Mill Valley is one of Marin County’s most beloved and picturesque towns—an enchanting community where redwood forests, winding hillside neighborhoods and a vibrant downtown create a lifestyle that is peaceful, active and culturally rich. Nestled at the base of Mount Tamalpais and just minutes from San Francisco, Mill Valley offers an extraordinary blend of natural beauty, artistic spirit, outdoor recreation and refined living. Whether you're drawn to hiking under towering redwoods, exploring local boutiques or relaxing in a cozy café, Mill Valley captures the essence of Northern California charm.
Mill Valley is adored for its breathtaking scenery, creative energy and welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere.
Highlights include:
Towering redwood groves and lush forested canyons
Charming, walkable downtown with cafés, shops and restaurants
Proximity to some of California’s best hiking and biking trails
Safe neighborhoods with strong community pride
Excellent public schools
Cultural institutions, live theater and music venues
A relaxed yet sophisticated Northern California vibe
Life in Mill Valley is active, nature-oriented and community-driven. Residents often begin their day with a hike in the redwoods, a bike ride up Mount Tam or a latte from a local café. Afternoons may involve shopping downtown, visiting a gallery or taking the kids to a nearby playground. Evenings frequently include outdoor dining, live music or simply unwinding at home surrounded by trees and mountain views.
Mill Valley attracts:
Families seeking top schools and safe neighborhoods
Nature lovers and outdoor adventurers
Creative professionals and artists
Commuters who work in San Francisco but crave tranquility
Retirees drawn to beauty and community
The lifestyle here feels grounded, healthy and inspired.
Mill Valley is one of the best outdoor recreation hubs in Northern California.
Residents have access to:
Muir Woods National Monument – world-famous redwood groves
Mt. Tamalpais State Park – hiking, biking, picnicking and panoramic views
Dipsea Trail – iconic route from Mill Valley to Stinson Beach
Tennessee Valley – coastal trails and wildlife
Cascade Falls – a serene waterfall within city limits
Outdoor adventure is truly just steps from home.
Mill Valley offers something for everyone—nature, arts, food, culture and community.
Charming, intimate and walkable, downtown features:
Independent boutiques
Outdoor cafés
Wine bars
Local markets
Bookstores and galleries
The iconic Clock Tower Plaza
Mill Valley has a long artistic legacy and continues to nurture a vibrant creative scene.
Sweetwater Music Hall – live music, concerts and events
Throckmorton Theatre – comedy, theater and community performances
Mill Valley Film Festival – internationally recognized annual event
Art studios, galleries and cultural workshops
Local favorites include:
Sol Food – beloved for Puerto Rican flavors
Tamalpie – artisan pizza
Playa – modern Mexican cuisine
Piazza D’Angelo – Italian dining in the heart of downtown
Depot Café & Bookstore – a Mill Valley staple
Nearby Strawberry Village also offers shops, spas and dining options.
Mill Valley is served by the highly rated Mill Valley School District and the Tamalpais Union High School District.
Schools include:
Park Elementary
Old Mill Elementary
Edna Maguire Elementary
Tamalpais High School (in Mill Valley)
These schools are widely recognized for academic excellence, strong community involvement and outstanding arts and athletic programs.
Mill Valley offers scenic mobility and quick access to surrounding communities.
Transportation benefits:
Walkable downtown and neighborhood pockets
Bike-friendly routes connecting to nature trails
Easy access to Highway 101 for commuting
Golden Gate Transit bus routes
Short drive to the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco
It’s one of the Bay Area’s best suburbs for those seeking balance between nature and city access.
Mill Valley’s history is rooted in its natural environment and artistic beginnings. Originally a logging town in the late 1800s, the area later evolved into a haven for artists, writers, musicians and creatives. Its bohemian roots remain evident today.
Cultural hallmarks include:
Historic homes and preserved structures
A thriving musical and artistic community
Commitment to environmental preservation
Neighborhood events, parades and block parties
Mill Valley’s culture is warm, expressive and deeply connected to place.
Mill Valley offers a diverse range of residential styles, all shaped by the town’s hills, forests and natural beauty.
Popular property types include:
Walls of glass and indoor-outdoor living
Dramatic views of the bay, Mt. Tam and treetops
Classic homes nestled in forested canyons
Rustic charm with updated modern comforts
High-end finishes
Open floor plans
Expansive decks and elegant landscaping
Flat lots
Quiet streets
Walkability to parks and schools
Low-maintenance living near shopping and transit
Mill Valley consistently ranks as one of Marin County’s most in-demand real estate markets.
Current trends include:
Strong buyer demand from local and Bay Area transplants
High pricing, driven by limited inventory and exceptional quality of life
Premium value for homes with views or walkability
Steady long-term appreciation
Strong rental and second-home market
Mill Valley’s mix of natural beauty, top schools and proximity to San Francisco creates lasting appeal.
Downtown & Sycamore Park – walkable, charming, family-friendly
Tam Valley – close to the beach and trailheads
Strawberry – waterfront access and convenient shopping
Scott Valley – private, upscale homes near tennis and swim clubs
Homestead Valley – redwoods, nature access and community feel
Blithedale Canyon – forested, peaceful and scenic
Muir Woods Park – quiet hillside living
Each neighborhood offers its own version of Mill Valley’s beauty and charm.
Mill Valley offers a lifestyle that blends outdoor adventure, artistic culture and refined living—making it one of the most desirable communities in Northern California. Buyers value its scenic landscapes, strong schools, vibrant town center and proximity to San Francisco. Sellers benefit from sustained demand and one of Marin’s strongest housing markets.
Whether you're seeking a redwood retreat, a modern hillside masterpiece or a family-friendly home near downtown, Mill Valley delivers an extraordinary lifestyle—natural, inspiring and uniquely Northern California.
14,064 people live in Mill Valley, where the median age is 47.2 and the average individual income is $120,115. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Total Population
Median Age
Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.
Average individual Income
There's plenty to do around Mill Valley, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.
Explore popular things to do in the area, including Ebb and Flow, Jonathan Pofsky, MFT CMT, and Oceanic Yacht Sales.
| Name | Category | Distance | Reviews |
Ratings by
Yelp
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Active | 3.63 miles | 6 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 1.99 miles | 7 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 3.65 miles | 18 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 4.66 miles | 5 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 1.98 miles | 40 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 3.02 miles | 6 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 4.78 miles | 6 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 4.42 miles | 48 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 4.34 miles | 31 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 4.15 miles | 14 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 3.21 miles | 5 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 1.91 miles | 9 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 4.36 miles | 5 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 4.44 miles | 5 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 4.73 miles | 12 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 4.51 miles | 8 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 1.99 miles | 7 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
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Mill Valley has 5,518 households, with an average household size of 2.54. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Mill Valley do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 14,064 people call Mill Valley home. The population density is 2,940.88 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Total Population
Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.
Median Age
Men vs Women
Population by Age Group
0-9 Years
10-17 Years
18-24 Years
25-64 Years
65-74 Years
75+ Years
Education Level
Total Households
Average Household Size
Average individual Income
Households with Children
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Blue vs White Collar Workers
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