San Anselmo, CA Real Estate & Homes For Sale

Welcome to San Anselmo

Rural, suburban “hub” of activity in Marin County

Boarded by San Rafael to the east and Fairfax to the west, San Anselmo is a small, incorporated town located in Marin County, California. It lies in the Ross Valley Watershed, is dissected by several small creeks that meander through town, replete with hilly scenery, and offers gorgeous views of Mount Tamalpais to the south. Ensconced in beautiful forestry, San Anselmo has a laid-back vibe that mixes effortlessly with its natural scenery.

With a history fueled by railroads and emerging pathways, San Anselmo was first incorporated in 1907 and named after a Native American leader who was buried in the area. The city’s small shops and central business district have allowed it to become a flourishing community for its 12,000 residents, who enjoy the small-town lifestyle just 20 miles north of San Francisco via the Golden Gate Bridge.

What to Love

Sunny Mediterranean climate and natural landmarks
Quick access to major cities like San Francisco
Historic architecture that gives the town a quaint magic
The lovely and active University of Redlands, Marin Campus

Real Estate in San Anselmo

San Anselmo sits right in the sweet spot of the Marin housing market. It's more affordable than neighboring Ross and Kentfield, more walkable than Fairfax, and has a downtown with actual restaurants and shops that you'll use every week. For buyers who want central Marin living with personality and without paying the absolute top of the market, San Anselmo deserves a hard look.

The majority of the housing stock is pre-1940, and that's a big part of the town's appeal. Tree-lined streets are filled with Craftsman bungalows, Spanish-style adobes, Tudor cottages, and classic California stucco homes, many of which have been thoughtfully updated while keeping their original character intact. As you move away from downtown and into the surrounding hills, you'll find larger mid-century homes, modern remodels with panoramic Mount Tam views, and newer custom builds in neighborhoods like Sleepy Hollow that command higher prices and bigger lots. Closer to the commercial center, smaller homes and cottages offer more attainable entry points with the bonus of being walking distance to everything.

San Anselmo also benefits from its position between two very different neighbors. Ross to the south brings estate-level prestige and top schools. Fairfax to the west brings creative energy and outdoor access. San Anselmo absorbs a bit of both without the price tag of one or the remoteness of the other.

San Anselmo Real Estate at a Glance

	Details
Property Types	Craftsman bungalows, Spanish adobe, Tudor cottages, mid-century homes, modern remodels, new-builds
Architectural Character	Majority pre-1940; one of the most historically rich housing stocks in Marin
Price Range	Mid-range for central Marin; below Ross and Kentfield, above Fairfax
Population	~12,000
Commute to SF	~30 min via Sir Francis Drake Blvd to US-101 and the Golden Gate Bridge
School District	Ross Valley School District (K–8), Tamalpais Union High School District (9–12)
Climate	Sunny and Mediterranean; warmer than coastal Marin towns

Notable Neighborhoods

Neighborhood	What to Know
Downtown / San Anselmo Avenue	Walkable to shops, restaurants, and Friday night events. Smaller homes and cottages with historic character. Best for buyers who prioritize lifestyle convenience over lot size.
Sleepy Hollow	A highly sought-after family neighborhood in the hills above town. Larger homes, bigger lots, open space access, and its own elementary school. Premium prices to match.
Seminary / Upper San Anselmo	Quiet, hilly, and well-treed. A mix of older homes and updated properties with views of Mount Tam. Close to the San Francisco Theological Seminary campus.
Brookside / Lower San Anselmo	Flat, walkable, and family-friendly. Smaller lots but easy access to creekside paths and downtown. Some flood zone considerations in low-lying areas.
Red Hill	A smaller pocket near the shopping center with a mix of home sizes and styles. Convenient to daily errands and centrally positioned between San Anselmo and San Rafael.

