Downtown & Creekside
People who want to walk to town, first-time buyers, empty nesters who want less space
Downtown San Anselmo is built around San Anselmo Avenue and a handful of side streets. The homes are older—small bungalows, cottages, and the occasional duplex. Yards are compact. Many houses have been added onto over the years.
It’s one of the few parts of Marin where you can live without depending on a car. You can walk to coffee, parks, school drop-off, and the grocery store. The creek runs through the heart of town and adds to the local feel.
Noise can be a factor; there’s more foot traffic, and events in Creek Park can get lively. But if you want a true small-town center and a simpler day-to-day routine, this area fits.
Schools:
-Wade Thomas Elementary
-White Hill Middle
-Archie Williams High
Median Home Price: ~$1.4M
Similar Neighborhoods:
- Downtown Fairfax
- Sycamore Park (Mill Valley)
Seminary Neighborhood
Families, buyers looking for charm and stability
This neighborhood sits near the old San Francisco Theological Seminary, which still holds classes and hosts events. The area has mature trees, quiet streets, and a good mix of homes, some from the 1920s, some midcentury, and a few newer builds on infill lots.
You can walk to downtown, but it feels a little more tucked away. Streets like Laurel and Crescent tend to be favorites. Most homes have yards, but they’re not oversized.
It’s a neighborhood with a steady rhythm. Kids bike to school. Neighbors know each other. You see regulars walking dogs or pushing strollers on the same loops each day.
Schools:
-Wade Thomas
-Brookside Elementary
-White Hill Middle
-Archie Williams High
Median Home Price: ~$1.7M
Similar Neighborhoods:
- Cascade Canyon (Mill Valley)
- Gerstle Park (San Rafael)
Sleepy Hollow
Families looking for space and privacy, buyers who want a long-term home
Sleepy Hollow is one of the largest and most established neighborhoods in San Anselmo. It sits out near the edge of town, with wider streets and bigger properties. Many homes have pools or backyards that open onto hillsides. Some have horse facilities or extra buildings.
It’s not walkable to downtown, but that’s part of the draw. People move here for the quiet. There’s a strong neighborhood association and a community center that hosts events and summer camps.
It’s a popular choice for people who plan to stay for a while. Homes are often updated, but you’ll also see places that haven’t been touched in decades. The local school zoning is a major selling point.
Schools:
-Hidden Valley Elementary
-White Hill Middle
-Archie Williams High
Median Home Price: ~$2.0M
Similar Neighborhoods:
- Lucas Valley
- Marin Country Club Estates
Red Hill & Hillside Streets
Buyers looking for more affordability, homes with views, or more privacy
This part of town sits along Sir Francis Drake and heads up into the hills. You’ll find homes built into the slope, often with decks and woodsy surroundings. Streets can be narrow and windy, but they’re quiet and lightly trafficked.
Some homes have big views over the valley. Others are tucked into redwoods or oak groves. There’s a mix of price points here, depending on the lot and condition.
Access to town is relatively easy, but you’ll want to drive. This part of San Anselmo appeals to people who like having a little distance from the center but still want to be close.
Schools:
-Brookside
-Wade Thomas Elementary
-White Hill Middle
-Archie Williams High
Median Home Price: ~$1.3M
Similar Neighborhoods:
- Oak Manor (Fairfax)
- Dominican slopes (San Rafael)