Welcome To
Novato
Known as one of Marin County’s more affordable communities.
Nestled at the northern tip of Marin County, Novato offers a perfect balance of suburban tranquility and modern convenience. With its top-rated schools, abundant parks, and easy access to both nature and city life, Novato is an ideal place for families to call home.
In addition to its family-friendly environment, Novato features a charming downtown with a mix of local boutiques, restaurants, and coffee shops. The city hosts a variety of annual events, including a popular Farmer’s Market and a lively 4th of July celebration, bringing the community together in a festive atmosphere.
Active residents enjoy outdoor activities in the nearby Marin Hills and Marinwood Plaza, where hiking, biking, and scenic views are abundant. Local youth sports leagues and sports fields give children ample opportunity to stay active. Novato is also home to the Marin Museum of Contemporary Art, a hub for art lovers and the creative community. Families are drawn to Novato’s welcoming vibe, strong sense of community, and stunning natural surroundings.
Welcome to Novato
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Olive Elementary School is committed to fostering a supportive and stimulating educational environment for its students. The school emphasizes academic excellence, personal growth, and community engagement. As of 2024, Olive Elementary School is ranked #2 within the Novato Unified School District.
Academic Performance:52% of students scored at or above the proficient level for math, and 57% scored at or above that level for reading.
Student-Teacher Ratio, Population, and Number of Teachers/Principal:
Olive Elementary has a 22:1 student-to-teacher ratio, which aligns closely with the California state average. The student population is made up of 51% female students and 49% male students. The school enrolls 35% economically disadvantaged students. There are 16 equivalent full-time teachers.
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Loma Verde Elementary School, located in Novato, California, is dedicated to providing a nurturing and engaging educational environment for its students. The school focuses on academic excellence, personal development, and active community involvement. As of 2024, Loma Verde Elementary School is ranked #11 within the Novato Unified School District.
Academic Performance:
According to state test scores, 37% of students are at least proficient in math and 47% in reading.
Student-Teacher Ratio, Population, and Number of Teachers/Principal:
Loma Verde Elementary has a 24:1 student-to-teacher ratio, which is slightly higher than the California state average. The student population comprises 429 students in grades K–5.
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San Marin High School is dedicated to fostering a supportive and stimulating educational environment for its students, emphasizing academic excellence, personal growth, and community engagement. As of the 2023–24 academic year, the school enrolls 1,186 students in grades 9–12.
Academic Performance:
Fluent English Proficient 26.64 %, and Mathematics Results 5.56 %.
Student-Teacher Ratio, Population, and Number of Teachers/Principal:
The student population is made up of 45.1% female students and 54.7% male students.
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Nova Education Center is an above average, public, alternative school located in NOVATO, CA. It has 82 students in grades K-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 16 to 1. According to state test scores, 22% of students are at least proficient in math and 47% in reading
Academic Performance:
47% Percent Proficient - Reading
This is the percentage of students that scored at or above proficiency levels on their state reading/language arts assessment test. Because states implement these tests differently, use caution when comparing this data to data from another state.
22% Percent Proficient - Math
This is the percentage of students that scored at or above proficiency levels on their state math assessment test. Because states implement these tests differently, use caution when comparing this data to data from another state.
Student-Teacher Ratio, Population, and Number of Teachers/Principal:
16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio may not be indicative of class size. It is calculated using the reported number of students (82) and full-time equivalent teachers.
Public Schools
Private Schools
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Marin Christian Academy is dedicated to providing a nurturing and academically rigorous environment for students from preschool through high school. The school emphasizes small class sizes and an accredited curriculum that focuses on technology and the arts.
Student-Teacher Ratio, Population, and Number of Teachers/Principal:
The average student-to-teacher ratio across all grade levels is 14:1.
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North Bay Christian Academy, located in Novato, California, offers education for grades 9-12, emphasizing a personalized and small-class learning environment. It serves a small student body of 26 students with a highly favorable 4:1 student-teacher ratio, ensuring individualized attention. The school features a curriculum focused on academic growth and spiritual development, without offering Advanced Placement programs.
Student-Teacher Ratio, Population, and Number of Teachers/Principal:
It serves a small student body of 26 students with a highly favorable 4:1 student-teacher ratio
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Good Shepherd Lutheran School (GSLS) in Novato, California, offers a nurturing and academically challenging environment for students. The school offers a well-rounded curriculum with enrichment programs, focusing on both academics and character development.
Student-Teacher Ratio, Population, and Number of Teachers/Principal:
The school provides personalized learning experiences with a 13:1 student-teacher ratio. GSLS has served the community for over 48 years, ensuring that students thrive academically and emotionally.
Popular Restaurants in Novato
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Chianti Cucina
Chianti Cucina – Classic Italian in the heart of Novato
A family-run Italian spot known for its homemade pastas, wood‑fired pizzas, and generous portions—all served in a warm, welcoming setting. Great for date night, family dinners, or casual evenings.
