Why Buyers Love Upper San Anselmo (North of Sir Francis Drake), San Anselmo
A prosperous, walkable neighborhood north of Sir Francis Drake Boulevard that balances suburban comfort with convenient access to Marin's cultural hub.
About Upper San Anselmo (North of Sir Francis Drake) in San Anselmo
Upper San Anselmo (North of Sir Francis Drake) stands out as one of Marin County's most desirable neighborhoods, where affluent families prioritize excellent schools and walkable day-to-day life. The median home value of $1.6 million reflects strong market demand, supported by a median household income of $183k and 73.6% of residents holding bachelor's degrees. However, this prosperity comes with trade-offs: limited inventory, competitive offers, and a lifestyle centered on car and pedestrian access rather than dense urban amenities.
Real Estate Market in Upper San Anselmo (North of Sir Francis Drake)
| Median home price | $1.6m |
|---|---|
| Year over year change | Market-dependent; generally tracking or slightly above broader Marin appreciation |
| Price per sq ft | $550 to $650 |
| Median rent | $2,482 |
| Typical days on market | 18 to 25 days |
| Buyer competition | Fierce |
| Walk Score | 73 |
| Bike Score | 67 |
Upper San Anselmo (North of Sir Francis Drake) commands a premium within San Anselmo, driven by walkability, schools, and demographic concentration. Homes here move briskly in spring and summer months, with limited inventory typically favoring sellers.
Expect multiple offers on well-positioned homes. Pre-approval, written inspection contingencies, and proof of funds strengthen your position. Schools and proximity to downtown San Anselmo Avenue command premium asking prices; negotiate repair reserves rather than price reductions on quality properties.
Who Thrives in Upper San Anselmo (North of Sir Francis Drake)
Upper San Anselmo (North of Sir Francis Drake) pricing ($1.6m median) typically exceeds first-time buyer budgets; consider just south of Sir Francis Drake Boulevard for modestly lower entry points while maintaining walkability.
This is the neighborhood's core demographic, with 29% of households including children, top-rated Wade Thomas Elementary and Sir Francis Drake High within reach, and safe tree-lined streets ideal for biking and outdoor play.
Stable rental market ($2,482 median) and strong owner-occupancy (59%) indicate low turnover; long-term buy-and-hold or parent-funded family housing works better than short-term flip strategies here.
Walk score of 73 supports groceries and coffee runs without a car; 25.6% work from home; fiber-optic availability and quiet tree-lined office spaces suit distributed roles.
Median age 48.4 reflects an aging, established community; walkable downtown and excellent healthcare facilities (Isabel Cook Recreation Center, nearby clinics) support active retirement lifestyles.
Property Types in Upper San Anselmo (North of Sir Francis Drake)
Majority of inventory; typically 3 to 5 bedrooms, 1970s to 1990s construction, with updated bathrooms and kitchens commanding premium pricing.
Concentrated near San Anselmo Avenue; lower maintenance appeals to retirees and investors; fewer HOA restrictions than Fairfax comparable properties.
Tear-downs and major rehabs command significant premiums; modern open floor plans and smart homes attract highest buyer demand.
Living in Upper San Anselmo (North of Sir Francis Drake), San Anselmo
Daily life in Upper San Anselmo (North of Sir Francis Drake) orbits around family, walkability, and community tradition. Residents bike or walk to Peet's Coffee or The San Anselmo Coffee Roastery for morning routines, shop at Andronico's Community Market or Safeway for groceries, and gather at Robson-Harrington Park or San Anselmo Millennium Playground for weekend recreation. <h3>Recreation and Culture</h3> The neighborhood's 9 out of 10 lifestyle education score and 9 out of 10 walkability score reflect strong schools, cultural events at the Marin Art & Garden Center nearby, and family-friendly dining (Swirl, Baan Thai Cuisine, Taco Jane's) within walking distance. Marin Museum of Bicycling celebrates the region's cycling heritage, and Fairfax 5 Theaters provides weekend entertainment just south of Sir Francis Drake Boulevard.
- Hot Wok · 8 min walk
- Swirl · 8 min walk
- Subway · 9 min walk
- Baan Thai Cuisine · 10 min walk
- Taco Jane's · 10 min walk
- Peet's Coffee · 8 min walk
- The San Anselmo Coffee Roastery · 10 min walk
- Gelato San Anselmo · 11 min walk
- Marin Coffee Roasters · 12 min walk
- Comforts · 14 min walk
- Robson-Harrington Park · 8 min walk
- San Anselmo Memorial Park · 10 min walk
- San Anselmo Millenium Playground · 11 min walk
- Red Hill Community Park · 11 min walk
- Imagination Park · 12 min walk
- Quick n Easy Grocery Wine & Liquor · 8 min walk
- Safeway · 9 min walk
- Andronico's Community Market · 10 min walk
- Flour Craft Bakery · 10 min walk
- M.H. Bread & Butter · 18 min walk
- Isabel Cook Recreation Center · 7 min walk
- Fairfax 5 Theaters · 29 min walk
- Marin Museum of Bicycling · 33 min walk
- Marin Art & Garden Center, Ross · 37 min walk
Annual events: San Anselmo Music Festival (summer), Marin County Fair (July), local school fundraisers and PTA events
Schools Near Upper San Anselmo (North of Sir Francis Drake), San Anselmo
Upper San Anselmo (North of Sir Francis Drake) neighborhoods feed into some of Marin County's strongest public schools, with Wade Thomas Elementary (rated 82) serving kindergarten through 5th grade and Sir Francis Drake High (69.5) handling 9th to 12th grade students. Private options like San Anselmo Montessori School and Star Academy (KG-12) provide alternatives for families seeking smaller class sizes or specialized curricula.
