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Corte Madera - The Small Town With Everything

People love living in Corte Madera!  

Corte Madera is part of the "Twin Cities"
community with Larkspur. Congenial,
unpretentious small town charm is
just one reason why so many families
are drawn to this community. Corte Madera
offers the life many people dream of. . .
  • some of the finest weather anywhere
  • a beautiful natural environment
  • a close-to-everything location
  • several great schools, restaurants, shops, and of course
  • so many remarkably bright , down to earth, genuinely friendly people, people who were intelligent enough to move here in the first place!

    CLICK HERE TO SEE a music video about life in the Twin Cities!.

No wonder houses cost much here. Yet, the people who we have helped move to the Twin Cities will tell you it's worth every penny. Corte Madera  has a well-earned reputation for being a town that celebrates life with enthusiasm. Larkspur was known as one of many northern California towns that rejected the notion of Prohibition back in the early 1900's, and the stories of how moonshine was hidden from the feds are hilarious, like the one about how the revelers would throw full bottles into the creek and then pay their children a nickle a bottle the next day to wade out into the mud to retrieve them. The fabeled outdoor Rose Bowl dances were held every Saturday night, and were packed, often by city folk who crossed over by ferry to Sausalito and then took  a high speed electric train through the Alto Tunnel into Corte Madera and Larkspur. Now the railroad right of way is a beautiful bike path that connects the people who live here to their schools, their shops and restaurants and each other!

From the remote wilderness of the mountains and saltwater marshes to the most popular of shops, from Nordstrom to Book Passage -- Corte Madera truly has it all.

This fine small town is an excellent place to call home, with the first good weather and the last good commute this side of San Francisco. Our homes tend to be somewhat more affordable than most other popular southern Marin communities (although Corte Madera is clearly catching up!) and the convenience of life in Corte Madera simply can't be beat.

There was a time when Corte Madera was Larkspur's lowly little step sister, but in the past decade, its beautification projects and rich retail tax base has made Corte Madera the envy of many Marin towns.  Topography plays a key role in making up the neighborhoods, of which these are just a few of the favorites:

Chapman Park & Old Corte Madera -- Located on the west side of US 101, this older part of town features many homes first built in the early 1900's. Originally small summer cottages, many homes in this vintage area have seen much updating and expansion, but the charm of Chapman Park is largely intact.  A great convenient location, just a few blocks from 101 off Tamalpais Avenue ( to the south of Town Park) Just accross Tamalpais is the equally charming neighborhood adjacent to Corte Madera's Old Square, which borders Larkspur.  There are many condominiums close to Town Park, along Pixely and Redwood Avenue.  Expect to pay a minium of the low $800s for a workable family home in this area; and starting in the $200s if you're thinking of a condominium.

Christmas Tree Hill -- This magical place is surely one of Marin's sweet spots. While the narrow drive up can be harrowing, residents are as mild-mannered as Brits, as they await their turn to take a narrow corner.  The views, the sunlight, the privacy and the natural beauty up here are beyond compare.  Christmas Tree Hill (so named for the way the lights appear on the hil from US 101) is home to many who would like to move up or size down, but are willing to wait for years for the right one to come up right there on Christmas Tree Hill. If you are one of those people, please get in touch!

Madera Gardens --  Another magical Marin neighborhood!  Google Earth it to see the lagoons that join these neighborhoods with beauty and recreational fun!  People swim and boat all summer long! It's super convenient to everything; is quiet and peaceful, and friendly!   Award winning Neil Cummins elementary school is in this neighborhood, as is the beloved Twin Cities Co-op Pre School.  An arial photo of the area is necessary to appreciate how much water front property exists here -- even right across the street from Safeway!  Expert flood and levy control has made it possible to flush the lagoons regularly to keep them filled with nice clear water.  Residents regular boat and swim in these hidden lagoons, and many see this neighborhood as one of Corte Maderas (ney, Marin's) best kept secrets.  If you want level, sidewalk lined streets where the kids can ride bikes and meet lots of new friends, this area is for you!

Bayside Corte Madera -- East of the Freeway lies an area where the main road is called "Paradise" for some very good reasons.  Located just past one of the San Francisco Bay's last remaining preserved antural habitats, Shorefird Marsh, this area has a different, big sky feeling!  Residents herelove the open feeling here, the access to fabulous hiking trails, and to the phenomnal Paradise Foods market.  Not only does the market sell fabulous foods, but it supports the schools and community by hosting community building events.  Many walk to Paradise.  And that's esxactly where they feel they are!

The hills climb gently up on Granada and Prince Royal, the views widen, the lots grow somewhat larger,Tiburon becomes the school district, and yet the neighborhoods are still intimate and friendly. The bicycle ride along Paradise Drive to downtown Tiburon and back is surely one of the world's more beautiful 90 minutes, (more or less depending on your level of fitness).

Mariner Cove Neighborhood a is an excellent example of what a neighborhood can be. Resdients Harry Schriebman and his wife Annette helped create a neighborhood association many decades ago, and are still involved in keeping neighbors informed and planning regular holiday events.  This neighborhood on the north side of Paradise Drive features some beautiful properties  Recent development of the excellent Paradise Market and fitness club has made this side of town much sought after status, especially since values can be a little more reasonable here.

If you'd like to know more about any of these great Twin Cities neighborhoods, including about houses available within them, please don't hesitate to contact Bob at 415-378-1414 or bravasio@fhallen.com