Great weather, access to hiking and biking trails, good schools, and a strong, vibrant downtown make San Anselmo a desirable destination for Marin County homebuyers looking to live a little off the beaten track.

The neighborhood surrounding the San Francisco Theological Seminary is a quiet, leafy enclave of large, older houses with well-tended yards. Heading up Butterfield Road will take you to the rolling hills above San Anselmo and sweeping views of the open spaces, grasslands, and oak trees of northern Marin County. Downtown, locals get their fill of gourmet comfort food at Comforts and their caffeine fix at the Marin Coffee Roasters. Shopping for antiques is a notable pastime here, with numerous stores devoted to discovering the perfect find.

San Anselmo is a town made for strolling. Small shops and many restaurants line the main street, which backs onto the active San Anselmo Creek. Insalata’s and Cucina Restaurant & Wine Bar are popular dinner destinations with locals.