Elementary Schools
School Score 82 with 82% math and 82% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026High Schools
School Score 69.5 with 63% math and 76% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026Private Schools Nearby
- San Anselmo Montessori School (PK-KG) — 11-minute walk
- Star Academy (KG-12) — 7-minute walk
Feeder pattern: Wade Thomas Elementary flows into Sir Francis Drake High; both schools reflect the neighborhood's demographic profile of affluent, highly educated families.
Source: Proximitii 2026
Commute from Upper San Anselmo (North of Sir Francis Drake)
Upper San Anselmo (North of Sir Francis Drake) residents enjoy direct access to downtown San Anselmo's offices and retail via short walks or 5-minute drives. The neighborhood sits 12 to 15 miles from tech corridors in San Rafael and Novato, and major regional destinations remain accessible despite Marin's geography and traffic patterns.
Golden Gate Transit bus stops near Sir Francis Drake Boulevard and Sunnyhills Drive provide limited regional service; most households rely on personal vehicles for commuting, though 25.6% work from home, reducing car dependency.
Neighborhoods Near Upper San Anselmo (North of Sir Francis Drake)
Not sure Upper San Anselmo (North of Sir Francis Drake) is the right fit? Compare these nearby neighborhoods.
Frequently Asked Questions about Upper San Anselmo (North of Sir Francis Drake)
What is the average home price in Upper San Anselmo (North of Sir Francis Drake), San Anselmo?
The median home price is approximately $1.6 million, with single-family homes ranging from $1.2 million to $2.3 million depending on condition, lot size, and proximity to downtown San Anselmo. Condos and townhomes typically list between $850,000 and $1.35 million. New construction and extensively renovated properties command $1.6 million to $2.8 million. These figures reflect strong market demand, excellent schools, and the neighborhood's walkability and safety profile.
Is Upper San Anselmo (North of Sir Francis Drake) a good place to live?
Yes, for affluent families and established professionals prioritizing schools, walkability, and community stability. The neighborhood scores 73 on walk score and 67 on bike score, supports a median household income of $183k, and maintains low poverty (6.4%). However, it is not for first-time buyers on tight budgets or those seeking urban nightlife; the area is car-reliant for some destinations and lacks dense commercial corridors.
What schools serve Upper San Anselmo (North of Sir Francis Drake)?
Wade Thomas Elementary (rated 82, KG-5) is the primary public elementary school, with students advancing to Sir Francis Drake High (69.5, 9-12) for secondary education. Both schools reflect the neighborhood's academic focus and family-centered demographics. Private options include San Anselmo Montessori School and Star Academy, which serve families seeking alternative curricula or smaller class sizes.
Is Upper San Anselmo (North of Sir Francis Drake) safe?
Yes, the neighborhood enjoys low crime rates typical of affluent Marin communities, with a poverty rate of only 6.4% and strong neighborhood watch culture. Median age of 48.4 and 57.9% married households reflect stability and long-term residency, reinforcing safety perception and actual incident frequency.
Who is Upper San Anselmo (North of Sir Francis Drake) best suited for?
Established families earning $150k to $300k+ annually, remote workers seeking quiet suburban bases, retirees prioritizing walkability and healthcare access, and investors targeting stable rental markets. It suits those valuing schools, safety, and community over urban entertainment or short commutes to Silicon Valley.
What amenities and dining options are nearby?
Upper San Anselmo (North of Sir Francis Drake) residents enjoy walkable access to Peet's Coffee and The San Anselmo Coffee Roastery for morning routines, Andronico's Community Market for quality groceries, and diverse dining including Baan Thai Cuisine, Swirl, and Taco Jane's. Isabel Cook Recreation Center provides fitness, while Robson-Harrington Park and San Anselmo Millennium Playground support outdoor family activity.
Where this Upper San Anselmo (North of Sir Francis Drake) data comes from
Numbers throughout this guide come from public, authoritative sources. 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 Upper San Anselmo (North of Sir Francis Drake)
Work with a local real estate expert who knows the neighborhood's schools, walkability, and market dynamics to identify homes matching your family priorities and investment timeline.
Search homes in Upper San Anselmo (North of Sir Francis Drake) →