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
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An ideal mixture of peace, vibrant culture, and modern convenience
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Easy access to both beaches and mountains
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Close to several major highways, making commutes around the area easy
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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:
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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
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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:
