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Fairfax

Fairfax

Suburban Neighborhood in California

Marin County 94930

$1,187,496 Average Value
$808 Average Price per Sq Ft
15 Homes For Sale

Legendary musicians and scenic hills

Fairfax blends small-town charm and big-city convenience less than 20 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge. This town in Marin County features a lively downtown district, a very active local music scene and scenic pastoral mountain views. Fairfax’s ties with famous California '60s and '70s rock musicians are widely known, and music remains a major part of its cultural landscape today. “There’s a lot of musicians who live up in those hills," says Christine Christiansen, a local Realtor with Engel & Volkers. "I don’t think there’s a night of the week that you can’t find live music in Fairfax." Irish singer-songwriter Van Morrison lived in Fairfax in the early 1970s, and Grateful Dead guitarist Jerry Garcia, a longtime Marin County resident, was honored in 2013 by the Fairfax Town Council for his “innumerable” connections to the town, according to local news reports. Garcia and Van Morrison both played local shows at River City, a former Fairfax venue, in the ‘70s. Famously, the Grateful Dead and Jefferson Airplane played a softball game at Central Field, now known as Contratti Park, in downtown Fairfax in the late 1960s.

Downtown Fairfax has a small rural town vibe.
Downtown Fairfax has a small rural town vibe.
Downtown Fairfax sits between Broadway and Marin's rolling hills.
Downtown Fairfax sits between Broadway and Marin's rolling hills.
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Varied architectural styles from bungalows to midcentury moderns

Homes near Fairfax’s downtown district bolster a variety of architectural styles, including bungalows, split-level houses, California ranch-style homes and midcentury modern residences. The median year built for these homes is 1951, so some houses were built as early as 1905 while others are practically brand-new. That said, many homes here have been renovated with upscale amenities, new hardwood floors and updated appliances. On the outskirts of town, along narrow, winding roads, properties sit on larger lots atop the slopes of forested ridges and deep ravines. It’s not uncommon for homes thisaway to boast views of woodland vistas with towering pines and rangy hilltops. Overall listing prices for single-family homes range from $1 million to upwards of $3 million.

The mid-century vibe can be found in Fairfax as well.
The mid-century vibe can be found in Fairfax as well.
Central Fairfax is filled with small bungalows.
Central Fairfax is filled with small bungalows.
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Head to Broadway for shopping, dining, and live music

A stroll through Fairfax’s downtown is often accompanied by live music from small venues and cocktail bars. This is especially true on Broadway, one of the town's main thoroughfares, which connects residents to wine bars, restaurants, outdoor patios, cafes and boutique shops. It’s the perfect place to take the kids for ice cream on a hot summer day or to grab dinner and split a bottle with friends. For example, The Hummingbird is a popular brunch spot, serving up New Orleans-inspired breakfast and lunch entrees in a cozy, eclectically decorated setting. “Fairfax has a true downtown that is bustling. It’s very alive. It’s very fun,” Christiansen says. As for running errands, commercial corridor Sir Francis Drake Boulevard is lined by convenient retailers, such as grocery stores Good Earth Natural Foods and Fairfax Market.

The shops are busy along Broadway in Fairfax.
The shops are busy along Broadway in Fairfax.
The Hummingbird is a great place to grab breakfast in Fairfax.
The Hummingbird is a great place to grab breakfast in Fairfax.
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Hike among ancient redwoods

In Fairfax, outdoor activities and gorgeous hiking trails are always within reach. The town is surrounded by natural preserves and a wide variety of hiking and biking trails that snake through the hills and canyons. It’s just a few miles from Roy’s Redwood Preserve, a 293-acre forest overlooking the San Geronimo Valley, which features picturesque trails and ancient redwood groves. Local neighborhood playgrounds can be found here as well, such as Peri Park, which sits right behind the Contratti Park baseball field, shaded from the California sun by the canopy of mature trees. “Anywhere you are in Fairfax, you’re in nature,” Christiansen says.

Roy's Redwood Preserve is a short drive from Fairfax.
Roy's Redwood Preserve is a short drive from Fairfax.
Fairfax-Marin's Cascade Canyon Open Space is one of the area's many nature preserves.
Fairfax-Marin's Cascade Canyon Open Space is one of the area's many nature preserves.
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Environmentally-conscious schools

Regarding school districts, Fairfax is served by not one but two. The town’s elementary and middle schools fall under the Ross Valley School District. So students can start school at Manor Elementary School, rated with an A-minus on Niche, before moving on to White Hill Middle, which is also rated with an A-minus on Niche. For the last stop on students' academic journey, they’ll switch to the Tamalpais Union School District and attend Archie Williams High, rated 9 out of 10 on GreatSchools. This high school was named after former Marin County teacher and Olympic gold medalist Archie Williams and has recently undergone environmentally conscious renovations that introduced 774 solar panels and eight EV car-charging stations to the building.

