About 14 miles north of San Francisco, across the Golden Gate Bridge, is the small city of Mill Valley, California. Mill Valley is a gorgeous, luxurious and affluent place to live, with Richardson Bay to the southeast, and Mount Tamalpais and all its beautiful surroundings to the west. Popular among retirees, professionals, and young families alike, Mill Valley offers residents a laid-back lifestyle with easy access to San Francisco. Despite the slower pace, Mill Valley is home to a bustling commercial district with boutiques, galleries, and fantastic eateries. Mill Valley was home to the Coast Miwok people and were originally under the Mexican government. During WW2, many buildings and roads were constructed, which led to more people relocating here. A suburban oasis, Mill Valley is a highly sought after place to live. Mill Valley is known for its great hiking and biking. Notable residents from Mill Valley include Eve Arden and Bob Weir.
Mill Valley, CA Population & Demographics
The population of Mill Valley is 14,318 people. Mill Valley’s population is 46% female and 54% male. If you’re looking for racial diversity, you might be disappointed in Mill Valley. Mill Valley’s demographic breakdown is 84.5% white, 7.7% Hispanic, 0.3% Black or African American, 3.7% Asian, and 3.7% Mixed or Other races. 53.9% of households in Mill Valley are listed as married couples, and just over 32% of households include children under the age of 18. Whether you’ll be bringing children to Mill Valley or not, you can rest assured Mill Valley is a safe place to live. In fact, Mill Valley is safer than 58% of all other cities in the US. There are 21 police officers in the Mill Valley Police Department.
Mill Valley is located in Marin County, California. Mill Valley falls within the 94941 zip code. Mill Valley’s area codes are 415 and 628.
Mill Valley Cost of Living
If you’re thinking of moving to Mill Valley, you’re definitely wondering if you can afford it! If you’re on a tight budget, Mill Valley might not appeal to you. Overall, the cost of living in Mill Valley is 147% higher than the national average, making it a very affluent city in the Bay Area. Housing prices in Mill Valley account for a large portion of that figure; real estate in Mill Valley is 418% higher than the national average. Depending on where you’re moving from, there aren’t many places to save in Mill Valley. Groceries are 31% higher than the national average, and transportation is 49% more expensive. Utilities in Mill Valley run 38% higher than the rest of the country, and health care costs are 25% higher.
The majority of Mill Valley residents own their homes. The homeownership rate in Mill Valley is 70.2%, and the real estate market is very competitive. Though prices have gone down in the last year by about 2.3%, the median sale price for a home in Mill Valley is $1,950,000. That’s a whopping $1,100 per square foot. Real estate sells quickly in Mill Valley – homes usually go to pending in about 12 days, some as quickly as 7 days. If you’re house hunting in Mill Valley, you’ll likely pay the above list price. Buyers pay an average of 10% above asking, and some pay as much as 22% more! Click here to browse current homes for sale in Mill Valley, CA.
About 29.8% of Mill Valley residents choose to rent instead of buy. The average rent in Mill Valley is $3,409 a month for a 908 square foot apartment.
Mill Valley, CA Neighborhoods
It may be small in size, but there are 38 neighborhoods in Mill Valley! The most popular neighborhoods in Mill Valley are Alto, Tamalpais Park, Sycamore Park, and Sunrise Pointe. The Alto neighborhood is one of the most expensive in Mill Valley, popular for its convenient highway access and rural feel. Here you’ll find newer homes that sell for around $4M. Tamalpais Park and Sycamore Park are also highly sought after neighborhoods, where Victorian beauties and WWII-era cottages have received modern renovations. If you’re looking for condo living, look toward Sunrise Pointe, Shelter Bay, and Eucalyptus Knolls.
Mill Valley, CA Weather
Residents of Mill Valley enjoy some of the best weather in the world! Mill Valley’s climate is categorized as mild Mediterranean. This means you’ll experience long, comfortable summers and mild temperatures all throughout the year. In fact, the temperature in Mill Valley rarely goes above 82°F or below 36°F. The warmest month of the year in Mill Valley is September, when average daily highs reach 72.3°F. You can put your rainboots away after you move to Mill Valley – the area receives less than 4” of precipitation a year.
