Novato

Novato is a sprawling yet tight-knit city in northern Marin County, about 30 miles north of San Francisco, with a population of roughly 52,300. It balances suburban comfort and access to nature—residents enjoy hiking, biking, and picnicking in spots like Mount Burdell and Stafford Lake. Local life revolves around a vibrant core at Hamilton and Old Town, with boutiques, cafés, community events, and family-friendly activities—making Novato both relaxed and active by West Marin standards.

In May 2025, the median sold price in Novato was approximately $1.13 million, marking a 6.3% increase over the prior year, with price per square foot around $595. Zillow puts the average home value near $1.096 million, a slight dip of 0.4% year-over-year, and reports that homes go pending in roughly 14 days. Realtor.com shows a median listing price of about $1.2 million, up 1.3% year-over-year.

In summary, Novato living offers the best of both worlds—laid‑back suburban comfort with ample outdoor recreation—underpinned by a stable but competitive housing market. Home prices have trended upward modestly in 2025, with diverse prices depending on neighborhood, and homes tending to move off the market in roughly two to five weeks.