Welcome to Novato

Nestled in the rolling hills and valleys of Northern Marin County, Novato is the second largest town in the county and offers a unique blend of suburban comfort, natural beauty, and a growing cultural scene. Once known primarily as a gateway to Sonoma and Napa wine country, Novato is increasingly recognized as a destination in its own right, offering a family-friendly atmosphere, good schools, and homes that provide some of the best value in Marin County.

Why People Choose Novato

Residents are drawn to Novato for its combination of lifestyle, convenience, and community. The town offers a variety of housing options, from luxury estates to waterfront properties, at comparatively accessible prices for Marin. Families are attracted by strong schools and outdoor amenities, while professionals and creatives enjoy the town’s growing arts and biotech scene. Novato’s location also provides easy access to San Francisco, wine country, and the greater North Bay.

Lifestyle Highlights

  • Diverse Housing Options: Novato’s neighborhoods offer a wide range of homes to suit different lifestyles.

  • Shopping & Dining: The Vintage Oaks Shopping Center is a convenient place to shop for everyday necessities at stores including Costco, Target, and Marshall’s with local dining options such as HopMonk Tavern. Downtown Novato, located on Grant Avenue, features boutiques, local cafés, restaurants, and community events.

  • Community Events & Culture: Downtown Novato hosts a lively lineup of events, including a Tuesday evening farmers’ market, outdoor movies, parades, and annual art and wine festivals. The town also supports local arts through the Marin Museum of Contemporary Art and over 40 artist studios.

  • Innovation & Employment: Novato transformed former military base Hamilton Field into housing, a business park, and cultural spaces. The area now houses biotech companies, digital development firms, the Buck Institute for Research on Aging, and corporate headquarters like Fireman’s Fund, offering local employment opportunities and fostering an innovative community.

  • Outdoor Recreation & Open Space: Surrounded by hills, trails, and open spaces, Novato provides residents with ample outdoor activities, from hiking and biking to exploring the lagoons and waterways. Its mild climate makes year-round outdoor living enjoyable.

  • Schools & Family-Friendly Community: Novato is known for strong public and private schools, making it a popular choice for families. Safe neighborhoods, parks, and family-focused events enhance the town’s welcoming atmosphere.

  • Connectivity & Location: Conveniently located along Highway 101, Novato offers easy access to San Francisco, wine country, and other parts of Marin County, making it an ideal base for work, play, and weekend getaways.

 

  • INDIAN VALLEY

  • IGNACIO

  • HAMILTON

  • PACHECO VALLEY

  • PLEASANT VALLEY

  • VERRISSIMO VALLEY

NEIGHBORHOODS

  • BAHIA

  • BEL MARIN KEYES

  • DOWNTOWN NOVATO

  • SAN MARIN

  • BLACK POINT

  • GREEN POINT

NOVATO FAQS

  • Novato is primarily served by the Novato Unified School District, which includes several highly regarded public schools Loma Verde Elementary, Lu Sutton Elementary, Lynwood Elementary, Olive Elementary, Pleasant Valley Elementary, Rancho Elementary, San Ramon Elementary, Hamilton Elementary and Middle, Sinaloa Elementary, Novato High School, San Marin High School, and Marin Oaks.

  • Novato is surrounded by hills, open space preserves, and waterways, providing a wealth of outdoor options:

    Indian Valley Open Space Preserve, Hamilton Wetlands, Bel Marin Keys, Mount Burdell Open Space Preserve, Rush Creek Trail, and Bahia Park.

    These trails offer options for all experience levels, from easy strolls to more strenuous hikes.

  • Novato is highly accessible for Bay Area commuters. Highway 101 runs directly through the city, providing north-south access to San Rafael, Petaluma, Santa Rosa, and San Francisco. Typical commute times:

    Novato to San Francisco: ~35–45 minutes by car during peak hours

    Novato to Santa Rosa: ~35 minutes

    SMART Train stations in Novato offer convenient public transit to San Rafael and connections to ferry terminals for commuting into San Francisco

    Easy access to Sonoma County and wine country makes Novato a hub for both work and weekend exploration

  • Novato enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate, typical of Marin County. Summers are warm and dry, with average highs in the mid-70s to low 80s °F, making it ideal for outdoor activities. Winters are cool and wet, with average highs in the mid-50s to low 60s °F, and most of the rainfall occurs between November and March. Spring and fall bring mild temperatures and low humidity, perfect for hiking, biking, and spending time outdoors. Some neighborhoods near the hills experience slightly cooler temperatures or morning fog compared to the valley, but overall, Novato benefits from consistent sunshine and a climate that supports year-round outdoor living and recreation.

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