Is Almonte, Mill Valley a Good Place to Live?

A leafy Marin neighborhood balancing suburban calm with outdoor recreation and community-focused living.

About Almonte in Mill Valley

Almonte is a residential neighborhood in Mill Valley that appeals to families and outdoor enthusiasts seeking a slower pace without sacrificing school quality or community amenities. Additionally, the neighborhood combines tree-lined streets, easy access to hiking trails, and a bike score of 87, making it ideal for cyclists and active households. Moreover, homes here trade some walkability (score of 54) for spacious properties, excellent schools like Edna Maguire Elementary and Mill Valley Middle, and proximity to Bothin Marsh Preserve and Hawk Hill. The median home value of approximately $1.5 million reflects Almonte's premium positioning within Mill Valley's already expensive market.

Boundary note: Almonte is broadly bounded by Miller Avenue to the west, Camino Alto to the east, and stretches northward into the rolling foothills near Tamalpais Valley, encompassing a population of roughly 3,967 residents at a density of 4,770 per square mile.

Real Estate Market in Almonte

Almonte at a glance
Median home price$1.52m
Year over year changestable to modest growth
Price per sq ft$850 to $950
Median rent$2,896
Typical days on market25 to 35
Buyer competitionModerate
Walk Score54
Bike Score87

Additionally, almonte homes sell at a median price near $1.52 million, reflecting strong Marin demand and proximity to Mount Tamalpais recreation. This neighborhood sits at the premium end of Mill Valley's spectrum, with homes moving steadily but rarely sitting long on market.

$1.52m
stable to modest growth YoY
Median Price
$850 to $950
Price / Sq Ft
$2,896
Median Rent
25 to 35
Days on Market
Moderate buyer competition
Offer Strategy

Additionally, multiple offers are common, but Almonte's residential character and school appeal sometimes favor well-written offers over all-cash bids. Expect to move quickly if a property suits your needs, and consider pre-approval and contingency flexibility as competitive edges.

Who Thrives in Almonte

F
First-time Buyers
Fair fit

Entry-level prices start above $1.2m, placing Almonte outside reach for most first-time buyers unless well-capitalized.

E
Families
Excellent fit

Additionally, almonte is purpose-built for families: top-rated schools, low poverty (6.7%), 31.5% households with children, and bike-friendly streets that let kids roam safely.

G
Investors
Good fit

Additionally, rental demand is steady at $2,896 median, and 70.6% owner-occupancy means less investor saturation; long-term appreciation likely in this affluent market.

E
Remote Workers
Excellent fit

Additionally, with 28.5% working from home and excellent broadband, Almonte suits remote workers who want walkable neighborhoods without the hustle of downtown.

S
Retirees
Strong fit

Additionally, median age of 49.2 signals a mature community; proximity to Kaiser Permanente, quiet streets, and active outdoor culture appeal to active retirees.

Property Types in Almonte

Single Family Homes
75%
$1.3m to $2.2m

Additionally, most of Almonte's inventory; spacious lots on quiet streets with garages and room for families.

Townhomes & Condos
20%
$950k to $1.6m

Smaller footprint options near Miller Avenue corridor; fewer HOAs than other Marin communities.

Multi-Unit / Investment
5%
$1.8m to $3.0m

Rare; mostly older duplexes or small multi-family properties attractive to long-term landlords.

Living in Almonte, Mill Valley

Daily life in Almonte revolves around outdoor recreation, school runs, and neighborhood gathering spots. Coffee runs to Equator Coffees at Proof Lab or Coyote Coffee punctuate mornings, while weekends typically involve biking to Hauke Park Playground, hiking Hawk Hill, or exploring Bothin Marsh Preserve. Grocery shopping at Safeway or Whole Foods Market is convenient, and restaurants like Piatti and Robata Grill & Sushi serve the dining needs of the affluent community. The neighborhood feels distinctly suburban: car-dependent (58.6% drive to work), quiet after 6 p.m., and oriented toward family life rather than nightlife.

54/100
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
87/100
Bike Score
Very Bikeable
🍽 Restaurants & Dining
  • Piatti · 10 min walk
  • Robata Grill & Sushi · 11 min walk
  • Antone's East Coast Sub Shop · 11 min walk
  • Juice Girl · 11 min walk
  • McDonald's · 13 min walk
☕ Coffee Shops
  • Starbucks · 12 min walk
  • Equator Coffees at Proof Lab · 15 min walk
  • Starbucks · 16 min walk
  • Coyote Coffee · 18 min walk
  • Starbucks · 21 min walk
🌳 Parks & Green Space
  • Bothin Marsh Preserve · 3 min walk
  • Bayfront Park · 8 min walk
  • Hauke Park · 12 min walk
  • Hawk Hill · 14 min walk
  • Hauke Park Playground · 16 min walk
🛒 Grocery & Essentials
  • Safeway · 12 min walk
  • Good Earth Natural Foods · 16 min walk
  • Whole Foods Market · 19 min walk
  • Safeway · 22 min walk
  • Whole Foods Market · 23 min walk
🏋 Fitness
  • Mill Valley Community Center · 16 min walk
  • Orangetheory Fitness · 17 min walk
  • TJ's Gym · 18 min walk
  • Red Dragon Yoga · 18 min walk
  • Pure Barre · 22 min walk
🎬 Entertainment
  • Marin Theatre Company · 21 min walk

Annual events: Marin Theatre Company performances, Mill Valley Film Festival (September), local school fundraisers, farmers market season (May to November)

Schools Near Almonte, Mill Valley

Additionally, almonte's school reputation is one of its primary draws, with high test scores and strong community engagement. The neighborhood feeds into Mount Tamalpais School (private K-8, score unavailable), Edna Maguire Elementary (82.5, K-5), Tamalpais Valley Elementary (81.5, K-5), and Mill Valley Middle (80.5, 6-8).

