Welcome to Corte Madera

Set at the base of Mount Tamalpais and bordered by Mill Valley, Larkspur, and the marshlands of the San Francisco Bay, the charming town of Corte Madera offers one of the most centrally located lifestyles in Marin County. Known for its relaxed pace, strong sense of community, and seamless blend of nature and convenience, Corte Madera appeals to those who want access to everything without sacrificing quality of life.

Why People Choose Corte Madera

Corte Madera consistently attracts residents for its balance of location, livability, and amenities. Its position in Central Marin makes it easy to get anywhere, from San Francisco to West Marin, while still feeling rooted in a close-knit town. The combination of excellent schools, abundant shopping, and outdoor access makes Corte Madera especially popular with families, professionals, and long-term residents alike.

The residents of Corte Madera place high importance on education, offering a range of highly ranked schooling options, from the public Neil Cummins Elementary School and Redwood High School to private schools including Lycee Francais, Marin Montessori School, and the prestigious Marin Country Day school.

Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy Shorebird Marsh, a 31-acre wildlife habitat, also a prime spot for bird watching. At the southeastern edge of town lies the Ring Mountain Open Space Preserve, a large area of designated open space that overlooks the San Francisco Bay. All of these protected natural areas are examples of the town’s commitment to preserving the area’s wildlife and habitat.

Lifestyle Highlights

Premier Shopping & Dining: Home to two of Marin County’s most well-known shopping destinations, The Village at Corte Madera and Corte Madera Town Center, the town offers a mix of major retailers, boutique shops, and diverse dining options. Both centers are designed as open-air, walkable destinations that draw visitors from across the county.

Vibrant Weekly Farmers’ Market: The Corte Madera Certified Farmers’ Market takes place every Wednesday from 12-5 pm in the Town Center courtyard, featuring California-grown produce, artisan foods, and locally made goods. It’s a popular weekly gathering spot for residents.
Highly Regarded Schools: Corte Madera places a strong emphasis on education. Public schools include Neil Cummins Elementary School and Redwood High School, both part of well-regarded school districts. The area also offers respected private options such as Lycée Français de San Francisco, Marin Montessori School, and Marin Country Day School.
Outdoor Recreation & Open Space: Outdoor access is a defining feature of life in Corte Madera. Shorebird Marsh, a 31-acre wildlife preserve, offers scenic walking paths and birdwatching opportunities along the Bay. Ring Mountain Open Space Preserve sits at the edge of town, providing panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay and miles of hiking trails.

CORTE MADERA FAQS

Containing just over 9,000 residents, Corte Madera is a small town with a big community. You'll find family-friendly neighborhoods and a vibrant community of residents who enjoy hiking, biking, supporting education and participating in community events.
Corte Madera is known for its central, highly convenient location, making daily commutes and weekend getaways easy. The Larkspur Ferry Terminal is about a 10-minute drive, offering an easy and scenic commute into San Francisco. The Golden Gate Bridge is roughly 15 minutes away, with downtown San Francisco typically reached in about 30 minutes by car, depending on traffic.
For those heading north, Napa Valley is approximately 75 minutes away, making wine country an easy day trip. Corte Madera is minutes from The Village and Town Center, home to Whole Foods, Nordstrom, Restoration Hardware, Apple, REI, Blue Barn, Starbucks, and a mix of local favorites, all generally within a 5-minute drive.
Overall, Corte Madera offers a rare balance of suburban ease with quick access to major transit routes, top retail, and some of the Bay Area’s most desirable destinations.
Corte Madera has mild, dry summers (averaging a high of 70°F) and cool, wet winters (averaging a high of 50°F). Temperatures typically range from 43°F to 74°F year-round, rarely going below 36°F or above 84°F, featuring comfortable humidity in summer and moderate humidity in winter, with most rain in winter months.
Corte Madera residents have access to award-winning public and private schools from K-12. Students can attend The Cove, Neil Cummins Elementary, Hall Middle School and Redwood High School. For residents looking for a private school atmosphere, Marin Primary provides an innovative learning environment where students from preschool through eighth grade are empowered to strive and prepared to thrive. Learn more about the Corte Madera Public School District here.
With several parks and open space preserves in the area, you'll be able to see many different sides of Corte Madera. The Ring Mountain Open Space Preserve is a two-mile-long loop through the rocky grasslands near the San Pablo Bay, this Corte Madera trail is an easy hike with only a few short, steep sections. The Blithedale Summit Open Space Preserve consists of a multitude of habitats, from dense chaparral to deep forests, its trails will lead you through quiet redwoods with sword ferns and huckleberries.
With Corte Madera's natural beauty and nice weather throughout the year, you'll enjoy both off-road trails and bike paths for exploring the area. Featuring safe paths and trails for all levels of experienced riders, Corte Madera is the perfect place to work up a sweat while exploring the town. Click here for bike maps from the Marin County Bicycle Coalition.