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| North Bay |
RURAL PLEASURES NEAR THE URBAN CENTER
The North Bay area consists of Marin, Napa and Sonoma Counties. It is the least populated region of the Bay Area and noted for its pleasant environment and enjoyable retreats. The region’s economy is buoyed by its construction, technology and tourism industries. Napa and Sonoma Counties, in particular, draw many visitors to their world-renowned wineries. The North Bay region can be reached by commuting from San Francisco over the Golden Gate Bridge or from East Bay over the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge. The area also can be accessed at Tiburon by ferry from stations located at Pier 41 or the Ferry Building in San Francisco or from Angel Island State Park.
MARIN COUNTY
When thinking about the county of Marin, it’s hard not to think about marinas. Indeed, Marin County offers potential residents a life of beauty by the ocean. Its stunning water views make it an ideal location for those who love outdoor recreational activities. A day at the beach doesn’t have to be a vacation in Marin County; it’s a lifestyle and one that doesn’t take much time to make into a habit.
Major Communities (2011 Population): Corte Madera (9,353), Fairfax (7,520), Kentfield (6,485), Larkspur (12,054), Mill Valley (14,051), Novato (52,456), San Anselmo (12,468), San Rafael (58,313), Sausalito (7,136) and Tiburon (9,058)
Demographics
Education
For more information, visit Marin County’s website at www.marincounty.org. Following is an overview of the four most significant cities in Marin County.
— Corte Madera
The small town of Corte Madera is located in the green countryside of Marin County and known as the hidden jewel of the county. Breathtaking views are just a short walk or bike ride away, and the weather is almost always sunny and pleasant. With a population of less than 9,400 residents, Corte Madera is an ideal place for families looking to raise their children in a small-town environment with access to a metropolitan city. The town reflects the easy, outdoor lifestyle associated with California with its open space and parks in every direction. Residents find a magical blend if contrasts from its rural, sprawling hillsides and waterways to its cosmopolitan and fashionable homes and businesses.
The Larkspur School District and the Tamalpais Union High School District provide primary and secondary school facilities for students, but the town has a private option in the Marin County Day School. Notably, the town supports the headquarters of the national retailer Restoration Hardware and offers two shopping malls: The Village at Corte Madera and Town Center at Corte Madera.
— Mill Valley
Mill Valley is located about four miles north of San Francisco via the Golden Gate Bridge. The city’s mild Mediterranean climate typically offers wet winters and dry summers. Thanks to its accessibility to San Francisco and close proximity to Mount Tamalpais, Mill Valley has become a popular area for high-income families.
One of the more artistically inclined communities in the North Bay Area, Mill Valley is home to several art galleries that celebrate the artistic heritage of its past and present inhabitants. Some major events for the local art community include the Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival, the Mill Valley Film Festival and the Mill Valley Wine and Gourmet Food Tasting. The performing arts are represented by the 142 Throckmorton Theatre, Marin Theatre Company, The Curtain Theatre, the Sydney B. Cushing Amphitheatre and the Mountain Play Association.
Throughout the years, many writers, actors and musicians have called Mill Valley their home. Acclaimed writer Jack Kerouac and beat poet Gary Snyder shared a residence at 370 Montford Avenue in the mid-1950s, and even fictional character B.J. Hunnicutt on the TV show M*A*S*H called Mill Valley home. Actors Kathleen Quinlan and Dana Carvey have lived here, and Mill Valley was the birthplace of comedic actor Jonah Hill. Talented and influential musicians, such as Janis Joplin, Jerry Garcia, Bonnie Raitt, Huey Lewis, Sammy Hagar and Clarence Clemmons, also have resided in Mill Valley at some point. Music icons John Lennon and Yoko Ono briefly stayed in Mill Valley in the mid-1970s.
— Novato
Novato is located in northeastern Marin County and is known for its abundance of wide-open spaces. Residents can enjoy picnics and outdoor excursions in any one of the city’s 27 green spaces, including three major city parks. Just three miles north of the city is Olompali State Historic Park is made up of 900 acres that are perfect for camping trips and entire days devoted to physical exercise and sports.
The Novato business community is made up of several technology companies, numerous retail centers and biotech firms, including BioMarin Pharmaceutical and the Buck Institute for Age Research. Members of the community frequently take part in a number of annual festivities and celebrations, which include the Novato Festival of Art, Wine and Music; the Novato Farmers Market, the Classic Car Show and Friday Night Downtown Family Film Night.
