Living in Tamalpais-Homestead Valley offers a quiet mountain lifestyle near Mount Tamalpais, Muir Woods, and the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. This unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) sits just south of Mill Valley and is known for its redwoods, hiking trails, and relaxed, nature-forward vibe. The name “Tamalpais” comes from a Coast Miwok term often interpreted as “west hill,” while “Homestead Valley” reflects its early 1900s homesteading roots. If you’re thinking about moving to Tamalpais-Homestead Valley, it’s truly a peaceful spot and a great place to live.
Where Is Tamalpais-Homestead Valley?
Tamalpais-Homestead Valley is in Marin County, California, near Mill Valley, tucked into the southern part of the county between Mill Valley and the Marin Headlands. It’s part of the San Francisco Bay Area.
The CDP borders Mill Valley, Tam Valley, and the open-space areas surrounding Mount Tamalpais and Muir Woods National Monument. It’s a scenic area marked by redwood forests, rolling hills, and from Tamalpais-Homestead Valley to San Francisco is about 14 miles.
Tamalpais-Homestead Valley Population & Demographics
The population of Tamalpais-Homestead is 11,492, up 7.1% from 2010 (U.S. Census). This is slow but steady growth, which speaks to the appeal of a peaceful lifestyle away from large cities. Another reason for its slowed growth could be that it is an expensive community to live in.
Notable people from the Tamalpais-Homestead Valley area include American playwright, actor, and director Sam Shepherd, and jazz singer Jon Hendricks.
Tamalpais-Homestead Valley Population
- 46% men vs 54% women
- Median age: 44.3 years
- The racial and ethnic composition: White alone 79% (8% Hispanic), Asian 4%, Black or African American 1%, two or more races 7%
- Foreign-born population: 12.3%
- Median household income: $238,158 – the CA state median household income is $96,334
- Educational attainment: High school grads: 98.8% and Bachelor’s degree or higher: 79.1%
Tamalpais-Homestead Valley Crime Rate
Is Tamalpais-Homestead Valley safe? Yes, when living in Tamalpais-Homestead Valley, you are quite safe. The overall crime rate in Tamalpais-Homestead Valley – based on information on Mill Valley) – is 1,177 per 100,000 people, 49.4% lower than the national average and 58.6% lower than the California crime rate. Violent crime is 64 per 100,000 people — 82.7% below the national rate and 87.2% below the state rate. Property crime is 1,112 per 100,000, which is 52.5% lower than the state average and 43.1% below the national average.
Learn all about the 19 officers serving the community at the Mill Valley Police Department website.
Average Cost of Living in Tamalpais-Homestead Valley
We can get an idea of the cost of living in Tamalpais-Homestead Valley from the overall San Francisco metro area. The cost of living is very high, at an astounding 187% higher than the national average.
How much does it cost to live in Tamalpais-Homestead Valley? A family of four must earn $211,473 per year (Economic Policy Institute).
These are the prices you’ll likely pay for everyday items when living in Tamalpais-Homestead Valley:
Typical Tamalpais-Homestead Valley Living Expenses
- Milk (regular, 1 liter): $1.54
- Eggs (12, large size): $6.18
- Local cheese (1 pound): $10.39
- Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $30.00
- Gas (1 gallon): $4.64
- Average Tamalpais-Homestead Valley utilities per month: $850 (Doxo)
Tamalpais-Homestead Valley Housing Costs
Tamalpais-Homestead Valley real estate is one of the most competitive you’ll find (Redfin). The median home price is $2.0M—for perspective, the national median home price is $440,000. The cost per square foot is $893. Compared to the median home price in California, $838,400, the median home price in Tamalpais-Homestead Valley is 138.5% higher. If you’re considering living in Tamalpais-Homestead Valley, search this list of homes for sale in Tamalpais-Homestead Valley.
Prefer renting? Finding rentals in the area could prove challenging, though not impossible, as a little over 80% of available housing is owner-occupied. However, the average rent based on surrounding towns in the area is around $3,500 per month (RentCafe).
Neighborhoods In Tamalpais-Homestead Valley
Almonte – Offers Outdoor Adventures and Easy Town Access
The Almonte neighborhood offers a peaceful, hillside setting with easy access to town. Residents enjoy large lots, stunning homes, and nearby Miller Avenue’s shops and restaurants. With the Golden Gate Recreation Area and miles of hiking trails right next door, Almonte is the perfect blend for those living in Tamalpais-Homestead Valley wanting an exciting outdoor lifestyle.
Weather Tamalpais-Homestead Valley
According to the Köppen climate classification system, Tamalpais-Homestead Valley has a Mediterranean climate; summers are dry, and winters are relatively wet. The summer high is around 77 degrees Fahrenheit, and winter lows dip down to 43 degrees Fahrenheit. If you’re wondering, “Does it snow in Tamalpais-Homestead Valley?” the answer is no. However, it does get a good amount of rain. Tamalpais-Homestead Valley annual rainfall is 41 inches. The best times to visit are in September, August, and July when the weather is temperate.
Things to Do in Tamalpais-Homestead Valley
There are many fun things to do in Tamalpais-Homestead Valley and the surrounding Mill Valley area. For all of your shopping needs while living in Tamalpais-Homestead Valley, visit nearby Strawberry Village. The Village at Corte Madera is another great shopping destination offering luxury retailers, and Tam Valley residents love Good Earth Natural Foods, a popular grocery store.
Mount Tamalpais State Park
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Plenty of hiking and biking trails through stunning redwood groves. With its sweeping mountain views and beautiful rivers, a visit to Mt Tamalpais State Park is one of the best things to do in Tamalpais-Homestead Valley if you love the outdoors.
