Please scroll down to see Corte Madera homes for sale or continue reading here for more background. The charming town of Corte Madera (map) lies at the foot of legendary Mt. Tamalpais and is a wonderful blend of contrasts from a 620-acre ecological preserve to exclusive shopping centers and from waterfront homes to grand estates tucked into the hills above the town. There is truly something for everyone in Corte Madera.

Located just 12 miles north of San Francisco, Corte Madera offers its 9800 residents a 22-acre recreational park, a historic village square and numerous biking paths. These amenities as well as the area’s central location, friendly neighborhoods, great schools and easy commute make Corte Madera a very popular place to live.

History of Corte Madera

At the turn of the century Corte Madera attracted a number of families from San Francisco who came for the summer. Christmas Tree Hill was subdivided into tiny 25′ x 25′ lots for use as tent sites on the weekends. After the 1906 earthquake, many of these tent sites were used to build permanent homes, where some of the tiny cabins remain to this day. Incorporated in 1916, Corte Madera is situated next to Larkspur and they are often referred to as “Twin Cities” due to their proximity and the fact that they share schools and a police department.

For more Corte Madera history, please visit www.cortemaderamemories.org

Corte Madera Neighborhoods

Corte Madera straddles Highway 101 to the east and west. East Corte Madera (Mariner Cove, Echo/Harbor, Prince Royal/Granada and Madera del Presidio) tends to be a bit cooler due to the bay influence. West Corte Madera is slightly warmer and includes the neighborhoods of Christmas Tree Hill, Chapman Park, Meadowsweet, Old Corte Madera and Madera Gardens. East tends to be homes built since the 1950s, while west is the original part of town so includes homes dating back to the turn of the last century.

Corte Madera is Home to Two of Marin’s Finest Shopping Centers

Centrally located, Corte Madera is home to two of Marin County’s finest shopping centers: The Town Center and the Village Shopping Center, anchored by Nordstrom and Macy’s with a variety of boutiques and restaurants. A few of my favorite spots are Blue Barn, Pig in a Pickle and Burmatown. Corte Madera is also home to the largest movie theater in Marin, simply called The Cinema.

Corte Madera is also home to the Corte Madera Farmers Market and the Corte Madera Women’s Involvement Club and the Corte Madera Community Center. Corte Madera schools are currently very highly ranked by GreatSchools.org

Outdoor Activities: Something for Everyone

Bordering wetlands and lush open space, there is a strong community commitment to preserving the area’s wildlife and habitat. Birdwatchers flock to the Corte Madera Marsh Ecological Reserve, the Shorebird Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary (map) which provide feeding and nesting areas for migrating birds such as meadowlarks, great egrets, snowy egrets, avocets and sandpipers.

The town has seven neighborhood and community parks. Beyond the parks and reserves, recreational facilities include a gymnasium, play equipment, soccer fields, softball fields, picnic areas, and tennis, basketball, roller hockey and volleyball courts. The Ring Mountain Hike is one of my favorite hikes in Marin County.

Want a bird’s eye view of the town? Please click here to see a drone flyover of Corte Madera made by my friend and neighbor Mike Jetter.

Please scroll down to read more about the lifestyle in Corte Madera, or call me at 415-847-5584 for a tour of any of the homes below. I would be delighted to discuss the Corte Madera real estate market with you.