Greenbrae sits just West of Hwy 101 at the Sir Francis Drake exit and is considered a very good commute location for those who work in San Francisco.
Welcome to Greenbrae
Greenbrae sits just West of Hwy 101 at the Sir Francis Drake exit and is considered a very good commute location for those who work in San Francisco.
Real Estate in Greenbrae
Greenbrae is a small, unincorporated community that punches above its weight when it comes to location. Sitting just west of Highway 101 at the Sir Francis Drake exit, it's one of the most convenient commute spots in Marin County for anyone working in San Francisco. You're on the freeway in minutes, and the Golden Gate Bridge is a straight shot south.
Despite its proximity to the highway, Greenbrae feels surprisingly residential and quiet once you're off the main road. The community is small and primarily residential, with no real commercial downtown of its own. Residents tend to use nearby Larkspur and Corte Madera for shopping, dining, and errands, both of which are just a few minutes away.
The housing here is predominantly single-family homes spread across gentle hillsides, with a concentration of ranch-style and mid-century properties built in the 1950s through '70s. Many homes have been significantly updated over the years, and hillside lots often come with partial or full bay views. You'll also find some condos and townhomes, particularly near the Bon Air shopping center area.
Greenbrae appeals to buyers who want a no-fuss, centrally located home base. There's no nightlife, no trendy downtown, and no tourist traffic. What you get instead is a well-kept neighborhood with easy access to everywhere else in Marin.
Greenbrae Real Estate at a Glance
Details
Property Types
Single-family homes (primarily), condos, townhomes
Mid-range for Marin; generally between Corte Madera and Kentfield
Community Type
Unincorporated (governed by Marin County)
School District
Kentfield School District (K–8), Tamalpais Union High School District (9–12)
Commute to SF
~25–30 min via US-101; one of the best commute locations in Marin
What Makes Greenbrae Stand Out
Factor
Details
Commute
Direct freeway access at Sir Francis Drake / US-101. Hard to beat for daily commuters heading south.
Schools
Zoned for the Kentfield School District, one of the highest-performing districts in the county.
Central location
Minutes from Larkspur, Corte Madera, San Rafael, and the Larkspur Ferry Terminal.
Quiet factor
No commercial core means less traffic, less noise, and a purely residential feel.
Medical access
MarinHealth Medical Center (formerly Marin General Hospital) is located right in Greenbrae.
Tips for Buyers Considering Greenbrae
You're paying for the school district. Greenbrae is zoned for Kentfield schools, which are among the best in Marin. That drives demand and keeps prices firm, so factor it into your expectations.
Look past the original finishes. Many homes still have their 1950s or '60s bones, but a good number have been remodeled inside. Don't skip a listing just because the exterior looks dated.
Prioritize the view lots. Hillside properties with bay or Mount Tam views hold their value well and tend to appreciate faster than comparable flat-lot homes in the area.
Use the location as a lifestyle multiplier. Greenbrae itself is quiet, but you're five minutes from Larkspur's restaurants, Corte Madera's shopping, and the ferry terminal. You get the calm without the isolation.
Check the unincorporated status. As an unincorporated area, Greenbrae is governed by Marin County rather than its own city council. This affects things like permitting, zoning, and local services. It's not a dealbreaker, but worth understanding before you buy.
Key Takeaway: Greenbrae is for buyers who value convenience and substance over flash. You get one of the best commute positions in Marin, access to top-tier Kentfield schools, and a quiet residential setting, all without paying Kentfield or Ross prices. It's an under-the-radar pick that seasoned Marin buyers know well and first-time buyers often overlook.
