Thinking about making San Anselmo home? You are not alone. This Marin town blends a small, walkable downtown with leafy neighborhoods and quick access to trails and transit. In this guide, you will learn how the neighborhoods differ, where locals spend time outside, and how commutes work by car, ferry, bus, and rail. You will also find practical notes on schools, services, and creek and flood basics. Let’s dive in.
San Anselmo overview
San Anselmo sits in Ross Valley in central Marin County, just north of the Golden Gate Bridge. It is a compact, primarily residential town with a village-style main street, tree-lined side streets, and easy access to regional open space. The population is on the order of ten to fifteen thousand residents. For official town services, parks, and community updates, start with the Town of San Anselmo.
Neighborhoods at a glance
Downtown core
The heart of town runs along San Anselmo Avenue and Sir Francis Drake Boulevard. You will find cafes, independent shops, banks, and municipal buildings in a walkable setting. Many buyers target this area when they want a lively, small-town feel with quick access to errands and dining.
Valley flats
Close to downtown and Memorial Park, the valley neighborhoods offer generally flatter streets and a mix of older craftsman, bungalows, and mid-century homes. Lot sizes vary. The tradeoff here is convenience to amenities and parks, with an easy hop to nearby San Rafael for broader services.
Hillsides and ridgelines
Homes climb the hills around the central valley, often with larger lots, more privacy, and valley or bay views. Streets can be steeper and narrower. If you value quiet and scenery, this is a strong fit, but you will drive a few extra minutes for town errands.
Nearby towns and overlap
San Anselmo blends into Ross, Fairfax, and parts of San Rafael. Shopping, parks, and services are shared regionally. Many buyers search across these towns as one market to compare lot size, access, and commute routes.
Parks and open space
Memorial Park hub
Memorial Park is a central gathering spot with broad lawns and shade that hosts community events. It is close to downtown and is a go-to for everyday relaxation, meetups, and casual play. Check the Town of San Anselmo for current amenities and event calendars.
Robson-Harrington and pocket parks
Robson-Harrington Park and other small neighborhood parks offer green space for short walks, dog time, and informal play. These spots help make daily life feel easy and connected.
Mount Tam and watershed trails
You are minutes from major regional open space. Popular destinations include Mount Tamalpais State Park and Marin Municipal Water District lands on the watershed, which many locals use for hiking and mountain biking. Explore trail access and guidelines through the Marin Municipal Water District recreation.
Everyday amenities
San Anselmo’s downtown gives you independent shopping and dining, a public library, and community programs. You are close to specialty groceries, clinics, and larger medical centers in San Rafael. Cultural hubs in nearby San Rafael and Larkspur add theaters, restaurants, and events to your weekly mix.
Commutes and transit options
Driving to San Francisco and beyond
Sir Francis Drake Boulevard connects you to U.S. 101 for trips to the Golden Gate Bridge and downtown San Francisco. Off-peak, many drivers report about 20 to 45 minutes to central SF, but peak times can be significantly longer. You also have easy access to the Richmond–San Rafael Bridge for East Bay trips and 101 north to Novato and Sonoma.
Ferry and bus to San Francisco
Many residents drive or take a bus to the Larkspur ferry for a car-free ride to the SF Ferry Building. Regional bus routes also connect Marin communities to SF. For routes, schedules, and terminals, use the Golden Gate Transit and Ferry site.
SMART rail within Marin
SMART connects northern Marin and Sonoma with a rail line that terminates near the Larkspur ferry, supporting reliable multi-modal commutes. Check schedules and connections at SMART.
Local buses and biking
Marin Transit provides local bus service for trips to San Rafael, Corte Madera, and shopping or medical destinations. Bike routes and multi-use paths link neighborhoods and make it practical to combine bike plus ferry or rail on some commutes.
Schools and services
Elementary and middle school services are generally within the Ross Valley School District. High school students attend schools in the Tamalpais Union High School District. Always verify a specific address for school assignment and enrollment details. Town services, the public library, and regional health providers round out everyday needs.
Creek and flood basics
San Anselmo lies along valley creeks, including San Anselmo Creek. Some properties near waterways can sit in flood-prone areas. Before you write an offer, review the FEMA maps at the Flood Map Service Center and consult the Town of San Anselmo for local floodplain information and preparedness resources.
How to choose your fit
Finding the right spot comes down to your routines and priorities. Use this quick checklist as you tour:
- Commute: Test your route at your typical times. Compare drive vs ferry or bus.
- Daily life: Map your trips to groceries, parks, and medical appointments.
- Topography: Decide whether you want flat streets or hillside privacy and views.
- Outdoor access: Note your distance to Memorial Park, pocket parks, and trailheads.
- School assignment: Confirm boundaries and enrollment steps for any address.
- Property specifics: For homes near creeks, review flood zones and insurance needs early.
If you want a sounding board as you narrow down options, Daniel Flores offers concierge-level guidance backed by Compass tools and the Butch Haze Group. You can preview Coming Soon and off-market opportunities, coordinate inspections and prep, and get clear advice on pricing, timing, and terms. Ready to explore San Anselmo with a plan that fits your lifestyle and commute goals? Get in touch with Unknown Company to start a conversation. Get in touch — Available 24/7.
FAQs
How walkable is San Anselmo for everyday errands?
- Downtown is walkable, while many neighborhoods are a short drive to shops and parks; walkability varies block by block.
What is the commute to San Francisco like from San Anselmo?
- Off-peak, many drivers report about 20 to 45 minutes to central SF, with longer times at rush hour; ferry and bus options provide reliable alternatives.
Which San Anselmo neighborhoods work well for proximity to schools and parks?
- Buyers often look near downtown and Memorial Park for convenience, but the best fit depends on your specific address, school boundaries, and lot preferences.
Are there flood risks near San Anselmo creeks?
- Some creek-adjacent properties can be in flood zones; review FEMA maps and town floodplain resources and speak with your lender or insurance advisor.
How expensive is housing in San Anselmo today?
- San Anselmo is part of higher-priced Marin County; check current market reports and local MLS data for up-to-date pricing, days on market, and inventory trends.
