Black Point–Green Point
Nature lovers, equestrians, rural homeowners
This is a rural, spread-out area with winding roads and big parcels. You’ll see vineyards, horses, and large homes with long driveways.
It feels like the country. But you're just 10–15 minutes from groceries and coffee.
Schools:
-Hamilton K–8
-Olive Elementary (depends on address)
-San Marin High
Median Home Price: ~$1.3M
Similar Neighborhoods:
- Indian Valley
- Lucas Valley
Bel Marin Keys Neighborhood
Waterfront families, boaters, retirees
Bel Marin Keys is filled with waterfront homes on a quiet lagoon system. Many homes have private docks. It’s a good choice for boaters or people who want a peaceful, water-facing lifestyle.
There’s no town center here. It’s strictly residential. The area feels removed from the rest of Novato.
Schools:
-Hamilton K–8
-San Marin High
Median Home Price: ~$1.6M
Similar Neighborhoods:
- Black Point
- Marin Lagoon (San Rafael)
Ignacio Valley / Point Marin
Golf-course families, nature seekers
This area runs up into the hills near Marin Country Club. You’ll find quiet cul-de-sacs and big family homes, many with beautiful views. It's peaceful and tucked away.
Golfers and families tend to like it here. There's not much walkability, but it feels safe and calm.
Schools:
-Loma Verde Elementary
-San Jose Intermediate
-San Marin High
Median Home Price: ~$1.3M
Similar Neighborhoods:
- Lucas Valley
- San Marin
Central Novato & Downtown
First-time buyers, seniors, walkability-focused residents
Grant Avenue is the hub. This is where you’ll find coffee, groceries, post offices, and small events. The surrounding neighborhoods are modest but walkable.
Houses are older and smaller here. It’s good for people who want to be close to services and community spaces.
Schools:
-Lu Sutton Elementary
-San Jose Intermediate
-Novato High
Median Home Price: ~$1.0M
Similar Neighborhoods:
- Hamilton
- Terra Linda
Hamilton Neighborhood
Commuters, young families, urban-suburban hybrids
Hamilton is a master-planned community with a tidy layout, very popular with young families. There is shopping nearby, and quick SMART rail access for commuters, so if you need to get to SF and don't want to drive, it's also a good choice. It has plenty of parks and newer builds that first-time buyers and young families really appreciate.
Schools:
-Hamilton TK–8
-Novato High
Median Home Price: ~$1.01M
Similar Neighborhoods:
- East Petaluma
- North San Rafael
San Marin Neighborhood
Families with school-age kids, outdoor types
San Marin draws an interesting mix as one of Novato’s most sought-after areas. It's known for excellent public schools and family-friendly flat streets and newer homes, but it also has quick access to amazing parks and trails. That makes it popular with young families and those craving a great outdoor lifestyle
Schools:
-Pleasant Valley Elementary
-San Jose Intermediate
-San Marin High
Median Home Price: ~$1.13M
Similar Neighborhoods:
- Lucas Valley
- Ignacio Valley
West Novato
Families, mid-career professionals, buyers wanting bigger homes
West Novato covers the stretch of neighborhoods between downtown and Stafford Lake Park. It feels like classic 1970s–1980s suburbia—quiet, low-density, with wide streets and a strong sense of community.
The homes here are typically larger than those in central Novato, with three or four bedrooms and decent-sized yards. Some have been updated, while others still carry their original finishes. It’s a great area for buyers who want more room but aren’t chasing high-end luxury.
You’ll see lots of families walking dogs or riding bikes. There are several neighborhood parks nearby, like Miwok Park and Hill Recreation Area. Stafford Lake Park sits just west of the area and offers disc golf, hiking, and weekend picnicking space.
There’s no real commercial district in West Novato, so most errands require a short drive into town. Still, the area feels cohesive and connected. Locals appreciate the quiet and the easy access to nature without sacrificing school quality.
Schools:
-Lynwood Elementary
-Sinaloa Middle
-Novato High
Median Home Price: ~$1.31M
Similar Neighborhoods:
- East Petaluma
- Southern Rohnert Park
Indian Valley
Buyers seeking privacy, horse owners, remote workers, and weekend outdoorspeople
Indian Valley is Novato’s most rural and secluded neighborhood. It lies just south of Stafford Lake Park and borders the Indian Valley Open Space Preserve. The roads are winding, the lots are large, and most homes are tucked away under big oaks or redwoods.
It’s the kind of place where homes come with long driveways, and neighbors may be visible only from afar. Some properties have horse facilities, while others just offer quiet, unstructured land that backs up to trails or creeks.
The lifestyle here skews self-contained. People grow gardens, work from home, and tend to stay for a long time. You won’t find sidewalks or commercial strips nearby, but the tradeoff is peaceful mornings, starry nights, and space to spread out.
Hiking and horseback trails are practically in your backyard. Locals use Indian Valley Fire Road and Buzzard Burn Trail regularly. Despite its rural character, the area still ties into the Novato Unified School District, and you can drive to downtown in 10–15 minutes.
Schools:
-Loma Verde Elementary
-Sinaloa Middle
-San Marin High
Median Home Price: ~$1.35M
Similar Neighborhoods:
- Black Point
- Sleepy Hollow (Fairfax)