Elementary Schools

8.2/10
Edna Maguire Elementary
Elementary · KG–5
32-minute walk

School Score 82.5 with 83% math and 82% reading proficiency

Proximitii 2026
8.2/10
Tamalpais Valley Elementary
Elementary · KG–5
29-minute walk

School Score 81.5 with 80% math and 83% reading proficiency

Proximitii 2026
8.0/10
Park Elementary
Elementary · KG–5
30-minute walk

School Score 79.5 with 77% math and 82% reading proficiency

Proximitii 2026
8.0/10
Strawberry Point Elementary
Elementary · KG–5
31-minute walk

School Score 79.5 with 82% math and 77% reading proficiency

Proximitii 2026

Middle Schools

8.1/10
Mill Valley Middle
Middle School · 6–8
14-minute walk

School Score 80.5 with 77% math and 84% reading proficiency

Proximitii 2026

High Schools

6.2/10
Tamalpais High
High School · 9–12
7-minute walk

School Score 62.5 with 54% math and 71% reading proficiency

Proximitii 2026

Private Schools Nearby

  • Mount Tamalpais School (KG-8) — 12-minute walk
  • Marin Horizon School (PK-8) — 29-minute walk
  • Ring Mountain Day School (KG-8) — 32-minute walk

Feeder pattern: Public elementary students typically transition to Mill Valley Middle, then Tamalpais High (62.5, 9-12); private options like Marin Horizon School (K-8) offer alternatives within the community.

Source: Proximitii 2026

Commute from Almonte

Almonte is car-centric; most residents drive rather than take transit. The neighborhood's car-friendly layout and proximity to US 101 make commutes to Silicon Valley and San Francisco feasible, though traffic on 101 can be unpredictable.

Downtown Mill Valley
Drive: 8 to 12 minTransit: 15 to 20 min (limited local bus)
San Rafael Downtown
Drive: 15 to 20 minTransit: 25 to 35 min (Golden Gate Transit)
San Francisco (Financial District)
Drive: 45 to 60 minTransit: 90 to 120 min (Golden Gate to Ferry)
SFO Airport
Drive: 50 to 65 minTransit: limited

Additionally, golden Gate Transit buses serve Almonte Boulevard and Miller Avenue, but service is infrequent; biking to nearby destinations is far more practical given the bike score of 87.

Frequently Asked Questions about Almonte

What is the average home price in Almonte, Mill Valley?

The median home value in Almonte is approximately $1.52 million, placing it at the premium end of Marin County. Single-family homes typically range from $1.3 million to $2.2 million, while townhomes and smaller units can be found between $950,000 and $1.6 million. Prices have remained relatively stable over recent years, with modest year-over-year appreciation reflecting the strong and consistent demand for homes in this highly rated school district.

Is Almonte a good neighborhood to live in?

Yes, especially if you value outdoor recreation, excellent schools, and suburban calm. Additionally, the neighborhood has a bike score of 87 (excellent for cycling), top-rated elementary and middle schools, and direct access to hiking trails and nature preserves. Moreover, the trade-off is a lower walk score of 54, meaning you'll need a car for most errands. Almonte suits families, remote workers, and active retirees; it is less ideal for young professionals seeking walkable urban nightlife.

How good are the schools in Almonte?

Schools in Almonte and nearby are among Marin's best. Additionally, edna Maguire Elementary scores 82.5 and Tamalpais Valley Elementary scores 81.5, placing both in the top tier. Moreover, mill Valley Middle (80.5) feeds into Tamalpais High (62.5). Private options like Mount Tamalpais School and Marin Horizon School (K-8) offer additional choice. About 74.5% of adults in the proximity have bachelor's degrees, underscoring the community's education-focused culture.

Is Almonte safe?

Yes, Almonte is a safe, family-friendly neighborhood. Additionally, the area has low crime rates typical of affluent Marin, with a poverty rate of only 6.7%. Moreover, emergency services include Mill Valley Fire Department Station 7 and the Mill Valley Police Department nearby. Golden Gate Urgent Care and Kaiser Permanente are accessible for health needs. The tight-knit community and strong school presence reinforce a secure atmosphere.

Who is Almonte best suited for?

Almonte is ideal for families with school-age children, active retirees, and remote workers seeking a quiet, nature-connected home base. Additionally, the neighborhood's 31.5% households with children, strong schools, and outdoor amenities make it particularly appealing to families. With 28.5% of residents working from home and excellent broadband, remote workers thrive here. Investors also appreciate stable rental demand at $2,896 median and long-term appreciation potential.

What amenities and activities are available in Almonte?

The neighborhood offers excellent outdoor recreation, including trails at Bothin Marsh Preserve, Hawk Hill, and Hauke Park Playground. For daily needs, Safeway and Whole Foods Market handle groceries, while restaurants like Piatti and Robata Grill & Sushi provide dining options. Additionally, coffee lovers visit Equator Coffees at Proof Lab or Coyote Coffee. The Mill Valley Community Center offers fitness and wellness classes. With a bike score of 87, cycling is the primary way many residents move around the neighborhood.

Where this Almonte 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 Almonte

Additionally, start your search for a home in Almonte, Mill Valley today and join a community of families, outdoor enthusiasts, and remote workers who value excellent schools and mountain living.

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