Things to Do in Mill Valley
Mill Valley may have a reputation for being a relaxed place to live, but there’s still plenty to do. Outdoor recreation is the name of the game in Mill Valley, so you’ll have endless opportunities to commune with nature! Here are some of the top attractions in Mill Valley:
Muir Woods National Monument
One of the best things to do in Mill Valley is the breathtaking Muir Woods National Monument. Whether you want to take a hike, bike, or run on your own, or partake in a guided tour, you will be in awe of the beautiful surroundings and ancient redwood trees. The park is open 365 days a year, and offers tons of educational opportunities including kids’ and junior rangers programs.
1 Muir Woods Rd Mill Valley, CA 94941, (415) 561-2850
Cascade Falls
If you want to go hiking and see beautiful scenery, you can’t miss out on Cascade Falls. This is a great activity for kids in Mill Valley, as they’ll be able to get out of the house and more in touch with nature.
Cascade Dr, Mill Valley, CA 94941
Additional Things to do in and around Mill Valley
Mill Valley operates 19 parks and other amenities across for all residents to enjoy. Check them out on the Mill Valley parks and recreation site.
Mill Valley Restaurants
Mill Valley is a foodie’s paradise! There are lots of amazing eateries in Mill Valley that draw San Franciscans across the bridge for a delicious meal. Here are a few of the best places to dine in Mill Valley:
Parranga Taqueria & Cerveceria
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If you’re looking for great Mexican food in a casual setting, Parranga Taqueria & Cerveceria never disappoint. Parranga’s menu is bursting with flavor, and dishes are made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. This is a perfect date night restaurant in Mill Valley!
800 Redwood Highway, Strawberry Village #801, Mill Valley, CA 94941, (415) 569-5009
Bungalow 44
Right in the heart of Mill Valley’s downtown area, Bungalow 44 has been earning rave reviews since its doors opened in 2005. Bungalow 44 provides a comfortable, cozy dining area where diners enjoy upscale American fare. The bar has a relaxed vibe and is a Mill Valley restaurant favorite for a fun evening out.
44 E Blithedale Ave, Mill Valley, CA 94941, (415) 381-2500
Map of Mill Valley, CA
Explore more things to do, places to eat, and beyond with this Mill Valley map.
Jobs in Mill Valley, CA
The average household income in Mill Valley is $163,614 per year, and salaries are rising by about 3% every year. The most common occupations held by Mill Valley residents are management, sales, and business/financial operations positions. Mill Valley’s biggest employment industries are professional/scientific/technical services, healthcare and social assistance, and educational services sectors. Only 5.7% of Mill Valley’s population lives below the poverty line. The group most affected by poverty in Mill Valley is males aged 55-64.
If you’re considering Mill Valley, you can expect a somewhat hefty commute. The average Mill Valley commuter spends 28.6 minutes getting to work – a little over 3 minutes longer than the national average. The majority of Mill Valley households have two cars, so it makes sense that 61.2% of commuters make the trip alone. However, you may not have to make the trek at all! There are high telecommuting numbers in Mill Valley, with 15.6% of residents working from home. If you’ll be driving into San Francisco for work, click here for directions from Mill Valley to Downtown San Francisco, which is 14.3 miles.
Are you job hunting in Mill Valley? Click here to browse current Mill Valley job opportunities on Indeed.com. Perhaps you’d like to work for the City of Mill Valley. They’re hiring! Click here to see current listings posted by the City of Mill Valley.
Schools in Mill Valley, CA
If you’re wondering whether you’ll have access to great schools in Mill Valley, you’ll be happy to know that Mill Valley schools are exceptional! Mill Valley School District manages the public schools that serve the city. The highest rated schools in Mill Valley are Park Elementary, Mill Valley Middle School, and Tamalpais Valley Elementary. High school graduation rates are 16.9% higher in Mill Valley than the California state average, and students score 54% higher on their tests than the national average. Students and others will enjoy the free Mill Valley library.
Living in Mill Valley Pros & Cons
- Pro: Beautiful surroundings
- Pro: Amazing weather all year round
- Con: High cost of living
Are you relocating to Mill Valley? Let our award-winning Mill Valley moving company help make your change of address easy! Call AMS Relocation today at 650-284-2931 to get your free quote!