Tips for Buyers Considering San Anselmo

Check flood zone maps before you fall in love. San Anselmo sits at the confluence of several creeks, and low-lying areas near downtown and along the creek corridors have flooded in the past. FEMA flood zone status can affect insurance costs significantly. Always verify before making an offer.
Walk the downtown on a weekend. San Anselmo's commercial district is a genuine community gathering spot, not a ghost town. If walkability matters to you, spend a Saturday afternoon on San Anselmo Avenue and see how it feels.
Compare carefully with Fairfax and San Rafael. All three towns border each other, and at similar price points you may find very different homes depending on which side of the line you're on. Cross-shop neighborhoods, not just towns.
Look at the pre-war homes seriously. The Craftsman and Tudor-era housing stock is a real asset here. Well-maintained older homes in San Anselmo hold value and attract buyers who appreciate original details like built-in cabinetry, hardwood floors, and period millwork.
Budget for Sleepy Hollow if schools are the priority. Sleepy Hollow has its own well-regarded elementary school and a strong neighborhood identity. Homes here cost more, but families consistently cite the school and community as worth the premium.
Think about sun exposure. San Anselmo's Mediterranean climate is sunnier and warmer than much of Marin, but individual properties vary. Hillside orientation matters. South-facing homes get great light; north-facing canyon homes can feel significantly cooler and darker.

Key Takeaway: San Anselmo is central Marin's best-kept-not-so-secret. You get a walkable downtown with real restaurants and community events, a housing stock full of pre-war character, sunny weather, and a location that puts you between the prestige of Ross and the outdoor access of Fairfax. The flood zone issue is real and worth investigating, but for buyers who do their homework, San Anselmo offers one of the most livable, well-rounded packages in the county at a price that still leaves room to breathe.

People & Lifestyle

Though well-blended between family and non-family households, San Anselmo is known for being an idyllic place to start and raise a family, thanks in part to its excellent school system. The majority of housing in San Anselmo is historic—pre-1940—and this helps to give the town its hip, charming aesthetic.

Dining, Entertainment & Shopping

In San Anselmo, the restaurants run from familiar to exotic, upscale to casual, while shopping is centrally located for the convenience and ease of community building. Easily meet all of your needs at the center of it all, the Red Hills Shopping Center, where you’ll find venues for grocery shopping, apparel and retail, spa and beauty, dining, and other daily necessities. For more retail therapy, shoppers can take the short drive to Northgate in San Rafael, which features brand name stores like Express and H&M, as well as a movie theater.

For a delicious meal out, San Anselmo has a plethora of noteworthy choices to pick from. Inspiring Mediterranean fare can be found at Insalata’s, an upscale eatery with a friendly atmosphere and tapas, mezze, and piccoli that all pair perfectly with their hand-crafted cocktails, wines, and craft beers. You won’t want to miss out on the fresh seafood and inspiring wine menu at Bistro Viz, a local fine-dining favorite offering everything from flat-iron steaks to perfectly grilled octopus.

Prefer dazzling Latin flavors and mouth-watering margaritas? Head to Marinitas to sample their high-quality mixed drinks and locally-sourced, authentic dishes. And if it’s comfort food and sweet indulgences you’re after, then Comforts Cafe is the place to be. From their house-baked pastries and desserts, all the way to their full-flavored classics menu and family-feel, it’s easy to see how Comforts Cafe has been consistently voted among the best eateries in Marin County.

Things to Do

San Anselmo facilitates plenty of events that help build a sense of community, and this little town will keep you busy throughout the year with its many opportunities for fun. Head downtown for Friday Nights on Main and Picnics on the Plaza to take advantage of the live music and outdoor dining options. For a free, laid-back time, you can visit Creek Park for the Music in the Park concert series, held on Sundays during the summer, and watch local artists perform. Residents and visitors can also celebrate the arts with the annual, always-fun, San Anselmo Art and Wine Festival that includes over 200 artist exhibits, live entertainment, gourmet food, rides for the kids, and of course, incredible wine.

If you need an escape from the crowds, hit up the trails in the Sleepy Hollow Preserve. The area has over 1,100 acres of open space and easy trails that are perfect for walking, hiking, taking your furry friends for fresh air, and viewing the majestic panoramic vistas of Mt. Tamalpais and Big Rock Ridge.

Schools

San Anselmo is home to several excellent schools. Top educational opportunities include:

Ross Valley Elementary School District, well-rated public school district serving grades K-8
St. Anselm School, 1-8, highly-rated private Catholic school
San Domenico School, K-12, #7 boarding school in the entire state