Homes in Mill Valley, CA
Mill Valley offers charming downtown, excellent schools, and beautiful hillside homes, making it one of the most desirable Marin County communities.
Why Mill Valley?
Mount Tamalpais Base Location
Mill Valley sits at the base of Mount Tamalpais, providing immediate access to extensive hiking trails, redwood forests, and outdoor recreation. The natural setting means residents can hike, bike, or run in world-class natural areas just minutes from home.
Top-Rated Schools & Educational Excellence
Tamalpais High School consistently ranks among California's top public high schools, while Mill Valley's elementary and middle schools maintain excellent academic programs. The strong school system attracts families seeking the best educational opportunities for their children.
Charming Historic Downtown
Depot Plaza and Throckmorton Theatre anchor a vibrant downtown with boutiques, restaurants, and cultural programming. The Mill Valley Film Festival and community events create a strong sense of community and cultural engagement.
Interactive Map
Neighborhoods in Mill Valley
Discover the unique character and charm of Mill Valley's diverse neighborhoods.
Downtown Mill Valley
Historic downtown with shops, restaurants, and community events centered around Depot Plaza.
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Neighborhood Characteristics
For current pricing and availability, please contact us for personalized market information.
What Makes This Neighborhood Special
Depot Plaza and Throckmorton Theatre create a vibrant cultural and shopping district.
Mill Valley Film Festival and community events bring residents together throughout the year.
Golden Gate Transit hub providing express service to San Francisco.
Tamalpais Valley
Established neighborhood with mature homes and proximity to Mount Tamalpais.
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Neighborhood Characteristics
For current pricing and availability, please contact us for personalized market information.
What Makes This Neighborhood Special
Proximity to Mount Tamalpais State Park provides extensive hiking and outdoor recreation.
Tamalpais Valley Elementary and strong schools create excellent educational opportunities.
Convenient access to Highway 101 and Golden Gate Transit.
Homestead Valley
Hillside homes with views, larger lots, and redwood forest setting.
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Neighborhood Characteristics
For current pricing and availability, please contact us for personalized market information.
What Makes This Neighborhood Special
Redwood forest setting with extensive hiking trails and natural beauty.
Panoramic views of Mount Tamalpais and surrounding hills.
Larger lots accommodate pools, gardens, and outdoor living in natural setting.
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Schools in Mill Valley
Quality education is a cornerstone of Mill Valley's appeal to families.
| School Name | Level | School Rating | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edna Maguire Elementary School | Elementary | ViewView Rating | |
| Old Mill Elementary School | Elementary | ViewView Rating | |
| Park Elementary School | Elementary | ViewView Rating | |
| Strawberry Point Elementary School | Elementary | ViewView Rating | |
| Tamalpais Valley Elementary School | Elementary | ViewView Rating | |
| Mill Valley Middle School | Middle | ViewView Rating | |
| Tamalpais High School | High | ViewView Rating |
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Note: Verify current ratings and boundaries with official district resources. School assignments may change based on enrollment and boundary adjustments.
Major Employment Hubs & Local Employers
Mill Valley offers excellent access to major Bay Area job centers and is home to several major employers.
Major Employment Hubs Near Mill Valley
San Francisco Financial District & Embarcadero - Finance, legal, and tech headquarters reachable in 20-35 minutes via Golden Gate Transit express buses.
Downtown Oakland / Lake Merritt Business District - Government agencies, Kaiser Center, and fintech towers 40-55 minutes away via Golden Gate Transit and BART connection.
Sausalito / Tiburon Business District - Professional services, retail, and hospitality employers along the waterfront corridor 10-15 minutes south.
Top Employers in Mill Valley
Tamalpais Union High School District
School district operating Tamalpais High School and serving Mill Valley students, employing educators, administrators, and support staff in comprehensive educational programs.
Mill Valley School District
Elementary and middle school district serving Mill Valley families, employing teachers, administrators, and support staff in strong academic programs.
City of Mill Valley
Municipal government operations including city administration, public works, and community services employing local residents in various departments.
Commute Times
Mill Valley offers excellent connectivity to major job centers, airports, and regional destinations.
Commute to Major Job Centers
Airports
Regional Hotspots
Lifestyle & Amenities
Discover what makes Mill Valley a special place to live.
Daily rhythms in Mill Valley blend natural beauty with sophisticated living. Residents start mornings with coffee at downtown cafes before boarding Golden Gate Transit express buses to San Francisco, arriving in 20-35 minutes. Evenings bring neighbors to Depot Plaza restaurants, the 142 Throckmorton Theatre, or community events that keep downtown lively throughout the year.
Family life centers around top-rated schools, community parks, and strong neighborhood connections. Parents appreciate Tamalpais High School's college prep focus and strong athletics, while Mill Valley's elementary and middle schools maintain excellent academic programs. Neighborhoods like Strawberry and Tamalpais Valley provide community parks and programs that bring families together.
Outdoor culture thrives thanks to immediate access to Mount Tamalpais State Park, Muir Woods National Monument, and extensive redwood forests. Residents enjoy hiking trails, mountain biking, and nature access just minutes from home, while the city's location provides easy access to Stinson Beach, Point Reyes, and scenic overlooks. The natural setting means outdoor recreation is central to daily life.
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Weather & Climate
Quick-hit visuals that show how Mill Valley feels throughout the year.
Temperature Story
Quick look at the seasonal swing in Mill Valley
Winter Comfort Band
42–50°F
Typical overnight lows from December through February.
Summer Warmth Band
72–82°F
Afternoon highs during peak summer months.
