Marin County: A Place of Mystique and Meaning
When You Go North, It Really Can Be a Different World
Marin has always held a certain mystique for me—for three main reasons.
The first was a formative experience during law school at Berkeley, when a good friend invited me to dinner with family friends—professional chefs—at their home in Tiburon. My friend’s mother, a renowned Indian cookbook author and culinary authority, knew them well. We drove from Berkeley, winding through Tiburon’s quiet, scenic roads, getting a bit lost before arriving at the most incredible modern coastal bungalow with sweeping views of the Bay. It was one of those moments that stayed with me.
A decade later, I came to know Marin even more intimately as a Training Ride Leader for the AIDS LifeCycle, the annual bike ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles. With hundreds of cyclists committing to the grueling 545-mile journey, months of training were essential. I led rides from Sports Basement in the Presidio, crossing the Golden Gate Bridge and weaving through Marin and Sonoma Counties, passing through towns that top many homebuyers’ wish lists: Mill Valley, Sausalito, San Rafael, and Novato.
And then there were our personal favorites—Ross, San Anselmo, Fairfax, Kentfield, Belvedere, and Tiburon (I can’t even count how many times I rode the Paradise Loop in Tiburon…). Our rides didn’t stop there—we continued north through Point Reyes Station, Marshall, Nicasio, Woodacre, Olema, and Lucas Valley, all the way up to Petaluma.
Seeing these areas from a cyclist’s perspective—their roads, views, homes, neighborhoods, and terrain—was an unforgettable way to experience and truly understand these communities, each shaped by its unique landscape and character.
Then there’s the third reason Marin has a special place in my heart—it’s where Guide Dogs for the Blind is headquartered, and it’s where Mr. Raffi is from.
Thinking About Marin? Here’s What You Should Know
Over the years, we’ve helped buyers find homes here, particularly in Sausalito, and we can share a great deal about the vibe and personality of each area. For most people, Marin’s appeal lies in its top-rated schools, stunning natural beauty, and temperate climate.
We also know the best agents working in Marin and beyond. Vanguard Properties has expanded its reach all the way to Wine Country over the past several years, which means we can help connect you with top-tier local expertise.
Marin’s Biggest Real Estate Challenges Today
Marin is undeniably desirable and prices reflect that in many areas. In addition to navigating that and traffic on 101, the bigger, existential concerns now are wildfire risk and insurance availability have become critical concerns for homeowners. Buyers must consider:
• Defensible space around homes (various jurisdictions will have inspection requirements)
• Grades, drainage, and slopes
• Overall insurability and potential costs (looking to the FAIR Plan as the backup) The backside of Mt. Tam is considered a risk as there is no stop from there all the way down to Mill Valley for example.
If you’re thinking about moving to Marin, we can help you navigate these issues and more. Just reach out—we’re always happy to share what we know and help you find your perfect place.