Homes in Novato, CA
Novato offers diverse neighborhoods, excellent schools, and convenient access to major employment centers, making it an attractive Marin County option.
Why Novato?
Hamilton Field Business Park
Novato hosts Hamilton Field Business Park, a major employment center with technology companies, healthcare facilities, and professional services providing local job opportunities. The business park creates employment options for residents while attracting professionals to the area.
Excellent Schools & Educational Options
Novato offers strong public schools including Novato High and San Marin High, plus multiple well-regarded elementary and middle schools. The Novato Unified School District supports educational excellence, making it attractive to families seeking quality education.
Affordable Marin County Living
Novato provides more affordable housing than southern Marin County cities while maintaining Marin County lifestyle and access to San Francisco. The diverse neighborhoods offer options for first-time buyers, families, and downsizers at more accessible price points.
Interactive Map
Neighborhoods in Novato
Discover the unique character and charm of Novato's diverse neighborhoods.
Downtown Novato
Historic downtown with shops, restaurants, and community events along Grant Avenue.
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Neighborhood Characteristics
For current pricing and availability, please contact us for personalized market information.
What Makes This Neighborhood Special
Grant Avenue shopping district with boutiques, restaurants, and the Novato History Museum.
Weekly farmers market, art walks, and community festivals throughout the year.
Golden Gate Transit hub providing express service to San Francisco.
Hamilton
Established neighborhood with mature homes and proximity to Hamilton Field Business Park.
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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 Hamilton Field Business Park provides local employment opportunities.
Strong schools and community programs make it ideal for families.
Convenient access to Highway 101 and Golden Gate Transit.
Bel Marin Keys
Waterfront community with bay access, boat docks, and waterfront homes.
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Neighborhood Characteristics
For current pricing and availability, please contact us for personalized market information.
What Makes This Neighborhood Special
Waterfront location with bay access and boat docks for water recreation.
Panoramic bay views and waterfront living in natural setting.
Waterfront homes with private docks and outdoor living spaces.
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Schools in Novato
Quality education is a cornerstone of Novato's appeal to families.
| School Name | Level | School Rating | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loma Verde Elementary School | Elementary | ViewView Rating | |
| Lu Sutton Elementary School | Elementary | ViewView Rating | |
| Lynwood Elementary School | Elementary | ViewView Rating | |
| Olive Elementary School | Elementary | ViewView Rating | |
| Pleasant Valley Elementary School | Elementary | ViewView Rating | |
| Rancho Elementary School | Elementary | ViewView Rating | |
| San Ramon Elementary School | Elementary | ViewView Rating | |
| San Jose Intermediate | Middle | ViewView Rating | |
| Sinaloa Middle School | Middle | ViewView Rating | |
| Marin Oaks High School | High | ViewView Rating | |
| Novato High School | High | ViewView Rating | |
| San Marin 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
Novato offers excellent access to major Bay Area job centers and is home to several major employers.
Major Employment Hubs Near Novato
San Francisco Financial District & Embarcadero - Finance, legal, and tech headquarters reachable in 35-50 minutes via Golden Gate Transit express buses.
Downtown Oakland / Lake Merritt Business District - Government agencies, Kaiser Center, and fintech towers 55-70 minutes away via Golden Gate Transit and BART connection.
Hamilton Field Business Park - Technology, healthcare, and professional services employers in Novato providing local employment opportunities.
Top Employers in Novato
Hamilton Field Business Park
Major business park hosting technology companies, healthcare facilities, and professional services employing hundreds in various industries including biotech, software, and consulting.
Novato Unified School District
School district operating Novato High School, San Marin High School, and multiple elementary and middle schools, employing educators, administrators, and support staff in comprehensive educational programs.
City of Novato
Municipal government operations including city administration, public works, and community services employing local residents in various departments and public safety roles.
Commute Times
Novato offers excellent connectivity to major job centers, airports, and regional destinations.
Commute to Major Job Centers
Airports
Regional Hotspots
Lifestyle & Amenities
Discover what makes Novato a special place to live.
Daily rhythms in Novato blend Marin County's natural beauty with suburban convenience. Residents start mornings with coffee at downtown cafes before boarding Golden Gate Transit express buses to San Francisco, arriving in 35-50 minutes. Evenings bring neighbors to Grant Avenue restaurants, community events, or waterfront activities in Bel Marin Keys that keep the community engaged throughout the year.
Family life centers around excellent schools, community parks, and strong neighborhood connections. Parents appreciate the ability to choose from multiple strong elementary schools, while Novato High and San Marin High offer comprehensive programs. Neighborhoods like Pacheco Valley, Lynwood, and Olive provide community parks and programs that bring families together.