Climate Type
Mediterranean
Overall pattern
Days of Sunshine
260+ days
Bright days/year
Annual Rainfall
35-40 inches
Nov–Mar showers
Mill Valley's location at the base of Mount Tamalpais creates moderate temperatures year-round.
Mild summers with occasional heat waves; cool, wet winters with most rainfall occurring December thr...
Year-round outdoor living is possible thanks to moderate temperatures.
Parks & Recreation in Mill Valley
Mill Valley maintains over 6 parks and recreational facilities, from neighborhood parks to large regional parks.
Old Mill Park
Community Park
Historic park with redwood grove, playground, and community gathering spaces in downtown Mill Valley.
Depot Plaza
Community Plaza
Downtown plaza serving as community gathering place with events, farmers market, and community programming.
Strawberry Recreation Center
Community Center
Community center with sports facilities, playground, and programs serving Strawberry neighborhood.
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Natural Hazards & Fault Lines
Important information about seismic activity, flood zones, and fire hazards in Mill Valley.
Major Fault Lines Near Mill Valley
San Andreas Fault
Runs approximately 5 miles west through the Point Reyes Peninsula
Type: Right-lateral strike-slip
Hayward Fault
Located roughly 15 miles east across the Bay
Type: Right-lateral strike-slip
Rodgers Creek Fault
Runs through northern Marin County, approximately 10 miles northwest
Type: Strike-slip
Fire Hazard Severity Zones
Moderate to high in hillside and open space areas; low in established valley neighborhoods. Wildland-urban interface conditions exist in hillside neighborhoods with redwood forests.
CalFire Classification
Seismic Hazard Zones
Liquefaction Zones
Low to moderate risk in low-lying areas near creeks; minimal risk in hillside neighborhoods on stable ground.
Landslide Zones
Moderate to high susceptibility on steep hillside slopes, especially during heavy winter storms. Hillside neighborhoods require careful site evaluation.
Alquist-Priolo Fault Zone Status
Portions of Mill Valley may fall within fault zone areas; geological reports required for new construction in designated zones.
FEMA Flood Zones
Zone Type
Zone AE along creeks and low-lying areas; Zone X in hillside neighborhoods.
Flood Risk Notes
Homes near creeks may require flood insurance. Flash flooding possible in creek corridors during heavy winter storms.
Additional Notes
Mill Valley participates in regional wildfire prevention programs. Many hillside homes require defensible space clearance. PG&E Public Safety Power Shutoffs may occur during Red Flag warnings. Seismic retrofitting recommended for older homes built before 1980.
What Locals Say
Hear from residents about living in Mill Valley.
"Living at the base of Mount Tam means I can hike world-class trails before work. The natural beauty here is incredible, and the commute to San Francisco is still manageable."
— Homestead Valley Resident
"The schools are outstanding, and the community feel is amazing. Our kids walk to school, and we know all our neighbors. It's the perfect place to raise a family."
— Strawberry Parent
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Local Favorites
Discover recommended restaurants and dining spots in Mill Valley.
Depot Bookstore & Cafe
Historic bookstore and cafe serving coffee, pastries, and light meals in downtown Mill Valley.
Mill Valley Market
Local market offering fresh produce, artisan foods, and specialty items serving the Mill Valley community.
Buckeye Roadhouse
Landmark lodge serving wood-fired meats and classic cocktails since 1937.
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What Makes Mill Valley Special
Discover unique features, historical facts, and notable highlights of Mill Valley.
Mount Tamalpais Base
Mill Valley sits at the base of Mount Tamalpais, providing immediate access to extensive hiking trails, redwood forests, and outdoor recreation.
142 Throckmorton Theatre
Historic theater and cultural center providing performing arts programming, concerts, and community events that enrich the cultural life.
Mill Valley Film Festival
Annual film festival showcasing independent films, documentaries, and special events attracting international attention and cultural programming.
Muir Woods National Monument
Famous old-growth redwood forest with hiking trails and visitor center just minutes from Mill Valley, providing world-class natural beauty.
Top-Rated Schools
Tamalpais High School consistently ranks among California's top public high schools, while Mill Valley's elementary and middle schools maintain excellent academic programs.
Charming Historic Downtown
Depot Plaza and Throckmorton Theatre anchor a vibrant downtown with boutiques, restaurants, and cultural programming creating community gathering places.
Redwood Forest Living
Neighborhoods like Homestead Valley and Blithedale Canyon offer redwood forest settings with custom homes on larger lots in natural beauty.
Excellent San Francisco Access
Golden Gate Transit express buses reach downtown San Francisco in 20-35 minutes, making Mill Valley one of the most accessible Marin County cities.
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Insider Tips
What to know and what to be aware of when considering Mill Valley.
What to Know
Mount Tamalpais Access
Immediate access to Mount Tamalpais State Park provides extensive hiking and outdoor recreation, but parking can be limited on weekends.
Hillside Home Considerations
Homes in hillside areas may require defensible space for fire safety and careful site evaluation for stability.
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What to Avoid
Ignoring Traffic Patterns
Highway 101 can be congested during commute hours; factor in traffic when considering commute times.
Skipping Seismic Checks
Older homes may need seismic retrofitting; have inspections done before purchase.
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Homes for Sale in Mill Valley
Active listings coming soon. Contact us for current availability.
Coming Soon
We're working on bringing you real-time listings for Mill Valley. In the meantime, contact us to get personalized information about available homes in this area.
Nearby Cities
Explore other areas we serve in the Marin County region.
Questions About Mill Valley
Common questions about living and buying in Mill Valley.
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