Why More Families Are Choosing Novato

For years, Novato felt like Marin County’s best-kept secret. Sometimes it still does.
When I first moved to Marin County, I will be honest, I thought Novato was a little too quiet. I had lived in Larkspur and Petaluma, and like many people coming from Southern Marin or San Francisco, I assumed Novato was “too far” or “there’s not much going on.” Fast forward to becoming a dad, and everything changed.
My wife is a Novato native, and we have deep roots here. After raising kids in this community, I can confidently say that Novato offers one of the best family lifestyles in the entire Bay Area. That is why so many families are choosing Novato today.

More Space and Better Value
One of the biggest reasons families land in Novato is simple. Your money goes further here.
Compared to Central and Southern Marin, Novato offers more inventory, larger homes, more outdoor space, and often better value per square foot. That matters when families are thinking about extra bedrooms, home offices, yards, or simply room to breathe.
From established neighborhoods to newer developments, Novato has a wide range of housing options. That flexibility is huge for families transitioning out of San Francisco or downsizing from larger properties elsewhere in Marin.

Convenience Without the Chaos
Novato surprises people in the best way.
The city has everything you need day to day, without the congestion found farther south. Vintage Oaks Shopping Center alone includes Target, Costco, and a long list of dining and retail options. Errands that take all day in other parts of Marin can be handled quickly here.
Commuting is also easier than many expect. With direct access to Highway 101, Novato sits at the crossroads of Marin, San Francisco, and Wine Country. You are close to Sonoma, Napa, and the rest of Marin, while avoiding much of the daily traffic stress.
Sometimes it feels like Novato is its own county. Southern Marin does not always claim it, Sonoma does not either, but those of us who live here know that balance is exactly what makes it special.

Schools Families Actively Seek Out
Schools are one of the top drivers for families moving to Novato, and for good reason.
Novato offers a range of highly regarded public and private school options. Families appreciate the community feel of the campuses and the ability for kids to grow up with classmates they see both in and out of school. It is common to hear parents say their kids feel more connected here.
A fun local fact. Jared Goff, the starting quarterback for the Detroit Lions, was raised in Novato and attended Marin Catholic High School. Novato quietly produces talent in more ways than one.

A True Sense of Community
What really makes families fall in love with Novato is the community itself.
Downtown Novato along Grant Avenue is full of character. You will find local shops, coffee spots, and restaurants that feel welcoming and familiar. Live music nights at HopMonk Tavern Novato are a staple.
One of my favorite family-friendly spots is Blue Barn Novato, where parents can relax with food and drinks while kids run around the outdoor grass area. It is the kind of place where you run into neighbors, friends, and clients all at once.

Endless Outdoor Fun
Novato is an outdoor playground for families.
Between hiking, biking, parks, and open space, there is always something to do. One of our family favorites is the Buck Gulch Falls hike. It is approachable for kids, scenic, and feels like a little adventure every time.
Add in concerts, community events, and quick access to beaches and wine country, and it becomes clear why families stay put once they arrive.

Why Families Moving from San Francisco Land Here
I work with many families relocating from San Francisco, and Novato consistently rises to the top of their list. They want space, safety, schools, and community, without giving up convenience.
Novato delivers all of that.

Local Expertise Without Limits
While Novato holds a special place in my heart, I serve all of Marin County up through Petaluma, with team members throughout the Bay Area. My role is to help families find the right fit, whether that is Novato, Southern Marin, Sonoma County, or beyond.

If you are exploring a move and wondering whether Novato makes sense for your family, I would love to be a resource.
Sometimes the best places are the ones you do not fully understand until you live there. Novato is absolutely one of them.

Corey Robinson | Journey Real Estate | DRE #01783258