Living in Greenbrae
A Greenbrae Realtor’s Guide to the Lifestyle & Real Estate
Aerial View of Greenbrae
Photo Credit: Jeannie Rulli
Greenbrae is one of Marin County’s most meticulously planned communities, originally designed by developer Niels Schultz to harmonize with the natural contours of the hillside. Known for its lush oak trees, stunning views of Mt. Tamalpais, and a sunny microclimate, Greenbrae offers an unparalleled lifestyle that balances serene residential living with urban convenience.
Whether you are exploring the iconic mid-century modern homes in the “flats” or looking for a contemporary hillside estate with views of the San Francisco Bay, Greenbrae real estate is highly prized for its quality of construction and central location.
The Greenbrae Lifestyle
- Commuter’s Paradise: Located just off Highway 101, residents enjoy a 20-minute drive to San Francisco or a scenic commute via the Larkspur Landing Ferry Terminal, which is just minutes away. Genentech operates a shuttle that picks employees up at Bon Air Shopping Center, which also has historically been a Park and Ride lot for Golden Gate Transit buses into San Francisco.
- Top-Tier Education: Greenbrae is served by the prestigious Kentfield School District. Families move here specifically for the high-ranking Bacich Elementary (K–4) and Kent Middle School (5–8), while older students attend the award-winning Redwood High School. Check out my Marin Schools Guide for more information.
- Local Lifestyle: The Bon Air Shopping Center serves as the community’s “living room,” anchored by Mollie Stone’s—the go-to local market. It’s also a social hub where residents grab a burger at Gott’s Roadside or meet for coffee at Peet’s. For outdoor enthusiasts, Hal Brown Park at Creekside is a favorite gathering spot that connects directly to the Corte Madera Creek Pathway, providing a flat, waterfront trail for biking and jogging.
- Preserved Community Character: The community is supported by a strong Property Owners Association, which oversees the CC&Rs that help maintain Greenbrae’s residential character.
Living in Greenbrae: The Micro-Neighborhoods
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The Flats: Highly coveted for their walkable, tree-lined streets, “The Flats” are ideal for those seeking a true neighborhood feel near the Bon Air Center. You’ll find mostly single-level ranch-style homes here, perfect for indoor-outdoor living. It is the heart of the community for cyclists and walkers who want immediate access to the Corte Madera Creek Path without navigating steep hills.
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The Hillside: This is where Greenbrae’s mid-century modern character truly shines. These homes offer some of Marin’s most dramatic views of the Bay and Mt. Tamalpais. As a local agent, I often help clients navigate the unique opportunities here—from privacy and expansive decks to understanding the nuances of hillside retrofits and maximizing sun exposure in different micro-climates.
💡 Local Insider Tip: One of the best perks of this location is the ability to skip the highway. Residents can access the shops and dining of downtown San Rafael from both the Flats and Hillside neighborhoods without ever touching Highway 101—simply take Wolfe Grade or cross over the ridge via La Cuesta.
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The Boardwalk: A hidden gem along the Corte Madera Creek, the Greenbrae Boardwalk offers a unique, bohemian-luxury lifestyle. This community of floating homes and historic “arks” is accessible via a private boardwalk, offering a waterfront living experience that feels worlds away from the hustle of the city, yet is just minutes from the ferry.
Frequently Asked Questions About Greenbrae
Does living in Greenbrae guarantee admission into the Kentfield School District?
While Greenbrae is widely recognized for its connection to the award-winning Kentfield School District—including Bacich Elementary and Kent Middle School—it’s important to note that school boundaries don’t always align with the 94904 zip code. Because Greenbrae spans both incorporated Larkspur and unincorporated county land, a select number of residential pockets actually fall within the Larkspur-Corte Madera School District. To ensure your home is zoned for your preferred schools, I always recommend verifying the specific street address with the Marin County Office of Education during your due diligence.
What is the real estate market like in Greenbrae?
The Greenbrae real estate market is highly competitive, with homes selling quickly sometimes with multiple offers. You can read my monthly Marin real estate market reports here.
What are the most popular neighborhoods in Greenbrae?
Popular areas include the flats near the Bon Air Center and the hillside homes offering panoramic views of the bay and Mt. Tamalpais. There are also beautiful condominiums along Corte Madera Creek. Greenbrae has a little bit of everything.
65 Corte Amado in Greenbrae, Sold by Thomas Henthorne
Your Local Greenbrae Realtor
My office is located right here in Greenbrae at 500 Drakes Landing Road, just minutes from the Bon Air Center. As a top agent with Golden Gate Sotheby’s International Realty here, I bring a unique “design-first” approach to the local market.
With a background in industrial engineering and design, my superpower is getting homes ready to sell. I help clients navigate everything from high-ROI cosmetic improvements to the specific retrofit requirements often found in Greenbrae’s mid-century hillside homes. Whether you are looking to buy in the sunny “Flats” or sell a view home in the hills, I am just down the street and ready to help. Learn more about me here.
Stay Ahead of the Greenbrae Market
Inventory in Greenbrae moves quickly. Use the tools below to ensure you never miss a new listing or a significant market shift. Better yet, call or text me and I’ll do the searching for you for both on and off-market listings. With my office in Greenbrae, and as a member of Marin’s elite Top Agent Network, I often hear about homes for sale in Greenbrae before they hit the public portals.
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Monthly Market Insights: Sign up for my exclusive Greenbrae Market Report (below) to see what has actually sold, price-per-square-foot trends, and days-on-market data.
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Property Organizer: [Sign In] to save your favorite Greenbrae homes and receive instant email alerts when similar properties hit the market.
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Complete List of Greenbrae Homes for Sale
(call or text me at 415-847-5584 to discuss potential off-market opportunities)
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Work with a Local Greenbrae Expert
Finding the right home in a competitive market like Greenbrae often requires more than just an online search. Whether you are navigating the nuances of the Kentfield School District or need a trained eye to evaluate the renovation potential of a mid-century classic, I can help.
As a top-producing agent based right here at Drakes Landing, I often have early access to upcoming listings. Call or text me at 415-847-5584 to discuss your search, schedule a private tour, or learn about off-market opportunities before they hit the MLS.
Click Here to Contact Thomas
Please call / text Thomas at 415-847-5584 or fill out this contact form and he will be in touch right away.
