Welcome to Mill Valley

Just 10 minutes north of the Golden Gate Bridge, Mill Valley feels like a world apart, yet close enough to the city for an easy commute. With roughly 15,000 residents, the town is nestled at the base of Mount Tamalpais, where redwoods and hills create a serene backdrop for daily life. Here, the pace is easy, the community is tight-knit, and every street seems to have its own story.

Why Mill Valley Stands Out

The natural setting is immediate: redwood‑canopied trails in the hills, layers of fog, quiet creeks in town, and easy access to the scenic uplands of Mount Tamalpais call for exploration and fresh air.
Downtown offers a distinct local character and vibe: boutique shopping, artisanal bakeries, an iconic public library set within the redwoods, curated galleries and restaurants where you’ll encounter locals as often as visitors.
A renewed business scene: here you’ll find many upscale boutiques, art‑forward galleries, amazing local eateries, and health‑conscious services.
Connectivity: Even though Mill Valley feels tucked away, its proximity to the rest of the Bay Area and the city makes it accessible while retaining its own unique feel.

Lifestyle Highlights & New Local Businesses

Culinary Scene: Beyond the classics like Piazza D’Angelo and Playa, recent additions like Tam Tavern and Corner Bar have added a casual yet elevated spot for locals to gather after a hike or just to meet friends. Strawberry Village has become a destination with favorites opening soon such as Tartine Bakery’s pastries, Cholita Linda’s fresh Latin cuisine, and a new outdoor plaza that hosts seasonal markets.
Arts & Culture: The Mill Valley Film Festival remains a highlight, drawing cinephiles from around the Bay Area and beyond. Local galleries, like the Marin Society of Artists, continue to host exhibits that spotlight both established and emerging artists. Additionally, Mill Valley was once home to several iconic musicians, including Janis Joplin and Jerry Garcia, who found inspiration in the town’s natural beauty and bohemian spirit.
Outdoors & Recreation: From Mount Tam trails to the gentle creekside paths of Old Mill Park, outdoor life is front and center. Weekend farmers’ markets, local yoga studios, and cycling routes make staying active seamless. Mill Valley is also close to Marin beaches such as Rodeo Beach, Muir Beach (including hikes at Tennesse Valley Trail), and Stinson Beach.
Schools: Families are drawn to Mill Valley for its top-notch schools, known for their academic excellence and innovative programs.

At Own Marin, we see Mill Valley as a town where nature, creativity, and community intersect. It’s not just a place to live, it’s a lifestyle with the perfect balance of laid-back California charm and accessible city life.

Middle Ridge

Molino – Edgewood
Muir Beach
Old Mill
Panoramic
Scott Valley
Strawberry
Sycamore Park
Tam Valley
Tennessee Valley

NEIGHBORHOODS

Alto Sutton Manor
Blithedale Canyon
Boyle Park
Cascade Canyon
Country Club
Downtown Mill Valley
Enchanted Knolls
Eucalyptus Knolls
Homestead Valley
Marin Terrace

MILL VALLEY FAQS

You’ll find a mix of residences: cozy craftsman‑style homes in town, hillside moderns with sweeping views, redwood‑forest retreat‑style properties, and some newer construction developments. The diversity gives options for different tastes and budgets (while bearing in mind premium locations carry value).
Central Mill Valley including Sycamore Park, Boyle Park, Homestead Valley, Scott Valley, Alto-Sutton and Strawberry are most often sunny with morning clouds. Blithedale and Cascade Canyons enjoy more shade amidst the towering Redwood trees. Morning fog runs over Mt. Tam through Tennessee and Tamalpais Valley where the sun breaks through mid-day. No matter what part of Mill Valley you’re in, you'll rarely be disappointed by the weather in this mountain town.
The commute is straightforward via Highway 101 or the Golden Gate Bridge, often 30–40 minutes depending on traffic.

From downtown Mill Valley it takes 12-15 minutes to get to the Ferry Terminal in Larkspur or Sausalito, 45 minutes to downtown San Francisco, and 55 minutes to San Francisco International Airport. From Central Mill Valley it takes only 10 minutes to get to either Ferry Terminal, 30 minutes to downtown SF and 45 minutes to SFO.
Mill Valley schools have an excellent reputation. Mill Valley is served by the Mill Valley School District, which is highly regarded for both its public and private schools options that emphasize academics, creativity, and community engagement, making them a strong draw for families who value education. Public schools consistently earn strong ratings for academics, innovative programs, and extracurricular opportunities, while private schools offer specialized curriculum and small class sizes. Overall, the area is known for prioritizing quality education and fostering a supportive learning environment.
Downtown Mill Valley is walkable, lively, and community-focused. Miller Avenue and Throckmorton Avenue host artisanal shops, cafés, and restaurants where locals gather, creating a relaxed yet sophisticated neighborhood feel amongst the redwoods.
The Mill Valley community loves bikes. The Mill Valley/Sausalito Multiuse Pathway is a convenient connection between neighborhoods, schools, shopping, restaurants, and both a skate and dog park. Download the Marin bicycle map for the best routes throughout town.