Living in Old Town, Novato: A Walkable Neighborhood in Marin County
Additionally, old Town sits at the heart of Novato's urban core, blending walkable streets with suburban character.
About Old Town in Novato
Old Town represents Novato's most pedestrian-friendly neighborhood, earning a walk score of 83 and drawing families, young professionals, and empty nesters seeking urban convenience without big-city density. Additionally, anchored by local restaurants, coffee shops, and grocery stores within a short walk, this area combines accessibility with reasonable median home prices around $865k. The neighborhood's 5,386 residents per square mile and 54.5% married households reflect a stable, family-oriented community that values neighborhood character and street-level engagement.
Real Estate Market in Old Town
| Median home price | $865k |
|---|---|
| Year over year change | stable |
| Price per sq ft | $520 to $580 |
| Median rent | $2,132 |
| Typical days on market | 18 to 25 days |
| Buyer competition | Moderate |
| Walk Score | 83 |
| Transit Score | 43 |
| Bike Score | 65 |
Old Town's median home value sits at $865,300, below the broader Novato median of $936,100, while maintaining strong walkability and lifestyle amenities. The area experiences moderate competition with stable demand from families and downsizers.
Old Town attracts multiple offers on well-maintained homes in move-in condition. Additionally, highlight proximity to Downtown Novato amenities and schools in your offer narrative. Properties on or near walking trails and near Whole Foods or Trader Joe's command modest premiums.
Who Thrives in Old Town
Old Town's median price of $865k is roughly 7% below Novato's average, making it accessible while maintaining walkability and community services.
Additionally, with 29.1% of residents raising children, strong schools like Olive Elementary and nearby parks such as Slade Park and Olive Park, this neighborhood caters to family lifestyles.
Additionally, median rent of $2,132 paired with walkable infrastructure and stable demographics supports consistent rental demand and long-term appreciation potential.
Additionally, walkable to coffee shops including Dr. Insomniac's and Peet's Coffee, with reliable broadband and downtown access for occasional office visits or social interaction.
Additionally, median age of 41.4 and walkable amenities, including Medical Center of Marin and fitness options like Anytime Fitness, support active retirement.
Property Types in Old Town
Most common; typically 3 to 4 bedrooms with modest lots in walkable proximity to downtown.
Popular with downsizers and first-time buyers; often include shared walkways or courtyards.
Additionally, investment properties with retail or office components; command higher cap rates due to commercial tenancy.
Living in Old Town, Novato
Daily life in Old Town centers on walkable amenities and neighborhood gathering spaces. Additionally, residents enjoy morning coffee at Dr. Moreover, insomniac's or Peet's, lunch at Finnegan's Marin Restaurant or Las Guitarras, and grocery shopping at Whole Foods or Trader Joe's without relying on a car. The neighborhood hosts regular farmers markets, community events at the Center for the Arts, and family outings to Slade Park or Olive Tot Lot.
- Las Guitarras · 1 min walk
- Finnegan's Marin Restaurant & Bar · 3 min walk
- Beercraft · 5 min walk
- Local Kitchens · 5 min walk
- McDonald's · 5 min walk
- Dr. Insomniac's · 1 min walk
- Peet's Coffee · 5 min walk
- Starbucks · 8 min walk
- Starbucks · 11 min walk
- Starbucks · 33 min walk
- Olive Tot Lot · 7 min walk
- Slade Park · 15 min walk
- Olive Park · 16 min walk
- Stafford Grove Park · 17 min walk
- Whole Foods Market · 3 min walk
- Trader Joe's · 8 min walk
- Safeway · 9 min walk
- Rustic Bakery · 12 min walk
- Creekside Bakery · 18 min walk
- Orangetheory Fitness · 9 min walk
- Anytime Fitness · 11 min walk
- Novato Gymnastics Center · 16 min walk
- Sonoma Fit · 19 min walk
- Club Pilates · 34 min walk
- Novato History Museum · 3 min walk
- Century Theaters Rowland Plaza · 26 min walk
- Center for the Arts · 33 min walk
Annual events: Novato History Museum events, Center for the Arts performances, Fourth of July downtown celebration, holiday farmers markets
Schools Near Old Town, Novato
Old Town families benefit from proximity to well-regarded elementary schools and diverse secondary options. Olive Elementary (score 57) and Rancho Elementary (score 57) serve the immediate area, while Novato High (score 51.5) provides the district's main secondary anchor.
