec and stores have to offer.
Read 28 Reviews

• A+

• A+

• 12,619 Population

Strawberry

• Suburb of San Francisco, CA
• 1 review

• A+

• A+

• 5,558 Population

Kentfield

• Suburb of San Francisco, CA
• 3 reviews

Current Resident: There are beautiful hiking trails and really nice people! Everywhere you go you are surrounded by nature. There are great restaurants like Pico's Pizza nearby in downtown Larkspur and excellent coffee shops like Rustic Bakery. It is also very convenient being closely linked to San Francisco but still located outside of the city in Marin County with easy transportation like public buses and the Larkspur Landing Ferry that link you with city life.
Read 3 Reviews

• A+

• A+

• 6,927 Population

Belvedere

• Suburb of San Francisco, CA

• A+

• A+

• 2,156 Population

Larkspur

• Suburb of San Francisco, CA
• 19 reviews

Current Resident: After recently moving to Larkspur, I immediately felt at home among the family-owned shops and multitude of friendly faces. The commute to school is quick and easy, and I am able to meet new friends through the incredible public school system surrounding my house. The well maintained parks and trails surrounding my house help me to stay active and have fun outside.
Read 19 Reviews

• A+

• A+

• 12,367 Population

Ross

• Suburb of San Francisco, CA
• 3 reviews

Nearby Resident: Beautiful upscale town. Nice mom and pop shops. It is an enclave all unto itself.

However, it is not very diverse (racially, economically, or otherwise). Nevertheless, the people are friendly in public and although every affluent, the at not snobby
Read 3 Reviews

• A+

• A+

• 2,311 Population

Tiburon

• Suburb of San Francisco, CA
• 10 reviews

Works Here: Tiburon is not your every day town. Its is a small island North of San Francisco and home to the wealthy. Every house or property here is no cheaper than $1.5m. With that, comes a lot of nice people but also many entitled people so be prepared for that!
Read 10 Reviews

• A

• A+

• 9,205 Population

Mill Valley

• Suburb of San Francisco, CA
• 7 reviews

Former Resident: Mill Valley is a gem and one of the most beautiful places I have ever lived. With some of the best hiking and nature in the world while being only 15 minutes away from San Francisco, whats not to love!
Read 7 Reviews

• A

• A+

• 14,392 Population

Sleepy Hollow

• Suburb of San Francisco, CA
• 6 reviews

Niche User: San Anselmo is a quiet and active suburb. It's very child oriented and community based. The scenery is beautiful and the town is structured and safe. I would consider coming back.
Read 6 Reviews

• A

• A+

• 2,239 Population

Sausalito

• Suburb of San Francisco, CA
• 4 reviews

Current Resident: Over the last 25 years I have lived across the country in 17 homes. Sausalito is the most wonderful place I have ever lived! I work in San Francisco and take the 20 minute Sausalito Ferry into the city (the ferry is a 10 minute walk from my home). The climate is FABULOUS with rarely a day over 80 degrees and most nights in the 50's. This is the only place I have ever lived that does not need air conditioning. There are fabulous restaurants and lots of outdoor activities. Also, no mosquitos! People are very friendly and lots of places to hike including the Marin Headlands which has the most amazing views of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco. A few miles up the road is Muir Woods with giant Redwoods. The only downside is the real estate is very expensive, but if you can afford it, this is the most amazing place to live! I feel I am on a constant holiday and extraordinarily lucky to have discovered and live in this paradise!
Read 4 Reviews

• A

• A+

• 7,147 Population

Fairfax

• Suburb of San Francisco, CA
• 11 reviews

Current Resident: This funky little town is where I grew up. The movie theater is one of my favorite attractions; it was recently redone and now the seats are very fancy and super comfortable! Great food along the strip: sushi, italian, thai, coffee shops, you name it. If you make a right, there are tons of little shops that are really great for gift buying and mulling around. There are a couple of bars and an active night life. Scoop is also the BEST ice cream ever and you must try it.
Read 11 Reviews

• A

• A+

• 7,616 Population

Marin City

• Suburb of San Francisco, CA
• 2 reviews

• A

• A+

• 3,016 Population

Terra Linda

• Neighborhood in San Rafael, CA
• 14 reviews

Niche User: The people in this area are very kind and friendly. Everywhere you turn, there is a smiling face and someone to greet you. Although the land area is spread out, everyone seems to know one another which makes it seem like a small town community. People are generally helpful. There is a good mix of young families and elderly couples which adds to the value of the community.
Read 14 Reviews

• A

• A

• 14,583 Population

Fairhills

• Neighborhood in San Rafael, CA

• A

• B+

• 1,378 Population

Montecito Happy Valley

• Neighborhood in San Rafael, CA
• 7 reviews

Former Resident: Quiet area, can take nice walks, great bay water views just up the hill! Close walk to Whole Foods and Trader joes
Read 7 Reviews

• A-

• B+

• 3,896 Population

Mont Marin/San Rafael Park

• Neighborhood in San Rafael, CA

• A-

• A

• 6,028 Population

Gerstle Park

• Neighborhood in San Rafael, CA
• 1 review

• A-

• A-

• 8,179 Population

Bret Harte

• Neighborhood in San Rafael, CA

• A-

• B+

• 7,602 Population

West End

• Neighborhood in San Rafael, CA

• A-

• A-

• 6,421 Population

Santa Venetia

• Neighborhood in San Rafael, CA
• 3 reviews

Current Resident: Very close to beautiful nature, good distance to restaurants, schools, the city of central San Rafael. The neighborhood is quiet, safe, diverse, but very prone to flooding. Most houses have sump pumps that pump water from backyards into the street, but it's still a risk for people moving to the area. The schools are underfunded, but parents are very involved and the school board is trying their best.
Read 3 Reviews

• A-

• B+

• 6,229 Population

Santa Venetia

• Suburb of San Francisco, CA

• A-

• B+

• 4,924 Population

Lucas Valley

• Neighborhood in San Rafael, CA

• A-

• A-

• 3,521 Population

Peacock Gap

• Neighborhood in San Rafael, CA

• A-

• B+

• 3,192 Population

Domincan Black Canyon

• Neighborhood in San Rafael, CA

• A-

• B+

• 5,926 Population