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W E L C O M E
T O
MARIN COUNTY CALIFORNIA, USA!
The land on the other
side of the Golden Gate Bridge is recognized as one of the most beautiful
counties in the nation. Marin runs roughly 31 miles top to bottom along the
Highway 101 corridor, 35 miles east to west. In land, Marin covers 520 square
miles, about 12 times the size of San Francisco, but it's among the smallest
counties in the state, third from bottom. The state in 1996 estimated the
population at 239,530. Marin is among the richest counties in the state. With
nearly 160,000 acres of protected land, visitors enjoy biking, camping,
fishing, golfing, hiking and horseback riding in our national, state, and
county parks.
CITY PROFILES
BELVEDERE
One of the wealthiest cities in the bay region, it is an appendage off
the Tiburon peninsula.Although connected to the mainland, Belvedere gives an
appearance of an island. It rises abruptly from the water, climbs as a tall
hill, then drops off on the other side. Average sales price May 1999,
$2,289,375.
CORTE MADERA is home to two of Marin County's finest shopping
centers Town Center and the Village at Corte Madera. Generally you will
find track housing popular in the 1950's and 1970's.
Population: 8,750. Average sales price May 1999, $530.216. Chamber of
commerce: (415) 924-0441.
FAIRFAX
Heading west on Sir Francis Drake
Boulevard, Fairfax is the gateway to the San Geronimo Valley and West Marin County.
At the top of Fairfax-Bolinas Road you will find a golf course. Three city
parks and lots of open space just outside the city limits. Town adjoins
public watershed; miles of trails, bike, horse, hiking. Population: 7,100.
Average sales price May 1999, $369,147. Chamber of commerce (415) 453-1584.
GREENBRAE
Close to the freeway and Larkspur ferry wharf. Good commute. Greenbrae is
primarily a residential area and home to the Bon Air Shopping Center.
Greenbrae is the home of Barbara Boxer, U.S. Senator. Average sales price May
1999, $410,283 Chamber of commerce (415) 925-0759 (Larkspur).
KENTFIELD an unincorporated area bordering Larkspur and Ross
is serviced by the County of Marin. Unincorporated means it's under the
jurisdiction of the county government. The lots are big and without sidewalks.
Many homes have views. Kentfield has a wooded country feeling. Average sales
price May 1999, $1,958,000.
LARKSPUR
The charming downtown area of Larkspur is listed on the National Register of
Historic Places. Larkspur is on Highway 101, about 10 miles from the Golden
Gate Bridge. A stroll along the brick-lined sidewalks of Magnolia Avenue lead
to boutiques and specialty shops, cafes and first-rate restaurants.
Population: 11,750. Average sales price May 1999, $606,000. Chamber of
commerce: (415) 925-0759.
MARIN CITY was a dairy farm in the 1940's and residents played
an important role in the Sausalito ship building industry during World War
II. The community boasts a new retail center with its own County library.
MILL VALLEY
Nestled at the base of Mt. Tamalpais. This picturesque town is home to Muir Woods
National Monument. The internationally acclaimed Mill Valley Film festival
draws thousands of film enthusiasts and artists from all over the globe.
Quaint downtown, restaurants, delis, coffee shops, clothing stores,
bookstores, a theater, art gallery, antique stores, small inn-lodge.
Population: 13,900. Average sales price May 1999, $665,470. Chamber of
Commerce (415) 388-9700.
NICASIO
George Lucas, of "Star
Wars" fame, has his headquarters located at Skywalker Ranch near
Nicasio. Many of his film operations are located in buildings at Nicasio and
throughout San Rafael. Nicasio has a historic Catholic Church and popular
restaurant. There are estate homes on many ranches. Average sales price for
1999 $1,250,000.
NOVATO
Second most populous city in the county. Novato is Marin's northern-most
city, located along Highway 101. In 1992 a mall opened just off Highway 101:
Macy's, Target, Costco, Marshall's. Novato is home to Marin's largest employer,
Firemen's Fund, about 2,500 employees. Over the years, the city has been
attracting high-tech and software firms, including Broderbund. Population:
46,100. Average sales price for 1999, $412,677. Chamber of Commerce: (415)
897-3111.
ROSS
Developed as a summer haven for
San Franciscans, founded in 1908. Ross has a quaint downtown area centered on
the Ross Common. Kids attend Ross Elementary School, academic rankings in the
99th percentile, the highest any school can achieve. Ross straddles Sir Francis
Drake Boulevard, next to San Anselmo, Kentfield and San Rafael, and ascends
into the hills. Average sales price May of 1999 $1,003,212. Population:
2,260.
SAN ANSELMO
Sunny San Anselmo, with more than
130 antique dealers, has become Northern California's antique capital. In the
hills above the town is the San Francisco Theological Seminary with stone
buildings that were built in 1892. Population: 12,300. Average sales price
May of 1999, $673,961. Chamber of commerce: (415) 454-2510.
SAN RAFAEL, the county seat, is at the center of things. San
Rafael is the oldest, largest and most culturally diverse city in Marin.
Mission San Rafael Archangel is where this city takes its roots. Founded in
1817. The Marin County Civic Center is a national and state designated
historical landmark and was designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright.
Population: 53,400. Average sales price May of 1999, $499,000. Chamber
of commerce: (415) 454-4163.
SAUSALITO
Often referred to as California's Riviera, Sausalito is a picturesque
Mediterranean-style community with a nautical flavor. On the steeper hills,
you park below and walk up, or you park above and walk down. Many homes are
well over 50 years but here and there you will find a new one. Population:
7,725. Average sales price May1999 $668,166. Chamber of commerce: 332-0505.
TIBURON
The town attracts visitors from
around the world who come to enjoy the natural beauty of the area and the
many activities that the delightful, snug harbor community provides. Tiburon
is one of the most prestigious towns in the bay area. Population: 8,550.
Average sales price May 1999, $1,161,171. Chamber of commerce: (415)
435-5633.
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