Mill Valley

Mill Valley was first inhabited by the native Miwok people, Spanish missionaries, English and Irish settlers, then dairy farmers.

Welcome to Mill Valley

A peaceful life lived among vast mountains and trees.

Within the protective shadow of Mount Tamalpais and the Muir Woods National Monument, Mill Valley is a cozy and inviting community where lucky locals come to find peace and quiet away from the hustle and bustle of central San Francisco. Mill Valley‘s downtown district is nostalgic and similar to community centers found in rural mountain ski towns. Live music, film festivals, and a plethora of opportunities for outdoor recreation bring community members together to congregate, along with their trendy variety of theaters, boutiques, and cafes.
 
Mill Valley was first inhabited by the native Miwok people, Spanish missionaries, English and Irish settlers, then dairy farmers. In recent decades since the community's incorporation, residential enclaves have grown, but not too much. A peaceful drive up shady, winding streets leads to cozy homes perched upon hilltops, looking down at northern California’s stunning beauty.
 

What to Love

  • An ideal mixture of peace, vibrant culture, and modern convenience
  • Easy access to both beaches and mountains
  • Close to several major highways, making commutes around the area easy
  • The Golden Gate Bridge is just seven miles away
 

Local Lifestyle

Mill Valley residents lead a life of convenient leisure. The beach and mountains are short drives away, all reachable without having to venture onto busy freeways. Just beyond town, downtown San Francisco is just 15 miles away. Days out of the office are enjoyed hiking and biking nearby trails - one of the most popular sites being the Muir Woods National Monument. The park consists of over 550 acres of some of the nation’s largest, most ancient redwood and sequoia trees. The adjacent Tennessee Valley is another untouched part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, with many hiking trails available for all skill levels.

Dining, Entertainment, and Shopping

San Francisco and the surrounding communities are home to some of the most delicious cuisine in the country. Mill Valley has not been excluded from this. From romantic Italian creations to spicy Mexican dishes, there is something for everyone to appreciate. 
 
Bungalow 44 specializes in classic American favorites. For nearly two decades, locals have flocked to Bungalow 44 for their famous, posh fried chicken, complete with Yukon Gold mashed potatoes and a warm, buttermilk biscuit. In the historic Mill Valley Lumber Yard, Watershed serves modern California cuisine underneath the treetops with views of Mount Tam in the distance. Fried squid, steak salad, and hand-tossed pizza are created from ingredients provided by local farmers to ensure only the highest quality of food. 
 
California boasts a colorful variety of Mexican cuisine, and Playa is Mill Valley’s go-to option. This trendy indoor-outdoor concept serves beautifully plated carnitas, asada, ceviche, and more, paired with an impressive lineup of signature cocktails. Around the corner, taste southern Italian staples at Piazza D’Angelo. Homemade burrata, pasta dishes, and pizza have built a loyal following among Mill Valley locals. Save room for dessert - their tiramisu is one of the best in town!

Things To Do

Mill Valley hosts a number of outdoor events, like The Dipsea Race. Taking place on the second Sunday of June since 1905, it is the oldest trail race in the United States. The 7.4-mile course from Mill Valley out to Stinson Beach is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful and scenic racecourses in the world. More leisurely days off are enjoyed at Sweetwater Music Hall, located in the historic Masonic Lodge. Here, locals enjoy live rock and folk musical performances by some of the region’s most talented artists. The Mill Valley Film Festival also shows appreciation for a different facet of the arts. For over 50 years, this film festival has attracted visitors from across the globe and has since grown into an 11-day long celebration of film culture.

Schools

Mill Valley residents send their children to top-performing schools. A few local options are: 
 
  • Mill Valley School District, kindergarten-12th grade; the district is a multi-time winner of the California Distinguished School Award
  • Tamalpais Union High School District, grades 9-12; one of the highest-rated school districts in California consists of California Distinguished School campuses which have also won National Blue Ribbon Schools Awards
  • Terra Marin School , preschool-8th grade; TMS offers Spanish and Mandarin immersion programs, ensuring students will graduate with bilingual abilities

 

Check Out Other Neighborhoods

Top Marin County real estate agent Tracy Curtis also services the following neighborhoods:
 

Overview for Mill Valley, CA

19,239 people live in Mill Valley, where the median age is 46.3 and the average individual income is $111,096.66. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

19,239

Total Population

46.3 years

Median Age

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

$111,096.66

Average individual Income

Around Mill Valley, CA

There's plenty to do around Mill Valley, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.

85
Very Walkable
Walking Score
50
Bikeable
Bike Score

Points of Interest

Explore popular things to do in the area, including Tutti Benvenuti, ABADÁ Capoeira Marin, and ROC Pilates.

Name Category Distance Reviews
Ratings by Yelp
Dining 4.45 miles 10 reviews 5/5 stars
Active 4.78 miles 6 reviews 5/5 stars
Active 4.42 miles 6 reviews 5/5 stars
Active 2.25 miles 15 reviews 5/5 stars
Active 0.43 miles 12 reviews 5/5 stars
Active 0.39 miles 61 reviews 5/5 stars

Demographics and Employment Data for Mill Valley, CA

Mill Valley has 7,752 households, with an average household size of 2. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Mill Valley do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 19,239 people call Mill Valley home. The population density is 2,783.06 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

19,239

Total Population

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

46.3

Median Age

47.07 / 52.93%

Men vs Women

Population by Age Group

0-9:

0-9 Years

10-17:

10-17 Years

18-24:

18-24 Years

25-64:

25-64 Years

65-74:

65-74 Years

75+:

75+ Years

Education Level

  • Less Than 9th Grade
  • High School Degree
  • Associate Degree
  • Bachelor Degree
  • Graduate Degree
7,752

Total Households

2

Average Household Size

$111,096.66

Average individual Income

Marital Status

Married
Single
Divorced
Separated

Commute Time

0 to 14 Minutes
15 to 29 Minutes
30 to 59 Minutes
60+ Minutes

Schools in Mill Valley, CA

All ()
Primary Schools ()
Middle Schools ()
High Schools ()
Mixed Schools ()
The following schools are within or nearby Mill Valley. The rating and statistics can serve as a starting point to make baseline comparisons on the right schools for your family. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Type
Name
Category
Grades
School rating
PRIVATE
PreK - 8th
No rating available
PUBLIC
6th - 8th
5/5
PUBLIC
K - 5th
5/5
PUBLIC
9th - 12th
5/5
Edna Maguire Elementary
PUBLIC
K - 5th
5/5
Ring Mountain Day School
PRIVATE
K - 8th
No rating available
PUBLIC
K - 5th
5/5

Connect With Tracy

Elevate your real estate journey with Tracy Curtis’s dynamic blend of Olympic discipline and Hollywood agent finesse. Guided by transparent communication, Tracy offers data-driven insights tailored to buyers, and strategic marketing solutions for sellers. Her extensive education from UCLA and USC underscores her expertise, and her commitment to excellence and authenticity sets her apart as a trusted partner who goes the extra mile to meet your unique needs. Whether you're buying or selling, Tracy's approach guarantees a seamless and successful process, making your real estate venture truly exceptional.

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