TeresaAnnF

Quaint, trendy town in midst of Redwoods and upscale hipsters, I enjoy(ed) living in Mill Valley for many reasons: Nature, great restaurants, fresh organic living, conscientious people. But sometimes, the cold, grey weather got to me and people can be a bit self-absorbed. Overall, it is one of the very best small towns where you can enjoy living peacefully. Population is mostly well educated and globally minded while still focusing on living the good life. Great for outdoor fun. Mountain, beach, redwood forest, near SF, easy drive to sunny weather when needed, usually, so much to enjoy there.

Let's see, when I was living here, I was writing lots of songs and producing videos. Coming home to a tranquil view, overlooking the SF Bay made it feel like Heaven! Always felt safe any time of day or night. The local police keep everyone in line. Lots of great paved & unpaved walking trails. Very family oriented place. Felt like the South of France. Great yacht clubs, you can really let your guard down here.

As it turned out, I spent quite a bit of time in San Rafael recovering from an injury. What a blessing. As a pedestrian, this city is fantastic. You can walk literally everywhere, and it's so manageable in so many ways. Historic buildings, lots of parks, great restaurants, hip vibe, lots of cultural events, film festivals, street festivals, what a great place. Great music scene. Gateway to West Marin...take Sir Francis Drake all the way and see the beauty and charm of this amazing place. Great professors at community college as well as Dominican University.

Yoga classes, SRF Gardens, nearby spiritual centers, lots of enlightening people hail from this locality. I thoroughly enjoyed my time here and look forward to returning soon. Swami's is the place to see & be seen, both the cafe and the beach. Moonlight beach is awesome. You can be a pedestrian in downtown Encinitas or go inland a couple miles to avoid the coastal "marine layer" or "May gray/June gloom" which lasted from January to June the years I was there. Nestled between Carlsbad and Solana Beach, which is next to Cardiff and Del Mar, just North of La Jolla. Dance Church on Sundays, Seaside Church, SRF services, and more to get your meditative groove on. Health oriented area will have you rejuvenated in no time. Surfers paradise this side of Hawaii. Closest to Hawaii you can get on the mainland. I don't think Florida counts on this point. Best Lobster Korma at an Indian Restaurant there.

San Marcos has a very diverse combination of people, places & things. I lived in San Elijo Hills and loved it. Not too far from the beach, I even had an ocean view from the master suite I rented in a large family home. The neighborhood is mostly families who go all out for holiday decorations, even Halloween. New developments, spacious area, I really enjoyed my time in this area.

Whenever I need a feeling of country while in Baltimore, this is one road which always makes me feel better. Wherever you find Falls Rd, just head North...and you'll eventually find the Oregon Grill. If you're lucky, the weather will be hospitable so you can enjoy the setting.