Archie Williams High School has a refreshed campus.
Archie Williams High School has a refreshed campus.
Manor Elementary School sits at the north end of Fairfax.
Manor Elementary School sits at the north end of Fairfax.
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Multiple bus stops with access to San Francisco

Marin Transit has multiple bus stops throughout Fairfax, most located on Sir Francis Drake Boulevard. This main thoroughfare is also the primary method of travel for personal vehicles since it’s one of the ways to hop on Route 101, which crosses the Golden Gate Bridge into San Fransisco.

Daniel Berti
Written By
Daniel Berti
Anthony Lindsey
Photography Contributed By
Anthony Lindsey
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Mike Dunleavy

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
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 Julie Widergren, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

San Francisco International

60 min drive

Bus

Sir Francis Drake Blvd & Oak Manor Dr

Bus

Sir Francis Drake Blvd & Drake Manor Apts

Bus

Sir Francis Drake Blvd & Willow Ave

Bus

Sir Francis Drake Blvd & Olema Rd

Bus

Sir Francis Drake Blvd & Oak Tree Ln

Bus

Sir Francis Drake Blvd & Marin Rd

Bus

Sir Francis Drake Blvd & Alhambra Circle

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Fairfax US
Homicide 2 4
Sexual Assault 2 4
Assault with Weapon 2 4
Robbery 2 4
Burglary 4 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 4 4
Larceny 3 4
Crime Score 3 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$1,150,000
Median Single Family Price
$1,185,000
Median Townhouse Price
$1,195,000
Median 1 Bedroom Price
$598,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$808
Number of Homes for Sale
15
Last 12 months Home Sales
79
Months of Supply
2.30
Median List Price
$1,195,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-4%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
2,384
Median Year Built
1952
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,580
Below the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,913
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,083
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
836
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
6,969

Open Houses

  • Thursday, Apr 24
    10:30am - 12pm

    354 Forrest Ave, Fairfax, CA 94930

    $1,650,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • 2,261 Sq Ft
    • 354 Forrest Ave
    • New 8 days ago

    Nestled just blocks from downtown and close to hiking and biking trails, this charming 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom home with an ADU offers both convenience, character, and tranquility. The property feels like a mini-oasis with abundant natural landscaping and off-street parking for two. The home features a spacious, newly updated kitchen with abundant storage and natural light. The living room boasts a

    Susan Hewitt C.j. Nakagawa Golden Gate Sotheby's

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  • Sunday, Apr 27
    2 - 4pm

    294 Scenic Rd, Fairfax, CA 94930

    $1,195,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 1.5 Baths
    • 1,490 Sq Ft
    • 294 Scenic Rd
    • New 9 days ago

    Enjoy huge views and all-day sun in one of Marin County's most picturesque locations. This enchanting 2-bedroom, 1.5-bath (plus additional flex space/bedroom)bungalow seamlessly blends indoor-outdoor living, offering an ideal floor plan, abundant natural light, and panoramic views of the hills and downtown Fairfax. The main level has an open-concept living and dining area with beamed ceilings

    Julie Upton Compass

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  • Sunday, Apr 27
    2 - 4pm

    250 Olema Rd, Fairfax, CA 94930

    $1,195,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,725 Sq Ft
    • 250 Olema Rd
    • New 12 days ago

    Sweet single-level midcentury home located in the coveted flats of Fairfax! With a premium location on a corner lot, the site offers privacy and wooded views across the street. This well-loved and well-maintained property shows tremendous pride of ownership! Property features large rooms with multiple living spaces, with wood floors throughout and rich teak details. You will enjoy 3-season

    Blaine Morris Compass

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Julie Widergren, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
7,604
Median Age
52
Population Density
4 ppl/acre
Population under 18
18.5%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
27.9%
Above the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$107,576
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$129,192

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
97.5%
College Graduates
65.6%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
27.9%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
67.9%

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®

41 / 100

Somewhat Walkable

Walk Score®

58 / 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.

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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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Fairfax