Living in Mill Valley, California

Mill Valley is tucked into the base of Mount Tamalpais. It’s one of the most picturesque towns in Marin County, with redwood groves, winding hillside streets, and a strong sense of local identity.

This is not a commuter town that just happens to be pretty. Mill Valley has its own cultural life, schools people move here for, and an active local scene. There’s a long-standing creative current here with writers, musicians, designers, and tech professionals who want to live in nature without being isolated.

The walkable downtown centers around Throckmorton Avenue. You’ll find bookstores, bakeries, a historic movie theater, and well-used public spaces like the Depot Plaza. The whole area feels lived-in and proud, not just curated for visitors.

Mill Valley’s layout is shaped by the mountain and the canyons. Many homes are built into hillsides. Some have sweeping views, while others feel hidden in the trees. Streets are narrow and often curved. You won’t find large subdivisions—most homes are unique, with a mix of mid-century, modern, and craftsman styles.

Nature is part of everyday life here. It’s not unusual to go trail running before work or spend an hour in the redwoods after dinner. But Mill Valley also has excellent schools, a strong parent community, and neighborhood parks that ground the town in day-to-day family life. Some will claim Mill Valley is overly self-satisfied, but most will admit it earns much of that satisfaction.

The pace here is slower, but not sleepy. Residents are active, there’s always someone biking up Mt. Tam, walking through Blithedale Canyon, or heading to yoga.

Food and culture play a central role. You’ll find high-end restaurants and local wine bars, but also long-standing neighborhood cafés and a community-run library that feels central to town life. The Mill Valley Film Festival brings real energy each fall.

There’s a deep commitment to preserving open space. Muir Woods National Monument and the Marin Headlands are minutes away. Even within town, parks and trailheads are part of daily life. Families spend time outdoors year-round.

Community ties are strong. Locals often describe Mill Valley as “a village,” and that’s more than a catchphrase. Schools, sports teams, local events, and even the community center all play big roles in people’s routines.

To see what locals do for fun check out the Mill Valley Calendar of Events.

We highly recommend visiting Mill Valley and staying in the community in a VRBO rather than a hotel to get a feel for living among the locals. You can also receive discounted travel fares via our partnership with Expedia.

Many residents work remotely or on a hybrid schedule. There’s a large contingent of professionals in media, tech, and consulting. A fair number commute to San Francisco or Oakland, either by ferry from nearby Sausalito or via the 101.

There are also many freelancers and small business owners. The creative class is well represented, from graphic designers to musicians. Coworking spaces, like Trailhead Marin and The Hivery, and cafés with laptop-friendly tables are common.

Traffic can get dense during school drop-offs and weekend beach traffic. But if you time it right, the drive to SF is under 30 minutes. The ferry is a great option if you live closer to the water or don’t want to drive.