Welcome to San Anselmo

Often described as a hidden gem just west of San Rafael, San Anselmo is a town made for strolling. With a vibrant, family-friendly feel, walkable streets, and a picturesque downtown, San Anselmo blends small-town charm with everyday livability. Known for its sunny weather, relaxed pace, and welcoming community, it’s a place where weekends are spent outdoors and neighbors quickly become friends.

From boutique cafés and local restaurants to scenic parks and quiet residential streets, San Anselmo offers a lifestyle that feels both timeless and easy.

Why People Choose San Anselmo

San Anselmo attracts residents who value community, character, and connection to the outdoors. Its charming downtown, excellent weather, and distinct neighborhoods create a sense of place that feels personal and authentic. Families are drawn to the town’s parks, schools, and walkability, while longtime residents appreciate its consistency, charm, and slower pace compared to larger Marin hubs.

The town’s location provides easy access to San Rafael, Fairfax, and Ross, while still feeling tucked away.

Lifestyle Highlights

Walkable Downtown & Local Favorites: San Anselmo’s downtown is the heart of the community, known for its walkable streets lined with boutique cafés like Marin Coffee Roasters, Longway, and Comforts, popular restaurants including Baan Thai, Creekside, Voyage, and Michelin-starred Madcap, as well as specialty shops such as OCN Culture, Still Collective, and East Peak General Store. With everyday conveniences close at hand, it’s a place where residents linger over coffee, meet friends for lunch, and settle into an easy, walkable rhythm of daily life.
Distinct & Charming Neighborhoods: Each San Anselmo neighborhood offers its own personality such as Yolanda Park, known for its iconic vintage homes and classic Marin charm, Seminary, which features tree-lined streets along the Ross border, offering a quiet, residential feel close to open space, and Sleepy Hollow a sun-soaked and semi-rural, known for its larger homes, horse-friendly properties and whimsical street names inspired by Washington Irving’s Rip Van Winkle and The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.
Outdoor Living & Recreation: San Anselmo’s weather and surroundings make outdoor living a daily part of life. Residents enjoy weekend hikes, bike rides, and picnics at nearby parks, as well as access to open space and trail networks throughout central and West Marin.
Family-Friendly Community: San Anselmo is known for its walkable downtown, lined with boutique shops, restaurants, and cafés that create a lively yet relaxed atmosphere. Live on the Avenue is a popular free summer concert series held on Friday and Saturday evenings from June through September, featuring live music, a kid-friendly play zone, al fresco dining, and the closure of San Anselmo Avenue to vehicle traffic. The town has a strong reputation for being welcoming and family-oriented, with active community involvement, regular local events, and an easygoing environment where kids play outside and neighbors connect naturally.
Access to Nature & Nearby Towns: With close proximity to hiking and biking trails, open space preserves, and neighboring towns like Fairfax and Ross, San Anselmo offers easy access to both nature and nearby amenities without losing its small-town feel.

SAN ANSELMO FAQS

San Anselmo is known for its warm, sunny microclimate compared to coastal Marin towns. Summers are typically pleasant and dry, while winters are cooler with seasonal rainfall. Fog is less common here, making it a favorite for those who prefer more consistent sunshine.
San Anselmo offers relatively easy access to San Rafael and Highway 101, making it workable for commuters heading to San Francisco or other parts of the Bay Area. While it doesn’t have a ferry terminal or SMART train station within town, nearby transit options are accessible with a short drive.
San Anselmo has very good schools, served by the Ross Valley School District for elementary and middle schools, including well-regarded campuses such as Brookside Elementary and White Hill Middle School. High school students typically attend Archie Williams High School in the Tamalpais Union High School District. There are also several private school options nearby throughout Marin.
San Anselmo's streets local shops are lined with water bowls, so needless to say...pets are welcome! Red Hill Dog Park in San Anselmo is one of Marin's best parks for dogs to roam and play off-leash.
Dining about town is almost too easy in San Anselmo. Along the town's main drag you'll find local favorite eateries including Comforts, M.H. Bread & Butter, Cucina, and a plethora of other hotspots to satisfy your cravings.
A close-knit community of family-friendly neighbors is one of our favorite things about living in San Anselmo. Need to borrow a cup of sugar? The answer is yes, no matter which door you knock on.
San Anselmo offers bikers a large range to roam. Spend the day climbing Mount Tamalpais, cruising down Muir Beach, ride along the historic “Crookedest Railroad in the World” or go for an easy ride with family through town. The San Anselmo area has plenty of scenic and exciting bike trails available any time of the year.