Elementary Schools
School Score 57 with 57% math and 57% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 57 with 52% math and 62% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 39.5 with 37% math and 42% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 22 with 17% math and 27% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026High Schools
School Score 51.5 with 37% math and 66% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 50 with 30% math and 70% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 27.5 with 10% math and 45% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026Private Schools Nearby
- Our Lady Of Loretto School (KG-8) — 24-minute walk
- Marin Christian Academy (KG-8) — 35-minute walk
- North Bay Christian Academy (9-12) — 22-minute walk
Feeder pattern: Most Old Town families transition from elementary schools to Novato High; private options including Our Lady Of Loretto School and North Bay Christian Academy serve families seeking alternative philosophies.
Source: Proximitii 2026
Commute from Old Town
Old Town's central location minimizes commute time to regional employment hubs and reduces reliance on driving. With a transit score of 43, the neighborhood supports car-light living for local trips while maintaining highway access for longer commutes.
Additionally, marin Transit operates local bus service along Redwood Boulevard and De Long Avenue; Golden Gate Transit connects to San Francisco and other Bay Area destinations, though frequency is moderate and most residents rely on personal vehicles for daily needs.
Neighborhoods Near Old Town
Not sure Old Town is the right fit? Compare these nearby neighborhoods.
Frequently Asked Questions about Old Town
What is the average home price in Old Town, Novato?
The median home value in Old Town is approximately $865,300, making it roughly 7% more affordable than Novato's citywide median of $936,100. Single-family homes typically range from $750k to $1.1m, while condos and townhomes span $650k to $950k. Rental prices average $2,132 per month, attracting both owner-occupants and investors seeking stable, walkable properties.
Is Old Town a good place to live?
Old Town ranks among Novato's most livable neighborhoods, with a walk score of 83, active living score of 9, and strong walkability score of 8. Additionally, the area combines downtown convenience with family-friendly demographics: 54.5% married households, 29.1% raising children, and median household income of $72,878. For buyers valuing walkability and community amenities over isolation, Old Town excels.
What schools serve Old Town, Novato?
Olive Elementary and Rancho Elementary, both scoring 57, are the primary feeder schools and walk-accessible from most neighborhoods. Additionally, novato High (score 51.5) serves as the district secondary. Families also have private options including Our Lady Of Loretto School and North Bay Christian Academy. The area's 36.9% bachelor's degree attainment supports engaged parent involvement in schools.
Is Old Town, Novato safe?
Old Town maintains a poverty rate of 10.1%, below many comparable Bay Area neighborhoods, and benefits from proximity to Novato Police Department and Novato Fire Station #1. Additionally, the neighborhood's density and pedestrian activity create natural surveillance and community engagement. Like any urban core, exercise standard urban precautions, though crime rates remain moderate for the region.
Who is Old Town best suited for?
Old Town appeals most to first-time buyers seeking affordability and walkability, families with school-age children, remote workers needing downtown proximity, and retirees wanting active lifestyles without suburban isolation. The 39.4% owner-occupancy rate reflects diverse ownership models, from long-term families to younger professionals building equity.
Can I walk to groceries and restaurants in Old Town?
Yes. Additionally, the walk score of 83 means most errands are achievable on foot. Whole Foods Market and Trader Joe's provide upscale grocery options, while Safeway and Rustic Bakery offer convenient alternatives. For dining, Las Guitarras, Finnegan's Marin Restaurant & Bar, and Beercraft sit within walking distance. Dr. Insomniac's and Peet's Coffee support the morning routine without car dependency.
Where this Old Town data comes from
Numbers throughout this guide come from public, authoritative sources. Additionally, walk and transit scores come from Walk Score, neighborhood boundaries and POI data from OpenStreetMap and Proximitii, and parent-city demographics from the U.S. Census Bureau.
Find Your Home in Old Town, Novato
Additionally, connect with a Ficustree agent to explore walkable Old Town properties and understand your neighborhood fit before making an offer.
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