Location: 7416 Redwood Blvd, Novato, CA 94945
Phone: (415) 878-0314
Price Range: $25–$45 per person -
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Marvin's Breakfast Club
Marvin’s Breakfast Club – Breakfast & Brunch Comfort
Beloved local for hearty breakfasts and brunches. Think fluffy pancakes, omelets, bacon and coffee in a cozy pub‑style environment. Perfect for a weekend morning.Location: 1112 Grant Ave, Novato, CA 94945
Phone: (415) 892-4482
Price Range: $10–$20 per person -
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Bacon
Bacon – Downtown Novato’s Local Favorite
Run by the Lam family, Bacon offers flavorful breakfast and lunch with locally sourced ingredients. Casual, family‑friendly vibe with indoor/outdoor seating—known for standout bacon dishes!Location: 1500 Grant Ave Suite 140, Novato, CA 94945
Phone: (415) 892-9900
Price Range: $12–$25 per person -
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Ayawaska Hilltop
Ayawaska Hilltop – Peruvian & South American Flavors
A local favorite for Peruvian classics like ceviche and roasted chicken. It offers bold flavors in a casual, vibrant setting. Often recommended by both Yelp and Reddit locals.Location: 850 Lamont Ave, Novato, CA 94945
Phone: (415) 944-2066
Price Range: $30–$50 per person -
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Creekside Bakery
Creekside Bakery – Cozy Cafe & Bakery in Novato
Cozy breakfast‑and‑brunch café beloved for its pastries, sandwiches, coffee and relaxing atmosphere. Great for light meals and baked treats, with comfy indoor/outdoor seating.Location: 1719 Grant Ave, Novato, CA 94945
Phone: (415) 892-7655
Price Range: $10–$20 per person
Dog Parks
Dogbone Meadow
📍 Location: 3015 Novato Blvd, Novato
📅 Days Open: Daily — Sunrise to Sunset (confirm locally)
✨ Highlights:
Fully fenced off‑leash dog park (~2 acres) with separate small and large dog areas, double-gated entrances
Amenities include paved walking path, water fountains, dog rinse station, benches, agility course, waste stations
Very popular, maintained by the City of Novato, free parking nearby
Miwok Park
📍 Location: 2200 Novato Blvd, Novato
📅 Days Open: Daily — 8 am to Dusk (park closes at dusk)
✨ Highlights:
Large community park (~38 acres) with creekside walking paths, expansive lawns, picnic areas, playgrounds, restrooms, water fountains
Dogs must remain on-leash throughout per city regulations (off‑leash allowed only inside Dogbone Meadow)
Hill Recreation Area Pickleball Courts
📍 Location: 1560 Hill Rd, Novato
📅 Days Open: 8 am to 10 pm (lights available on bocce courts after dusk)
✨ Highlights:
Leashed dogs permitted on walking path only; off‑leash is prohibited under city leash laws
12‑acre athletic park with walking track, turf/grass fields, water fountain with bottle filler, restrooms
Rush Creek Preserve
📍 Location: Basalt Creek, Novato
📅 Days Open: Sunrise to Sunset (open space preserve hours)
✨ Highlights:
Large natural open space (~522 acres) with marshes, trails, and varied terrain popular for hiking, birdwatching, and dog walking
Dogs allowed on‑leash only, as per Marin County/Open Space preserve rules—no special off‑leash sections within the preserve
Overview for Novato
total household
20,431
Over twenty thousand households make up the city’s fabric.
Median household income
$170,457
One of the highest income levels in Marin County.
Bachelor’s Degree or higher
47.5%
Almost half of adults have completed higher education.
total house units
21,271
Plenty of homes across Novato’s neighborhoods.
total population
53,225
A lively city with just over fifty-three thousand people.
Information updated July 2025
Commute Distances
Golden gate Bridge
21.6 miles
via US-101 S Fastest route, the usual traffic
Down town San Francisco
28.3 miles
via US-101 S Fastest route now due to traffic conditions
Oakland international airport
40.4 miles
via US-101 S and I-580 E Fastest route now due to traffic conditions
San Francisco international airport
28.3 miles
via US-101 S Fastest route now due to traffic conditions
truckee tahoe
180 miles
via I-80 E Fastest route, despite the usual traffic
Neighborhood Guide Novato
Downtown Novato
Vibe: Historic, walkable, small-town charm
Highlights: Grant Avenue shops and cafés, weekly farmers market, vintage storefronts
Housing: Bungalows, updated cottages, some multi-unit buildings
Who it’s for: Buyers who want convenience, community events, and a central location.
Hamilton Field
Vibe: Master-planned, artsy, family-friendly
Highlights: Hamilton Amphitheater Park, Marin Museum of Contemporary Art, scenic bay trails
Housing: Spanish Revival homes, townhomes, and condos
Who it’s for: Families and professionals who want newer construction, green space, and cultural access.
Bel Marin Keys
Vibe: Nautical, relaxed, waterfront lifestyle
Highlights: Private docks, water sports access, lagoons
Housing: Waterfront homes with direct lagoon or canal access
Who it’s for: Boaters, water lovers, and those seeking a vacation-like home atmosphere.
Indian Valley
Vibe: Rural, equestrian, secluded
Highlights: Horse properties, scenic trails, Indian Valley Open Space
Housing: Large custom homes, ranch estates, acreage
Who it’s for: Nature lovers, privacy seekers, and those wanting more land and space.
Ignacio
Vibe: Convenient, commuter-friendly, residential
Highlights: Vintage Oaks Shopping Center, public transit, hiking at Pacheco Ridge
Housing: Single-family homes, apartments, townhomes
Who it’s for: Buyers seeking a suburban feel with easy access to amenities and Highway 101.
San Marin
Vibe: Suburban, peaceful, family-oriented
Highlights: San Marin High School, hiking trails, proximity to Mount Burdell
Housing: Mid-century ranch homes, some remodeled
Who it’s for: Buyers seeking good schools, a quiet setting, and easy freeway access.
Work With Dana
Fast-paced, dynamic, and constantly changing; these are just a few key aspects of areal estate market. Should you want to work with a respected realtor proven to excel in a competitive environment and who strives to lead in a calm, yet confident manner, then contact Dana.