Marin County is a palette of many hues. Its natural geography swings from rugged Pacific coastline to redwood forests and sweeping central grasslands. Gifted with abundant bodies of water and famed Mt. Tamalpais, there is no doubt that Marin County appeals to home owners who appreciate outdoor activities and the natural environment.  But, people who own real estate in Marin County also have access to a lively and diverse economy that, in turn, enriches the Marin cultural scene.

Noteworthy Marin

Marin has a high profile personality. It’s been home to many famed musicians, including Janis Joplin and Jerry Garcia, and hosted icons such as the Jefferson Airplane and, of course, the Grateful Dead. It was also the birthplace of Lucas Films where the script for Star Wars was penned and the longtime home of Robin Williams. Bob Dylan liked Marin’s musical flavor and Otis Redding wrote “Dock of the Bay” from a Sausalito houseboat. And, in a little Marin roadside café Naomi and Wynonna Judd gave their first performances. In 1967, a concert performed on Mt. Tam kicked off a movement that went down in history as “The Summer of Love.”

A Natural High
Along with a rich musical heritage that continues into the 21st century, Marin has grown into a county of conscience. Marin home owners cared for the natural environment long before “green” was popular and took steps to preserve open land and protect its native plants and animal life. Since the 1980s, there’s been an active effort to protect the wild coho salmon that run in the Lagunatis Watershed. Because of its great biodiversity Marin County is home to several protected plant and animal species.

This variety extends to the landscape across the 828 square miles that make up Marin County.  The topography and vegetation change from west to east and south to north. From their Marin homes, families can spend the day at the ocean, picnicking and running in the surf, or head up one of the many trails that weave around Mt. Tam.  And, although not as famous as neighboring Napa and Sonoma counties, west Marin county has its own “wine country” that is slowly and steadily developing a prestigious reputation.

Owning real estate in Marin County means that home owners are within minutes of outdoor recreation. Destinations that people drive hours to enjoy are just outside their front door. Marin County has 141,000 acres of parklands and dedicated open space. Among the favorites are Mt. Tamalpais State Park, Point Reyes National Seashore and China Camp State Park, among dozens of other choices.

Economic Well Being
The natural environment is a major quality of life factor for most people who call Marin County home.  But, without a vibrant economy, these pleasures would be less accessible to Marin families. Business and local government work together to make sure Marin County home owners have it all. According to economic analysis of the region, the picture is positive with new business ventures starting and a strong outlook for the future. Marin County is home to a diverse business sector that includes film and video production, information technology companies, manufacturing, ranching, recreation and tourism.

In Marin County, quality of life is a holistic concept with spectacular natural resources, local government that supports preservation while encouraging appropriate economic growth, and home owners who actively participate in the County’s future.