It has always held true in real estate that the most desirable neighborhoods have the best public schools and consequently, buyers pay a premium to live there. The San Francisco Chronicle featured the good school/premium price relationship in today’s Cover Story. You can read it here.

My own experience as a father and a realtor living and working in Mill Valley has been profound. Back in 1992 when our son started public school (first grade) we made a decision to move to Mill Valley for all of the fabulous lifestyle reasons (recreational activities, weather, proximity to San Francisco and so many others). However, the primary reason we moved to Mill Valley was the quality of the public school system. We were not disappointed. Our son embraced the whole larger public school scene including Tam Valley Elementary, Mill Valley Middle and Tam High. He excelled in school which says a lot about him, but he believes (as do his mom and dad) that the school system was conducive to his success. Billy graduated in 2004 and had several great choices for college including one Ivy League school. He chose UCLA and that decision was based partly on the larger public school environment he grew up in. Billy excelled at UCLA where he graduated in 2008 and is now working in a challenging but rewarding position that he thoroughly enjoys.

As a realtor for over 20 years in Marin/Mill Valley my experience has been equally positive. I have worked with many corporate transferees and their families relocating to the bay area for other parts of the country (and the world). I have also counseled countless families moving from San Francisco to Marin. 75% to 80% of my clients gravitate to Mill Valley, Tiburon-Belvedere, Corte Madera-Larkspur and Kentfield-Ross for many positive lifestyle reasons. In surveys, we found out that once again, schools are the number one factor in their decision making process. In the end, buyers will compromise on the size, age and amenities of the house to live in the best neighborhood with the BEST schools. That old real estate adage will never change!

Click here to get detailed neighborhood and school information for Marin County.


Posted by:Andy Gellepis