Discover Novato, CA Real Estate & Luxury Living

Discover:

Rolling hills and open space preserves
Marin Country Club and nearby golf courses
Historic downtown Novato and local shops
Established residential neighborhoods

Novato is the largest city in Marin County and is known for its more expansive layout, open space, and warmer climate. Located in North Marin, it offers a different pace compared to southern Marin communities, with larger neighborhoods and greater access to natural surroundings.

The area includes a wide range of housing options, from established neighborhoods and mid-century homes to newer developments and properties with larger lots. This variety, combined with more available space, makes Novato a practical option for those looking for additional room while remaining within Marin County.

Downtown Novato features a mix of local shops, restaurants, and community spaces, with both the historic Old Town area and more modern retail centers supporting daily convenience. The city also provides access to grocery stores, services, and recreational facilities throughout its different neighborhoods. Whole Foods, Trader Joes, Costco, Indian Valley College of Marin area. Local favorites include Boca Pizzeria, My Thai, HopMonk Tavern, Rustic Bakery, Grazie, Perry’s, and Chianti Cucina, along with newer concepts and community spots that continue to expand Novato’s growing dining scene.

Atherton Avenue offers convenient access toward Napa, while areas such as Black Point and Green Point have a quieter, slower-paced feel

Outdoor access is a defining feature. Novato is surrounded by open space preserves, hiking and biking trails, and rolling hills that provide opportunities for recreation close to home. Its location also allows for convenient access north into Sonoma County and south toward the rest of Marin. Novato has a strong sense of community, reflected in its seasonal farmers markets and local events. 

 The Novato Farmers Market runs seasonally, offering fresh produce, local goods, and a relaxed, neighborhood feel. Throughout the year, events like the Downtown Novato Classic Car Show and other vintage car gatherings bring residents together and add to the area’s easygoing, community-centered lifestyle.

Commuting is convenient via Highway 101, with access to San Francisco and surrounding Bay Area locations. The SMART train provides an additional transit option, connecting Marin and Sonoma counties with stops including Novato, San Rafael, and Larkspur—where riders can easily access the Larkspur Ferry for service to San Francisco.

Traveling north, SMART continues through Petaluma and Santa Rosa, with a station serving the Sonoma County Airport area. From there, a short shuttle connection links directly to Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport, offering convenient regional air travel access.

The Santa Rosa airport offers direct flights to destinations such as San Diego, Las Vegas, Denver, and Burbank, making it a practical option for both regional and select out-of-state travel.

Novato is served by the Novato Unified School District, with schools including Loma Verde Elementary, Lu Sutton, Lynwood Dual Immersion, Olive, Pleasant Valley, Rancho, and San Ramon Elementary Schools, as well as Sinaloa and San Jose Middle Schools, Novato Charter School and Novato High and San Marin High School.

What Emily loves about Novato:

The combination of space, sunshine, and a more relaxed pace — it offers room to spread out while still being connected to Marin County.

All hyperlinks and referenced businesses are provided for convenience. We make every effort to provide accurate information; however, availability, hours, and website details may change and should be independently verified.

School references are provided for general context only; attendance boundaries vary, and school assignment is determined by the district.