Living in Corte Madera, California

Corte Madera is a small town with a steady, settled feel. It’s one of those places where people plant roots early and tend to stay put. You won’t find big cultural institutions or nightlife here, but the basics are strong & safe streets, good schools, and reliable public services.

The town is divided by Highway 101. On the west side, the neighborhoods are more residential and sit closer to open space and hiking trails. The east side runs up against the Bay and includes shopping centers, the ferry access point in nearby Larkspur, and flatter, more walkable blocks.

There’s a contrast between the quiet, residential side of town and the busy retail hubs at The Village and Town Center. But even with the big-box stores and national chains, the town itself doesn’t feel commercial. Most of the streets are quiet, and the parks are well-used by families and longtime locals.

People who live here tend to have a steady rhythm. You’ll see a lot of kids in youth sports, parents volunteering at school, and neighbors who’ve known each other for decades. The town is practical and low-drama, with a focus on daily life rather than prestige.

Corte Madera is calm and steady. It’s not a place that draws crowds or headlines, and that’s exactly what people here like about it. Life moves at an easy pace. The streets are quiet, the schools are strong, and neighbors tend to stick around.

Families are the backbone of the town. You see parents walking with strollers, kids heading to soccer practice, and teens biking to the park. The Town Park is a central hub. It has ballfields, a skatepark, playgrounds, and a well-used community center that hosts classes and town events.

One of the most beloved annual rituals is the Fourth of July Parade, a joint celebration with nearby Larkspur. It’s small-town in the best way—marching bands, handmade floats, and kids decorating bikes with streamers. The parade ends with a picnic and community gathering at the park.

There’s also a summer concert series that brings people out on warm evenings, with picnic blankets and dancing kids. In winter, you’ll see crowds at the town’s Holiday Tree Lighting and local school performances that draw multigenerational audiences.

While Corte Madera isn’t flashy or arts-focused, it’s community-oriented. People know each other. Local sports leagues, PTA events, and neighborhood block parties are part of the routine. It’s a town where people still show up for pancake breakfasts and rec center sign-ups.

To see what locals do for fun, check out the Corte Madera Calendar of Events.

We highly recommend visiting Corte Madera and staying in the community at a VRBO instead of a hotel to get a feel for what it's like to live among the locals. You can also receive discounted fares on travel through our partnership with Expedia.

Many residents work in San Francisco or the East Bay. The Larkspur Ferry is a quick drive away, and the 101 freeway is right there. Remote workers and consultants are common.

Corte Madera itself has some retail and corporate offices. The Village at Corte Madera is home to several higher-end stores and national brands. RH (formerly Restoration Hardware) has its headquarters here, which brings some jobs to town.

There’s not a big startup or industrial scene here, but the town’s location keeps it well-connected for people working across the Bay Area.