Corte Madera
The Small Town With Everything
From the remote wilderness of the mountains and the marshes to the most popular of shops from Nordstroms 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 commercial 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 The older part of town, with many homes first built in the early 1900's. Homes in this vintage area have seen much updating and expansion, but the charm of this area 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 of Baltimore Park, 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 $400s 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. Some of 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 of our clients -- some who would like a new house, but they are willing to wait for years for the right one to come up on Christmas Tree Hill.
Madera Gardens --The level area (or "the flats") bordered by Tamalpais, Madera Blvd, Town Park and Birch Avenues, is home to many of Corte Madera's young families. 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.
Bayside Corte Madera -- East of the Freeway lies an area some would not trade for anywhere. Residents love the open feeling over here, especially as 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.
Newer developments at Madera Del Presidio feature good size, more modern family homes for $1.5m+. Mariner Cove, a very actively organized neighborhood on the north side of Paradise Drive features some beautiful properties, very worthy of the annual home and kitchen tours they host. Recent development of the excellent Paradise Market and Aegis assisted living facility has made this side of town as livable and beautiful as the more densely populated areas on the west side.
We edit and expand this content regularly, and revise it to keep things current. If you'd like to know more about any of these neighborhoods, including about houses available within them, please don't hesitate to contact us by phone or email.