Outdoor culture thrives thanks to proximity to Point Reyes National Seashore, open space, and extensive parks. Residents enjoy hiking trails, mountain biking, and nature access just minutes from home, while the city's location provides easy access to beaches, redwood groves, and scenic overlooks. Bel Marin Keys offers waterfront recreation with bay access and boat docks.
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Weather & Climate
Quick-hit visuals that show how Novato feels throughout the year.
Temperature Story
Quick look at the seasonal swing in Novato
Winter Comfort Band
38–48°F
Typical overnight lows from December through February.
Summer Warmth Band
78–88°F
Afternoon highs during peak summer months.
Climate Type
Mediterranean
Overall pattern
Days of Sunshine
260+ days
Bright days/year
Annual Rainfall
28-33 inches
Nov–Mar showers
Novato's location in northern Marin County creates slightly warmer temperatures than coastal areas.
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 Novato
Novato maintains over 7 parks and recreational facilities, from neighborhood parks to large regional parks.
Olive Park
Community Park
Community park with playground, sports fields, and picnic areas serving Olive neighborhood.
Pacheco Valley Park
Community Park
Community park with sports facilities, playground, and gathering spaces serving Pacheco Valley neighborhood.
Lynwood Park
Community Park
Neighborhood park with playground, sports fields, and walking paths serving Lynwood neighborhood.
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Natural Hazards & Fault Lines
Important information about seismic activity, flood zones, and fire hazards in Novato.
Major Fault Lines Near Novato
San Andreas Fault
Runs approximately 8 miles west through the Point Reyes Peninsula
Type: Right-lateral strike-slip
Hayward Fault
Located roughly 18 miles east across the Bay
Type: Right-lateral strike-slip
Rodgers Creek Fault
Runs through northern Marin County, approximately 5 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.
CalFire Classification
Seismic Hazard Zones
Liquefaction Zones
Low to moderate risk in low-lying areas near creeks and bay fill; 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 Novato 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 and in Bel Marin Keys may require flood insurance. Flash flooding possible in creek corridors during heavy winter storms.
Additional Notes
Novato 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 Novato.
"I love being able to work at Hamilton Field Business Park and live in Novato. The commute is easy, and I'm home in time for dinner with the family."
— Hamilton Resident
"The schools here are excellent, and the community feel is amazing. We know our neighbors, and the kids have so many opportunities for outdoor activities."
— Pacheco Valley Parent
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Local Favorites
Discover recommended restaurants and dining spots in Novato.
Grazie Restaurant
Modern Italian dining with a focus on fresh ingredients and elegant presentation.
The Board Room
Lively spot for cocktails, craft beer, and shareable small plates.
Ayawaska Hilltop
Bold Peruvian flavors, ceviches, and pisco sours with hillside views.
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What Makes Novato Special
Discover unique features, historical facts, and notable highlights of Novato.
Hamilton Field Business Park
Major business park hosting technology companies, healthcare facilities, and professional services providing local employment opportunities and economic development.
Point Reyes National Seashore Access
Easy access to Point Reyes National Seashore provides world-class hiking, beaches, and natural beauty for outdoor enthusiasts.
Bel Marin Keys Waterfront
Waterfront community with bay access, boat docks, and waterfront homes providing unique waterfront recreation opportunities in Marin County.
Historic Downtown Grant Avenue
Historic downtown shopping district with boutiques, restaurants, and the Novato History Museum creating a community gathering place.
Excellent Schools
Novato offers strong public schools including Novato High and San Marin High, plus multiple well-regarded elementary and middle schools.
Napa Valley & Sonoma Access
Proximity to Napa Valley and Sonoma Wine Country provides easy access to world-class wine tasting and dining just 25-40 minutes away.
Affordable Marin County Living
Novato provides more affordable housing than southern Marin County cities while maintaining Marin County lifestyle and access to San Francisco.
Golden Gate Transit Hub
Major transit hub providing express bus service to San Francisco, making Novato accessible for city commuters.
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Insider Tips
What to know and what to be aware of when considering Novato.
What to Know
Golden Gate Transit Access
Express buses provide reliable service to San Francisco, but parking at transit centers can fill early. Consider walking or biking to stops.
Hamilton Field Business Park
Major employment center provides local job opportunities, but traffic can be heavy during commute hours.
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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 Novato
Active listings coming soon. Contact us for current availability.
Coming Soon
We're working on bringing you real-time listings for Novato. 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 Novato
Common questions about living and buying in Novato.
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