More About Mill Valley
History
- Native American Coastal Miwok people were living in Mill Valley at least 6,000 years ago and 14 Miwok village sites have been identified.
- Mexico granted large blocks of land, or Ranchos, including present day Mill Valley, to two settlers, John Reed in 1834 and William Richardson in 1836. The Reed land was named appropriately Rancho Corte Madera del Presidio, as Reed set up a saw mill on Cascade Creek (now in Old Mill park) to cut and process lumber and deliver it to San Francisco to build the Presidio. Reed also had dairy farms on his land.
- Mill Valley remained small though the 19th century, with about 900 residents in 1900, when the city was incorporated. After the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, the population began to grow and the present town developed.
You can find interesting histories of Mill Valley on the Internet; for example, at the Mill Valley Historical Society and Wikipedia sites.
Weather
Mill Valley has a mild climate with cool, wet winters from November through April, and dry, warm summers. Summer coastal fog often cools the area at night and in the morning, clearing in the afternoon. In general, Mill Valley has more fog and overcast days than other parts of Marin. The cool, foggy days support the growth of Redwood trees that contribute to the city’s charm.
Typical Temperatures (Degrees F)
| Average | Low | High | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov-April | 50’s | 35-40 | 65-80 |
| May-Oct | 60’s | 50’s | 80-95 |
Public Transportation
Mill Valley is served by Marin Transit, with destinations within the county, Golden Gate Transit, providing bus service to San Francisco, and Marin Airporter, connecting Mill Valley to the San Francisco Airport. While all bus services have stops along Highway 101 , some buses provide service directly to downtown:
- Marin Transit Route 17, travels from the San Rafael Transit Center and the Larkspur Ferry Terminal to the Sausalito Ferry Terminal, with a stop in downtown Mill Valley.
- Marin Transit Route 61 provides service from Tamalpais High School to Muir and Stinson Beach, and Bolinas.
- Golden Gate Transit Route 114 provides service between downtown Mill Valley, the San Francisco Financial District, and Moscone Center.
Mill Valley Economy
Mill Valley is a suburban, commuter neighborhood with a high percentage of highly educated, high income residents. The local economy is focused on services.
Community Information
- Mill Valley City Information: Parks, schools, city news, and happening.
- Mill Valley Chamber of Commerce
- Mill Valley Library near downtown provides a rich array of classes for all ages, art exhibits, lectures, podcasts, a dedicated Mill Valley History room, and more.
- Mill Valley Parks: Mill Valley is blessed with breathtaking outdoor space for young and old alike. Residents are spoiled by the natural, wooded environment.
- Mill Valley Municipal Golf Course is a 9-hole par 33 (par 32 for back nine) course set on 42 acres of hills, creeks, and redwoods.
- Mill Valley Recreation Center provides reception and meeting rooms, an indoor swimming pool, special event spaces, and playing fields.
- Homestead Valley Community Association and Land Trust. The Homestead Valley Community Center provides special community gatherings and celebrations, pool membership, summer camp, and party rentals. The Land Trust oversees 80 acres of open space and trails in the valley.
- Muir Woods Park Community Association: The community center at 40 Ridge Road off of Panoramic Highway provides a center for community activities and private parties and meetings for up to 75 people.
- Tamalpais Community Services District. Provides the garbage and sewer system for Tam Valley and manages parks and recreation. The Tamalpais Improvement Club includes a community center and event location for up to 192 people.
- Redwoods Senior Living Center on Camino Alto provides high quality residential living and services for seniors.
- Strawberry Recreation District operates Strawberry recreation community center, athletic facilities, and parks, including tennis courts, a swimming pool, and playing fields.
Community Services: Police & Fire
The Mill Valley Police Department serves incorporated Mill Valley. Unincorporated Mill valley is served by the Marin Country Sheriff and the California Highway Patrol. The Southern Marin Fire Protection District serves all of Mill Valley. If you need help, call 911.
