Just north of the Golden Gate Bridge, Marin County is one of California’s most affluent and scenic counties. Established in 1850, its seat is San Rafael. Other major towns: Mill Valley, Corte Madera, Tiburon, Sausalito, and Novato. The county’s coastal hills, redwood canyons, and bayside towns offer postcard beauty. It’s largely suburban and semi-rural, with strict environmental protections limiting over-development. Marin’s homes are elegant: mid-century moderns, craftsman cottages, and architect-designed estates with ocean or bay views. Median home prices are among the state’s highest—typically US $1.4 – 1.8 million. Building costs can exceed US $600 per sq ft, especially on challenging hillsides. Residents enjoy quick access to San Francisco (15 – 30 minutes via bridge) while living amid nature preserves and coastal trails. Lifestyle is upscale, eco-conscious, and outdoors-focused.