Neighborhoods in Mill Valley
Mill Valley is one of the most dynamic towns in Southern Marin, with a thriving art scene, music festivals, theater, and a charming downtown that is the hub of this community. Each neighborhood in Mill Valley has its own unique allure, weaving together a tapestry of community spirit, natural beauty, and cultural richness. Whether marveling at the panoramic views from Tam Junction, finding serenity among the redwoods in Cascade Canyon, or immersing oneself in the vibrant array of young families in Sycamore Park, Mill Valley offers something special for everyone who calls it home.
Cascade Canyon
At the heart of Mill Valley lies Cascade Canyon, a picturesque neighborhood in the Redwoods that is close to town yet feels rustic and enchanting. Here, the houses, nestled into the hillside, are private and spacious and many have views of Mount Tam. This area is a nature lover's paradise with easy access to hiking and biking trails that intertwine with little creaks, streams and waterfalls. Winding pathways lead through lush greenery, where neighbors greet each other with warm smiles and stories exchanged over morning strolls.
Tamalpais Valley Junction
Just a stone's throw away, nestled on the slopes of Mount Tamalpais, is Tamalpais Valley Junction (Tam Junction). This neighborhood boasts stunning views of the San Francisco Bay and beyond. The houses, a mix of mid-century modern gems and contemporary designs, embrace the natural landscape with expansive windows inviting sunlight and showcasing majestic vistas. Residents here share a love for outdoor adventures, whether it's hiking the nearby trails or simply enjoying a quiet evening watching the sunset paint the sky and hills in colors of pink and gold. With a few new restaurants and the Good Earth Market and the famed Proof Lab surf shop, Tam Junction is becoming a popular destination with a fun bohemian vibe. Enjoy some of the best outdoor eateries at Fish Hook and The Junction on warm weather nights.
Downtown
The heart of downtown Mill Valley buzzes with energy and creativity. This eclectic neighborhood bustles with cafes, boutiques, and art galleries, drawing residents and visitors alike to its vibrant streets. Quaint cottages with colorful facades along tree-lined streets, where the aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingles with the scent of blooming jasmine. Here, artists find inspiration, entrepreneurs nurture dreams, and families gather in the park or at the Depot for picnics and concerts under the shade of ancient Sycamore trees.
Sycamore Park | Tamalpais Park
Between downtown and the freeway, in the sunny flats lies the Sycamore and Tamalpais Park neighborhoods, renowned for attracting young families who have recently moved from the city to the suburbs. Take advantage of this active and engaged community with BBQs and lemonade stands and the ability for kids to walk to elementary school, middle school and high school, as well as the MV Community Center and all the shops and cafes on bustling Miller. You can’t find a better place for kids to enjoy their independence as they ride bikes to school and run across the street to meet a friend to do homework.
Homestead Valley
Just past the renowned 2am Club on the west side of Miller Avenue is a lovely neighborhood with a more rural feel than other areas in Mill Valley. In Homestead Valley, the lots are larger, and the vegetation and landscape resemble the country more than the suburbs. With easy access to Mount Tam and the mountain pass to Stinson Beach, this is a great place to enjoy an active outdoor lifestyle. The Homestead Valley Community Center has a pool and park, and there are many popular hiking and biking trails, including the Laverne Loop which hosts a promenade of walkers on the weekend. In the flats of Homestead Valley, you have easy access to the shops and restaurants on Miller, including Swirl and Samurai Sushi and a local Whole Foods, and in the hills, you can enjoy incredible views of the city and the bay. This neighborhood has the best of both worlds.
Scott Valley
Scott Valley has excellent access to the city for commuters as its one of the first neighborhoods off the freeway. In the flats off Lomita, you will find a charming enclave of both remodeled larger homes and smaller older homes. This is a fun place to live for younger families because of the direct access to the Edna Maguire Elementary School, which has several acres of land with playing fields, organic gardens and even chickens. Horse Hill is a popular spot to hike and walk amongst the horses that graze on the hillside. Off of Camino Alto, the major road leading Mill Valley to Larkspur, there are larger homes with views of Richardson Bay. The Scott Valley Tennis and Swim Club is a favorite spot for locals to enjoy spending time with their friends, taking advantage of the sunny, warm weather on this side of town.
Strawberry
On the east side of 101 is another distinct Mill Valley neighborhood that borders the town of Tiburon. Strawberry is the perfect place to live with a view of the water or even on the water. The Strawberry Community Center with a pool and tennis courts, is a popular place for families and is conveniently located across the street from the Strawberry Public Elementary School. Strawberry Village is a shopping center with restaurants and cafes, and provides an alternative hub for downtown Mill Valley, which is a bit further from this neighborhood and on the other side of the freeway.
Here is a list of our favorite Mill Valley spots to enjoy:
- Corner Bar- Best spot for a drink and to mingle with craft cocktails and delicious small bites
- Throckmorton Theater- Don’t miss comedy night every Tuesday night
- Horse Hill- walk among the horses as they graze with an incredible view of the city
- Lumber Yard- Eat, drink, shop and be merry in this converted timber yard
- Bobs’s Donuts- Tam Junction- Amazing variety of the most scrumptious sweets.
- The Goods- best place for a birthday gift
- MV Dog Park- walk along the water’s edge with your furry companion and let your dog run free off leash in this spacious, pastoral setting
- The Workroom- Best place for design ideas and stylish accessories for the home