3801 Panoramic Hwy, Mill Valley, CA 94941, 415-388-2070
Muir Woods National Monument
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Offers peaceful trails through towering redwoods just minutes from Tamalpais-Homestead Valley. It’s a favorite spot for hiking, photography, and quiet nature walks. If you’re searching for what to do in Tamalpais-Homestead Valley, Muir Woods is always at the top of the list.
Mill Valley, CA 94941, 415-561-2850
Mount Tamalpais East Peak
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Mount Tamalpais East Peak offers some of the best panoramic views in Marin, as well as a short quarter-mile trail that leads to lookouts, picnic tables, restrooms, and drinking fountains. It’s a favorite spot for hiking, sunrise photos, and easy weekend getaways just minutes from the neighborhood. For anyone living in Tamalpais-Homestead Valley, having East Peak so close is a definite perk.
Old Railroad Grade Trail, Mill Valley, CA 94941, 415-388-2070
Additional Attractions in Tamalpais-Homestead Valley
Visit the Tamalpais Community Services District Parks & Rec Department to learn more about things to do in the area. And browse the community events calendar to stay up to date on local events while living in Tamalpais-Homestead Valley.
Restaurants in Tamalpais-Homestead Valley
You’ll find some of the best places to eat in Tamalpais-Homestead Valley. People living in Tamalpais-Homestead Valley enjoy the following local restaurants:
Hook Fish Co. at Proof Lab Beer Garden – Fresh Fish, Cold Beer on Tap
Hook Fish Co. serves the freshest fish with offerings changing daily. Diners rave about the fish and chips, fish tacos, and poke. There is an extensive menu of beers on tap, and the service is excellent. This is one of the best restaurants in Tamalpais-Homestead Valley if you’re craving fresh seafood.
254 Shoreline Hwy, Mill Valley, CA 94941, 415-569-4984
Buckeye Roadhouse – Local Ingredients, Upscale Dining
Truly one of the best places to eat in Tamalpais-Homestead Valley if you enjoy upscale, lodge-style dining. Buckeye Roadhouse features American comfort food with a contemporary, California twist. Dishes here feature fresh seasonal local produce, and diners love the oysters, brisket, and skirt steak. Free valet parking is available.
15 Shoreline Hwy, Mill Valley, CA 94941, 415-331-2600
Cafe del Soul – Organic, Healthy, Quick Bites
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The perfect place for a quick and delicious, healthy bite to eat. This organic restaurant features dishes like sandwiches, wraps, curries, and freshly made juices and smoothies. Counter service only, so be sure to order before finding a seat.
247 Shoreline Hwy, Mill Valley, CA 94941, 415-388-1852
Jobs in Tamalpais-Homestead Valley
Since Tamalpais-Homestead Valley is a small community, most people commute to surrounding areas like Mill Valley and San Francisco for work. Major employers in Marin County include Bay Equity, BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc., and Marin County Public Works Department.
The average salary in Tamalpais-Homestead Valley is $107,000, and the average hourly wage is $33.06 (Payscale). Search Indeed for jobs in Tamalpais-Homestead Valley, as well as the Tamalpais Community Services District jobs board.
Tamalpais-Homestead Valley Schools
The Mill Valley Elementary School District and Tamalpais Union High School District manage schools in the area. Both districts have schools that have won the California Distinguished School award, and some have earned the highly coveted California Gold Ribbon School designation–Tamalpais High School has won both.
Private schools in Tamalpais-Homestead Valley include Mount Tamalpais School and Marin Horizon School.
Colleges & Universities in Tamalpais-Homestead Valley
Colleges and universities near Tamalpais-Homestead Valley include:
When living in Tamalpais-Homestead Valley, be sure to visit the local Mill Valley Public Library. It offers plenty of books and other helpful resources.
Tamalpais-Homestead Valley Statistics & Information
- County: Marin County
- Tamalpais-Homestead Valley area: 4.747 square miles
- Tamalpais-Homestead Valley zip code: 94941
- Tamalpais-Homestead Valley area code: 415, 628
- Tamalpais-Homestead Valley elevation: 108 ft
- Tamalpais-Homestead Valley time zone: Pacific Time Zone (UTC-7 and -8)
- Closest airport to Tamalpais-Homestead Valley: Oakland International Airport (OAK) is about 35 miles from Tamalpais-Homestead Valley.
Tamalpais-Homestead Valley FAQs
Is Tamalpais-Homestead Valley a Good Place to Live?
Yes, Tamalpais-Homestead Valley is a wonderful place to live. It is within driving distance of larger cities while offering easy access to nature. If you enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, walking, camping, and mountain biking, you’ll find it is a good place to live.
What is Tamalpais-Homestead Valley Known for?
Tamalpais-Homestead Valley is known for being a tight-knit rural community. It is also known for being quite expensive, with a median home cost of $2.0M.
Where Is Tamalpais-Homestead?
Tamalpais Homestead Valley CA is in southern Marin County. It borders Mill Valley, Tamalpais Valley, and the open-space lands around Mount Tamalpais and Muir Woods National Monument. It is a 14-mile drive from San Francisco and around 5 miles from Muir Beach.
Tamalpais-Homestead Valley Map
Discover more things to do when living in Tamalpais-Homestead Valley with this map.
Ready to Move to Tamalpais-Homestead Valley?
With its rural charm and easy access to Mill Valley and San Francisco, living in Tamalpais-Homestead Valley is a good choice if you want a slower pace of life. Planning on moving to Tamalpais-Homestead Valley? Call the top Tamalpais-Homestead Valley movers, AMS Relocation, today at 650-284-2931 for a free quote! Our moving services include packing, storage, and long distance moves.
