Welcome to San Anselmo
Private and peaceful, this sanctuary of forested serenity embodies the full warmth and quaint appeal of a quintessentially small town.
The gorgeous wooded peaks and valleys of San Anselmo are sheltered to the south by dramatic views of Mount Tamalpais. Rising up from the green, The University of Redlands’ castle-like campus paints an ethereal image. The fairytale setting is further enhanced by the meandering San Anselmo Creek and a number of charming, unique parks.
Officially incorporated in 1907, San Anselmo blossomed from a summer retreat for San Franciscans to a full-time town built on the railroad industry. Particularly famous as the hometown of iconic screenwriter and producer, George Lucas, San Anselmo’s favorable reputation is rounded out by sunny weather and a strong community.
The hilled terrain of San Anselmo creates a plethora of spectacular perches for residential real estate. Ridgetop properties of the mid-late 20th century come packed with desirable amenities, carved masterfully into the sides of hills to find harmony with nature. Architectural diversity is also present in San Anselmo, ranging from mid-century modern to contemporary farmhouses and custom single-family homes in new-build subdivisions.
What to Love
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Quick access to US-101 for a simple commute, including to San Francisco under an hour away
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Tons of hiking and trail options right in your backyard
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Ideal location between mountain and water, with plenty of nature to explore
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Tight-knit community feel with highly engaged residents
Local Lifestyle
People have been drawn to this historical crossroads throughout a wide expanse of time, pulled by its abundance of forested hills and freshwater creeks, which have largely remained the same. Residents of San Anselmo are seeking refuge from the banalities of city living, a place to escape, unwind, and enjoy the vibrant riches of NorCal nature.
Dining, Entertainment, & Shopping
San Anselmo comes equipped with a few different retail and dining districts, though the most charismatic of these is without a doubt the town’s engaging Downtown which encircles the area around San Anselmo Avenue and Sir Francis Drake Boulevard. Tree-lined streets set the tone for a small-town shopping experience, in which visitors can pop into boutiques such as Blanc for the latest in upscale women’s fashion, or pick up a bag of artisan and hard-to-find specialty candies at Sugar Marin.
Downtown is also an epicenter for epicurean dishes, beginning with the sensational fare at Madcap. As a blend of elevated Californian and Japanese cuisine, this Michelin-rated restaurant pulls exclusively from local, organic ingredients to craft a creative menu of seasonal fare that’s constantly changing.
A dainty draping of ivy and fresh greenery over the entrance of Insalata’s denotes the airy, earthy atmosphere waiting inside. Some of Marin County’s finest Mediterranean fare graces the plates at Insalata’s, and the restaurant additionally carries an excellent supply of to-go and counter-serve options for convenience.
Things to Do
The tranquil San Anselmo Creek winds its way through Downtown as a natural foil to the contemporary shopping and dining, as does the nearby Imagination Park. A stretch of green space dotted with tribute statues to great George Lucas franchises — including Star Wars and Indiana Jones — this little park is a favorite with families and acts as a central celebration location for annual gatherings like the Christmas Tree Lighting.
A trip to the city’s most developed park, Memorial Park, will treat visitors to facilities including a standout children’s playground, several sports fields, tennis courts, and even a generational garden. And just as the town comes with distinctive park amenities, San Anselmo also offers a variety of community events. Among those, the San Anselmo Festival — also known as the Country Fair Day and Parade — draws the entire town in with a schedule of morning pancake specials, fair rides and vendors, live performances, and a park-based music and food festival to end the day.
Schools
San Anselmo is home to a number of excellent schools. Top educational opportunities include:
