HannahT
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Reviews
Blithedale Canyon
rating details
Just now
- Neighborly Spirit
- Clean & Green
- Pest Free
- Peace & Quiet
- Eating Out
- Nightlife
- Parks & Recreation
- Shopping Options
- Gym & Fitness
- Internet Access
- Lack of Traffic
- Parking
- Cost of Living
- Resale or Rental Value
- Public Transport
- Medical Facilities
"Peaceful with towering redwoods yet close to the City"
I have lived in Blithedale Canyon for over 7 years, and when I landed here, I finally felt like I was home. Unimaginable beauty coupled with an easy commute to the "big city" makes this an ideal place to set down roots. I love walking into town (ten minute walk) and hanging out in the square (in my opinion, the best hangout spot in Marin) or grabbing a bite. Safe living, nature, great schools, and close proximity to SF are all why I love living in my sweet little neck of the woods.
Pros
- Close to trails, nature
- Quiet and friendly neighborhood
- Walk to town for music, theater, shops and restaurants
Cons
- Some winding roads
- Homes deep in the canyon can be shady
- Prices of homes are rising, but they do maintain their value for resale
Recommended for
- Tourists
- Country Lovers
- Trendy & Stylish
- Beach Lovers
Homestead Valley
rating details
Just now
- Neighborly Spirit
- Clean & Green
- Pest Free
- Peace & Quiet
- Eating Out
- Nightlife
- Parks & Recreation
- Shopping Options
- Gym & Fitness
- Internet Access
- Lack of Traffic
- Parking
- Cost of Living
- Resale or Rental Value
- Public Transport
- Medical Facilities
"Friendly and close-knit Mill Valley Neighborhood"
Homestead Valley is filled with history. From the first settlers to Jack Kerouc's house to the famous 2am club, you feel the past and present hanging in the air around you.
Homestead has a lovely neighborhood feel with Fourth of July gatherings and a wonderful trail (Pixie Trail) running through it where you're sure to meet your neighbor and catch up on current news. Some beautiful older homes and a sprinkling of 80's style houses dot the hillside, although a good part of Homestead is in the flats. Easy access to shopping close-by (Whole Foods, small boutique style shops) and the many restaurants that line Miller Ave. closeby.
Coyotes sing in the canyon at night to remind you that although you're close to the City, this is still the woods. I love the community spirit and sweet homes tucked away in this friendly and unassuming neighborhood.
Homestead has a lovely neighborhood feel with Fourth of July gatherings and a wonderful trail (Pixie Trail) running through it where you're sure to meet your neighbor and catch up on current news. Some beautiful older homes and a sprinkling of 80's style houses dot the hillside, although a good part of Homestead is in the flats. Easy access to shopping close-by (Whole Foods, small boutique style shops) and the many restaurants that line Miller Ave. closeby.
Coyotes sing in the canyon at night to remind you that although you're close to the City, this is still the woods. I love the community spirit and sweet homes tucked away in this friendly and unassuming neighborhood.
Pros
- Miller Ave. provides easy in and out access
- Lovely community feel
- Homestead Community Club-house has a pool and meeting facilites for neighbors in the area
Cons
- A bit more fog than some areas of Mill Valley
- I love coyotes...but cats do not!
- Can be windy at times as the sea breezes pick up over the ridge
Recommended for
- Tourists
- Country Lovers
Greenbrae
rating details
Just now
- Neighborly Spirit
- Clean & Green
- Pest Free
- Peace & Quiet
- Eating Out
- Nightlife
- Parks & Recreation
- Shopping Options
- Gym & Fitness
- Internet Access
- Lack of Traffic
- Parking
- Cost of Living
- Resale or Rental Value
- Public Transport
- Medical Facilities
"Great schools and convenient location"
I lived in Greenbrae for 12 years and raised my kids here. Awesome schools with great parent involvement and very easy access to many other great surrounding areas. The views from much of Greenbrae are stunning, and there is a nice walking path along the water. The current homes sit on former dairy land, so it's an area less woodsy than surrounding Kentfield and Larkspur, but an easy ten minute drive out to wonderful trails. Greenbrae doesn't have a downtown per se, so Bon Air Shopping Center serves as a sort of surrogate meeting place and town center. This is a great place to raise a family, with lots of parent participation and a strong academic program which prepares kids for a bright future.
Pros
- Highly ranked schools
- Great walking and biking paths
- Close to the freeway and ferry
Cons
- Lack of diversity in restaurants
- Bedroom community - not much nightlife!
- Traffic can get bad on Sir Francis Drake Blvd. at times
Recommended for
- Tourists
Downtown
rating details
Just now
- Neighborly Spirit
- Clean & Green
- Pest Free
- Peace & Quiet
- Eating Out
- Nightlife
- Parks & Recreation
- Shopping Options
- Gym & Fitness
- Internet Access
- Lack of Traffic
- Parking
- Cost of Living
- Resale or Rental Value
- Public Transport
- Medical Facilities
"The best of both worlds"
There's a reason Mill Valley was voted one of the top ten best small towns to live in. It's vibrant, cute, safe and has a gathering place in the center like many European cities. In fact, there seem to be quite a few expats residing here. With two three entertainment venue in a 1 mile radius, restaurants, shops and a lovely library near town, it's easy to have multiple events to attend everyday. Coupled with gorgeous redwoods, trails and in the shadow of beautiful Mt. Tamalpais, it's a mini-paradise in a busy world. Great place to visit, and even better place to settle down.
Pros
- Vibrant downtown scene
- Great restaurants
- Close to San Francisco and beaches
Cons
- Meters are enforced 24/7, although you can get a parking pass for $40 a year
- Traffic out of Mill Valley on E. Blithedale is getting more congested
Recommended for
- Tourists
Blithdale Canyon
rating details
Just now
- Neighborly Spirit
- Safe & Sound
- Clean & Green
- Pest Free
- Peace & Quiet
- Eating Out
- Nightlife
- Parks & Recreation
- Shopping Options
- Gym & Fitness
- Internet Access
- Lack of Traffic
- Parking
- Cost of Living
- Resale or Rental Value
- Public Transport
- Medical Facilities
- Schools
- Childcare
"Peaceful with towering redwoods yet close to the City"
I have lived in Blithedale Canyon for over 7 years, and when I landed here, I finally felt like I was home. Unimaginable beauty coupled with an easy commute to the "big city" makes this an ideal place to set down roots. I love walking into town (ten minute walk) and hanging out in the square (in my opinion, the best hangout spot in Marin) or grabbing a bite. Safe living, nature, great schools, and close proximity to SF are all why I love living in my sweet little neck of the woods.
Pros
- Close to trails, nature
- Quiet and friendly neighborhood
- Walk to town for music, theater, shops and restaurants
Cons
- Some winding roads
- Homes way in the canyon can be shady
- Prices of homes are rising, but they do maintain their value for resale
Recommended for
- Tourists