The North Bay area consists of Marin, Napa and Sonoma Counties. It is the least populated region of the Bay Area and noted for its pleasant environment and enjoyable retreats. The region’s economy is buoyed by its construction, technology and tourism industries. Napa and Sonoma Counties, in particular, draw many visitors to their world-renowned wineries. The North Bay region can be reached by commuting from San Francisco over the Golden Gate Bridge or from East Bay over the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge. The area also can be accessed at Tiburon by ferry from stations located at Pier 41 or the Ferry Building in San Francisco or from Angel Island State Park.
MARIN COUNTY
When thinking about the county of Marin, it’s hard not to think about marinas. Indeed, Marin County offers potential residents a life of beauty by the ocean. Its stunning water views make it an ideal location for those who love outdoor recreational activities. A day at the beach doesn’t have to be a vacation in Marin County; it’s a lifestyle and one that doesn’t take much time to make into a habit.
Major Communities (2011 Population): Corte Madera (9,353), Fairfax (7,520), Kentfield (6,485), Larkspur (12,054), Mill Valley (14,051), Novato (52,456), San Anselmo (12,468), San Rafael (58,313), Sausalito (7,136) and Tiburon (9,058)
Demographics
- Population................................................256,069
- Population Growth (2010–11)..............1.5%
- Persons Per Square Mile......................485.1
Education
- School Districts: Dixie, Kentfield, Lagunitas, Larkspur, Mill Valley, Novato, Reed, Ross, Ross Valley, San Rafael, Sausalito Marin City, Shoreline and Tamalpais
- Total Public School Enrollment (2011–12): 38,102
- Educational Attainment (adult population)
- High school diploma...........................92%
- College degrees..................................54%
For more information, visit Marin County’s website at www.marincounty.org. Following is an overview of the four most significant cities in Marin County.
— Corte Madera
The small town of Corte Madera is located in the green countryside of Marin County and known as the hidden jewel of the county. Breathtaking views are just a short walk or bike ride away, and the weather is almost always sunny and pleasant. With a population of less than 9,400 residents, Corte Madera is an ideal place for families looking to raise their children in a small-town environment with access to a metropolitan city. The town reflects the easy, outdoor lifestyle associated with California with its open space and parks in every direction. Residents find a magical blend if contrasts from its rural, sprawling hillsides and waterways to its cosmopolitan and fashionable homes and businesses.
The Larkspur School District and the Tamalpais Union High School District provide primary and secondary school facilities for students, but the town has a private option in the Marin County Day School. Notably, the town supports the headquarters of the national retailer Restoration Hardware and offers two shopping malls: The Village at Corte Madera and Town Center at Corte Madera.
— Mill Valley
Mill Valley is located about four miles north of San Francisco via the Golden Gate Bridge. The city’s mild Mediterranean climate typically offers wet winters and dry summers. Thanks to its accessibility to San Francisco and close proximity to Mount Tamalpais, Mill Valley has become a popular area for high-income families.
One of the more artistically inclined communities in the North Bay Area, Mill Valley is home to several art galleries that celebrate the artistic heritage of its past and present inhabitants. Some major events for the local art community include the Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival, the Mill Valley Film Festival and the Mill Valley Wine and Gourmet Food Tasting. The performing arts are represented by the 142 Throckmorton Theatre, Marin Theatre Company, The Curtain Theatre, the Sydney B. Cushing Amphitheatre and the Mountain Play Association.
Throughout the years, many writers, actors and musicians have called Mill Valley their home. Acclaimed writer Jack Kerouac and beat poet Gary Snyder shared a residence at 370 Montford Avenue in the mid-1950s, and even fictional character B.J. Hunnicutt on the TV show M*A*S*H called Mill Valley home. Actors Kathleen Quinlan and Dana Carvey have lived here, and Mill Valley was the birthplace of comedic actor Jonah Hill. Talented and influential musicians, such as Janis Joplin, Jerry Garcia, Bonnie Raitt, Huey Lewis, Sammy Hagar and Clarence Clemmons, also have resided in Mill Valley at some point. Music icons John Lennon and Yoko Ono briefly stayed in Mill Valley in the mid-1970s.
— Novato
Novato is located in northeastern Marin County and is known for its abundance of wide-open spaces. Residents can enjoy picnics and outdoor excursions in any one of the city’s 27 green spaces, including three major city parks. Just three miles north of the city is Olompali State Historic Park is made up of 900 acres that are perfect for camping trips and entire days devoted to physical exercise and sports.
The Novato business community is made up of several technology companies, numerous retail centers and biotech firms, including BioMarin Pharmaceutical and the Buck Institute for Age Research. Members of the community frequently take part in a number of annual festivities and celebrations, which include the Novato Festival of Art, Wine and Music; the Novato Farmers Market, the Classic Car Show and Friday Night Downtown Family Film Night.
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