More About Novato

Novato is Marin County’s northern-most city located 22 miles from the Golden Gate Bridge. It is the second largest city in the county.

Incorporated in 1960 and encompassing 43 square miles with 3,500 acres of open space and parks, Novato offers a variety of neighborhoods including waterfront communities such as Bel Marin Keys, horse farms, smaller homes and condos near the downtown center and larger homes and mansions located in the hills.

Shopping in Novato ranges from the Vintage Oaks Shopping Center which includes Costco, Target and 50 retail stores and restaurants, to the recently-restored historic downtown, also known as “Old Town,” which is a quaint, welcoming area of coffee shops, boutiques and restaurants.

Novato is a haven for visitors and residents who enjoy fishing, hiking, biking or day camping. Bird watchers and wildlife observers are drawn to Scottsdale Pond & Marsh, Deer Island Preserve and Pacheco Pond Wildlife Area. Hikers come from all over to hike in Indian Valley, a 558-acre preserve near the College of Marin’s Novato campus. Bikers love the new Stafford Lake Bike Park, the first park in Marin dedicated to bicyclists.

People love living in Novato because of its family-friendly atmosphere, its quaint downtown and its proximity to both wine country and transit to San Francisco. You may want to consult my Marin Schools Guide here to learn more about the schools in Novato.