$1,896,397Average Value$1,720Average Price per Sq Ft3Homes For Sale
Bolinas is an artistic haven surrounded by protected land
Long a magnet for artists and beat poets, Bolinas is a small coastal village with an eccentric heart. Foggy mornings, dynamic seascapes and dramatic cliffs create a poignant backdrop here. "We're surrounded by protected land, and with little light pollution, we can actually see the stars and the Milky Way," says associate broker for Bolinas Real Real Estate Theresa or "Terry" Donohue, who is also a local artist and writer and has sold homes for decades. Bolinas' unique culture became legendary along the West Coast, making it somewhere many wanted to be, even if they couldn't find it. "In the past, a covert group would take the road signs down. But now, because of GPS and Google Maps, everyone knows where it is." The community's quaint downtown with its farm stand and local galleries showcases its richness and self-sufficiency. Thirty miles from San Francisco, Bolinas now draws in remote entrepreneurs seeking a quiet life filled with color and nature.
Bolinas' small downtown area and strong support for local artists
Bolinas' downtown area offers a small selection of commercial conveniences, galleries, coffee shops and eateries. "We don't do a lot of shopping. You might go to Point Reyes or what we call 'over the hill' for that. We do have a grocery store and a farm stand," Donohue says. The neighborhood also gets by without a gas station and a post office. Smiley's Saloon, established in 1851 and freshly renovated in 2020, serves coastal cantina food made fresh from local ingredients. It also a venue for regional and touring music artists. The Bolinas Museum, another downtown area highlighted and deeply cherished by the community, hosts rotating exhibits demonstrating Bolinas' wide range of local talents.
Homes area eclectic, coveted and rarely come on the market
Preserved land and a water moratorium limit development as demand rises, making each property fetch a pretty penny. Homes typically range from the high $800,000s to over 11 million, but finding a house under a million can be challenging. "Each property is individually priced because no two properties are the same," Donohue says. The array of architecture includes mid-century modern ranch styles, timber-framed chalet cottages, traditional beach houses, old-school farmhouses and luxury estates. Most homes are older, with the median building year of 1962, and have either been modernized or maintain their vintage feeling. As prices rise, organizations like Bolinas Community Land Trust work to create affordable housing to preserve and stabilize the community. The CAP Index Crime Score in Bolinas is 2 out of 10, lower than the national average of 4.
Hiking and surfing spots in and around the community
A quiet spot in the winter and packed in the summer, Bolinas Beach is a popular spot for surfing, fishing and beachcombing. "When the surf is up and the sun is out, it's hard to find parking," Donohue says. The small beach is also one of the most dog-friendly spots to bring the pups. The Bolinas Lagoon Nature Preserve is another local gem. Seals relax on the mudflats of the 1,100-acre tidal estuary, also home to diverse waterfowl. Another spot to walk along the sand is RCA Beach, a part of the Agate Beach County Park. "It's a protected marine reserve, and it's a good place to go tide pooling because of Duxbury Reef, and when it's low tide, all the schools come out to study the starfish," Donohue says. Trails weave through the community's bluffs toward the shoreline, leading to peaks with epic views. Mesa Park has a playground and skate park. National, state and country parks surround Bolinas, offering more places to hike through the wild, swim from the sand and view wildlife.
The road to Bolinas, and some of the weather challenges
Bolinas only has one road in and out of the community, and it tends to flood during heavy rain. "We can have floods, landslides, you name it. In the winter, it gets intense around here," Donohue says. "You have to be flexible and resourceful." Coastal erosion, a strained water supply and the threat of wildfires are concerns here. Many residents counteract this by investing in fire-resistant landscaping and water conservation.
Students attend two highly rated school districts
Students attend both the Bolinas-Stinson Union School District and Tamalpais Union High School District. Bolinas-Stinson Elementary School, serving kindergarten through eighth grade, scores an A-rating on Niche. Tamalpais High School earns the same ranking.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Andy Falk,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Samuel P Taylor State Park
Palomarin Trailhead
Stinson State Beach
Fishing
Trails
Beach
Upton Beach
Tennis
Trails
Beach
Village Green Park
Picnic Area
Trails
Playground
Bolinas Community Park
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Bolinas
US
Homicide
1
4
Sexual Assault
1
4
Assault with Weapon
1
4
Robbery
2
4
Burglary
2
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
2
4
Larceny
1
4
Crime Score
2
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Bolinas, CA sell after 70 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Bolinas, CA over the last 12 months is $2,262,618, up 1% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Japanese Coastal Elegance awaits you! Perched just above Agate beach, yet just minutes to town, is a handcrafted architectural gem of a home. Lovely walls of windows in every room embrace forever ocean views and some of nature's wildest beauty. Inside, radiant (clean) hot water floor heat keeps things cozy and luxurious. A stunning great room with dining and connected kitchen opens to a wrap
This bucolic Bolinas estate offers a unique blend of rustic charm with modern updates that will tug at your heartstrings. Nestled in the serene landscapes of Bolinas on 4.62 private acres, 125 Horseshoe Hill Rd is located minutes from downtown Bolinas, national parks, and the Pacific Ocean. This equestrian-friendly estate features a 2,600 sq. ft. barn perfect for car collectors, artists,
Nestled among beautifully landscaped grounds, this exceptional property offers a rare blend of history, luxury, and tranquility. The expansive lot provides the perfect backdrop for two residences that seamlessly combine historical character with modern sophistication. The 1950s two-story main house, crafted from shipwrecked wood, blends rustic coastal history with contemporary upgrades. Renovated
Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the rolling grasslands of Point Reyes National Seashore lies the Bolinas Mesa, a neighborhood as eclectic as the town itself. On the western edge of the Mesa, overlooking the vast expanse of the Pacific, stands the stunning 190 Ocean Parkway. Originally built in 1955, this meticulously restored and updated residence offers a perfect coastal escape. Its
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Andy Falk,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
1,061
Median Age
56
Population Density
1 person/acre
Population under 18
15%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
38.7%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$86,153
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$132,812
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
98.8%
College Graduates
58.8%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
26%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
62.7%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
44''
Average Winter Low Temperature
42°F
Average Summer High Temperature
83°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
20/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
0/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
