This is the first of many reports on life and real estate in Marin County California. I have been here since 1974 and can honestly report—as many others quickly learn—that this is paradise.
In fact, someone should have named Marin “Paradise.” Some names come naturally; here is a good example. When we first met our cat about 13 years ago, she walked over and licked Madeline’s hand. I said “This cat is an Angel,” and we called her Angel. That’s the way it is with Marin; you just know it.
Angel, our Ocicat
In our blog, you will learn about the rich physical beauty of Marin, the delightful benefits of living here, and the homes that are tucked into its tree-lined canyons, gentle hillsides, bayside marshes, and coastal beaches. We hope to inform you and inspire you.
Along the way, you will learn more about Madeline Schaider Real Estate and the people who make it work so well: Madeline, Beat, Robert, and me, Alan.
Why Live in Marin?
Marin is a large county just north of San Francisco, across the Golden Gate Bridge, with very few people and a great deal of open space: 80 to 85% of Marin is preserved as open space. We have beautiful weather, clean air, and clear mountain water from our own lakes. San Francisco is minutes away across the bridge—easy for a visit to world-class museums, opera, symphony, and ballet, plus dinner in interesting restaurants of every type. The Sonoma and Napa Valleys are just minutes away, with the beauty and fine wines of Tuscany and Southern France – right in our own backyard!
San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge from the Marin Headlands
For families, Marin provides public schools that are among the best in the country. Outdoor recreation is exceptional with miles of coastal wilderness in Point Reyes National Seashore, the endless beauty of Mount Tamalpais, and hiking and biking trails. That is just the start; you will lean more of our experiences here as this blog continues.
Mount Tamalpais is the Center of Marin
When you are here, you always notice Mt. Tamalpais at the heart of Marin. This 2,700 foot mountain defines the landscape with its peaks and long ridge that stretches northward from the Golden Gate. The hills and valleys define an endlessly changing landscape and many micro-climates. As you turn a corner you will find an unexpected and neighborhood of homes ranging from elegant estates to 1900 Victorian cottages.
Mt Tamalpais and Bayside Corte Madera from Ring Mountain
More to Come
As I get warmed up at the keyboard, you will learn more about living in Marin. At first, you will see a new post every Monday. Then, they will be more frequent. Please let me know what you would like know as this will make the blog more interesting for all of us. I look forward to getting to know you!
