Larkspur

If developer Charles Wright’s wife knew her plants, this picturesque Central Marin town would be called Lupine. Mrs. Wright, whose husband helped to incorporate the town at the turn of the century, admired the fields of what she thought were larkspur plants blooming near her new homestead, and named the village Larkspur. Most of the town lies inland, but the part that fronts the water is home to the county’s largest ferry terminal, as well as a huge metal sculpture of Sir Francis Drake. Larkspur shares schools and a police department with Corte Madera together they make up the Twin Cities. Outlying neighborhoods Kentfield and Greenbrae have their own school district, but share utilities and many public services with Larkspur.

 

Real Estate in Larkspur

Larkspur is one of those Marin towns that flies under the radar until you actually spend time there. It's centrally located, walkable in parts, has direct ferry service to San Francisco, and offers housing across a wide enough price range to attract both first-time buyers and people shopping at the $20 million level (the Bill Graham estate proved that ceiling exists).

Most of the housing is concentrated inland, spread across tree-lined streets and hillside roads that climb toward the base of Mount Tamalpais. You'll find well-maintained mid-century ranches, updated Craftsman-style homes, hillside properties with bay views, and a growing number of condos and townhomes near the downtown and ferry terminal areas. The historic downtown core along Magnolia Avenue has a village feel with older homes that carry real architectural character.

What makes Larkspur particularly appealing is the combination of small-town walkability and serious transit access. The Larkspur Ferry Terminal is Marin County's largest, and the ferry gets you to the San Francisco Ferry Building in about 30 minutes. That single amenity has a measurable impact on property values in the neighborhoods closest to the terminal.

Larkspur Real Estate at a Glance

Larkspur's Key Neighborhoods

Tips for Buyers Considering Larkspur

• Price the ferry into your decision. Homes within walking or biking distance of the Larkspur Ferry Terminal carry a premium, but the commute savings (no bridge toll, no parking, no traffic stress) often justify it. If you work in SF, this is a major quality-of-life factor.
• Explore the canyon neighborhoods. Madrone and Baltimore Canyon offer a completely different experience from downtown Larkspur. If you want redwoods and quiet without leaving central Marin, these pockets are worth a serious look.
• Understand the Twin Cities relationship. Larkspur and Corte Madera share schools and police services. If you're comparing homes across the border between the two towns, the practical differences are minimal for most families.
• Walk downtown before you buy. The Magnolia Avenue corridor is a genuine asset. Being able to walk to coffee, dinner, and the weekend farmers market matters more to day-to-day life than most buyers expect.
• Inspect hillside properties carefully. Upper Larkspur has beautiful views, but steep lots come with retaining walls, drainage considerations, and potentially limited parking. Budget for a thorough geotechnical review if the lot has significant grade.

Key Takeaway: Larkspur gives you something rare in Marin: a real downtown you can walk, a ferry that gets you to SF without touching a steering wheel, and neighborhoods that range from creekside cottages to canyon retreats. It's central without feeling suburban, and connected without feeling busy. For commuters especially, the ferry terminal alone makes Larkspur one of the smartest buys in the county.

Larkspur children and their neighbors in Corte Madera attend the elementary school and middle school of the Larkspur School District. After graduation, they go to Redwood High School in Larkspur, part of the Tamalpais Union High School District. There are two private elementary schools.

Travel to key commute destinations is comfortable, as most residents count their car as their preferred method of commute. Public transportation is an option, with the county’s largest fairy terminal right in town.

Larkspur retains a small-town feel. Almost half the residents are over 45, but good local schools have attracted a large number of children. Education levels are high, and citizens work in the professional, sales, and support industries.

Larkspur has an average temperature of around 59 degrees, with an average maximum temperature of 70 degrees and an average low of 48. From July to September, highs get into the 80s. The coldest months are November and December. Mount Tamalpais and Christmas Tree Hill usually protect the town from perpetual fog, but it does get its fair share, especially on summer mornings.