In Marin, nature isn’t something you visit—it’s something you live in. Whether it’s towering redwoods, coastal cliffs, or miles of open space, the outdoors is literally your backyard.
As a Marin-based real estate agent, I’ve helped clients find homes in every corner of the county, and what’s truly unique is how each town offers its own version of "backyard nature." Here's a look at what that means—depending on where you live.
🌲 Mill Valley: Redwood Forests at Your Doorstep
Homes in Mill Valley often back up to the base of Mount Tamalpais or sit among century-old redwoods. Imagine waking up to birdsong, sipping coffee under a canopy of trees, or taking an after-dinner walk on the Dipsea Trail—all without getting in your car. Backyard decks feel like treehouses, and weekend hikes often start from your own street.
🌅 Tiburon & Belvedere: Bay Views and Coastal Breezes
Here, nature comes in the form of panoramic water views, soft marine fog, and gentle shoreline breezes. Some properties offer private paths to the Bay Trail or access to hidden beaches. Think sailboats in your sightline, sunsets over Angel Island, and backyard entertaining with San Francisco twinkling in the distance.
🦌 Ross & Kentfield: Open Space and Deer Trails
In Ross and Kentfield, homes often blend into the rolling hills, with Marin’s oak woodlands just steps from your backyard. Properties here offer space, privacy, and the constant company of wild turkeys, deer, and even the occasional fox. It’s not unusual for your "backyard fence" to border public trails or open preserves.
🐝 Fairfax & San Geronimo Valley: Off-the-Grid Vibes and Wildlife Encounters
Want to hear owls at night and see monarch butterflies in the morning? Fairfax and the San Geronimo Valley feel a bit like stepping into Northern California’s past. You’ll find homes with vegetable gardens, beehives, and enough space to raise chickens—or simply unplug and reconnect with nature. Your backyard might be the trailhead.
🚴♀️ San Anselmo & Sleepy Hollow: Family-Friendly, Nature-Adjacent
In these neighborhoods, you’re likely to find kids riding bikes under leafy trees, dogs being walked along creekside paths, and homes with level yards that back up to quiet hillsides. It's the perfect mix of suburban convenience and daily outdoor adventure. Bonus: it’s all just a short hop to Phoenix Lake or the trails around Mt. Baldy.
🌾 Novato: Wide Open Skies and Room to Roam
For those looking for larger lots and more land, Novato offers a blend of rolling pastureland, ridgeline views, and hidden creeks. Some homes sit on multiple acres and feel more like private parks. It's a perfect choice for those who want both elbow room and easy trail access—often right from their own property line.
Why This Matters to Homebuyers
For many buyers relocating from urban areas or even from other parts of the Bay Area, this kind of lifestyle is the dream:
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Walkable nature
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Room to breathe
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Real trails, not just sidewalks
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A genuine sense of peace
In Marin County, that dream is more than possible—it’s normal. And as a real estate agent who lives here, it’s incredibly rewarding to help people find their version of nature, whether it's a coastal breeze, a redwood forest, or a hillside meadow full of wildflowers.
Thinking about making the move?
Let’s talk. Whether you’re drawn to the misty mornings in Mill Valley or the golden hills of Novato, I’ll help you find a home where nature isn’t just nearby—it’s part of your everyday life.
