I'm gonna talk about a place that's got a hold on me, Mill Valley / __A little place where life feels very fine and free, Mill Valley. - From "_Mill Valley" _by Rita Abrams
Cross over the Golden Gate Bridge and you will quickly find yourself in Mill Valley. This desirable community has claimed its own little piece of the California Coast as well as the imposing Mt. Tamalpais. Hills, valleys, canyons and redwoods make up this city in Marin County where you will find strong supports for the arts and a laid back Californian lifestyle. Yes, it is California dreamin' here.
Neighborhoods of Mill Valley
There are plenty of options when it comes to finding rental homes in Mill Valley; the key is to be ready for the prices. Mill Valley is an extremely desirable place to live and the price reflects the demand. Consistently, homes rent for higher than the national average.
If you are hoping to find an apartment for rent in Mill Valley, there are a lot of neighborhoods to choose from, but expect to pay significantly more than the average price in California.
Alto Sutton Manor: Sitting right next to Highway 101, you'll have easy access to San Francisco from this neighborhood. In addition, as one of the more northern and flat areas of Mill Valley, Alto Sutton Manor avoids some of the fog that blankets the hills behind it.
Blithedale Canyon: Heading into this canyon, you will soon be into the redwoods. Here there are plenty of homes in the trees. and as you climb higher, you could easily find a rental with those killer views. Several trailheads to Mt. Tamalpais are nearby.
Boyle Park: The Boyle Park neighborhood is close to downtown Mill Valley and is your typical downtown neighborhood with a local park, yards and cute houses. Boyle Park is dominated by single family homes for rent.
Cascade Canyon: Heading back into the redwoods, Cascade Canyon is a real mix of homes built on the hillsides and homes on the flat lands. Most rental apartment situations will be in homes. If you need sun, make sure to get up off of the canyon floor!
Country Club: This is the northernmost neighborhood in Mill Valley, bordering on Corte Madera. Close to hiking trails and the Mill Valley Tennis Club, you will find home rentals and apartments in homes in this popular neighborhood.
Downtown Mill Valley: Downtown is the place to find an apartment rental. There are many upscale and very large homes, but don't let this fool you. Tucked away on some of the side streets are some cute little pads that you can call home.
East Blithedale Corridor: Running out to the flats again, East Blithedale sits between the 101 and the Boyle Park area. Here you will find some apartment complex style living as well as single family homes for rent.
Enchanted Knolls: If you need to get to San Francisco, this is the spot for you. This desirable location has easy access to the 101 freeway. There is a local neighborhood park and this spot puts you right near all the action.
Eucalyptus Knolls: Eucalyptus Knolls is townhouse central. Here is the place to kick back in your two bedroom townhouse with a gorgeous view of Mt. Tam. Plus, like its neighbor Enchanted Knolls, it has easy access to the 101.
Middle Ridge: Middle Ridge is quintessential Mill Valley. If you are apartment hunting however, you will not likely find too much to choose from in this area as most of the housing is of the palatial, hilltop variety.
Mill Valley Heights: Mill Valley Heights sits in between the Molino-Edgewood neighborhood and Panoramic. While not quite as high as Panoramic, the area still offers views and is somewhat more protected from the wind and fog.
Miller Avenue: Miller Ave. is one of the major roads into downtown Mill Valley, running along Mill Creek and into downtown. Housing along this road is generally older and more established, but there are plenty of opportunities for apartment rentals here.
Molino-Edgewood: This neighborhood sits above Miller Avenue yet is still near downtown. Many of the homes here are on the hills so don't expect too much by way of a yard. Rentals will mostly be in the form of homes or in-home apartments.
Old Mill: Back on the flat lands, the Old Mill neighborhood is walkable from downtown and is close to the library, parks and schools. This is a very desirable location, but still puts you a little ways from the 101, which may be a hassle if you need to commute.
Panoramic: If you are looking to get away from it all, Panoramic is your neighborhood. Sitting high up on the top of the ridge is a unique world to behold. Often you will be in fog, so know that going in. But here you can have the view of your dreams and quick access to hiking and the beach.
Sycamore Park: The opposite of Panoramic, Sycamore Park is your quintessential neighborhood, complete with grassy yards and picket fences. Walk to everything you need from this in-town location and yet still have easy access to the 101.
Tamalpais Park: Like its neighbor, Sycamore Park, Tam Park is your best bet for a neighborhood feel. In addition, both areas enjoy some of the best weather that Mill Valley has to offer, often clearing of before the hills and canyons do.
Living in Mill Valley
Mill Valley is a unique and special place to live, even for Marin County. The eclectic mix of people and properties really covers every person's style, as long as your style is relaxed. If you aren't relaxed, maybe it's time to come to Mill Valley and let the stress go.
Mill Valley has plenty of world-class festivals to keep you busy, when you aren't spending time enjoying nature. For over thirty years, the city has hosted the Mill Valley Film Festival. The Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival is over 50 years old. A special treat is to catch one of the famous Mountain Plays at the open-air amphitheater on Mt. Tam. This is a local tradition that has been going on since 1913!
Combine the open-minded atmosphere with a great artist community and a fun and vibrant downtown and this puts Mill Valley on anyone's top 10 places to live in.