Greenbrae, Kentfield, Larkspur- oh my!

Posted on February 28, 2008 by Ginger Wilcox

Many people are surprised to find out I live in Larkspur when they thought I lived in Greenbrae but I have a Kentfield zip code. Did I confuse you?

GreenbraeOur little cities in Marin County are so close together, I think it is confusing to everyone. So how does this whole city/town/county thing work in Marin?

Part of Greenbrae is unincorporated, meaning it is not part of a city or town with its own government. Another part of Greenbrae is incorporated into Larkspur. Need a building permit and you live in that half of Greenbrae? You go to the City of Larkspur. Live in the unincorporated are of Greenbrae? Permits and other services fall under the domain of Marin County.

The zip code for Greenbrae is 94904. 94904 is also the Kentfield zip code. Like Greenbrae, Kentfield is also unincorporated.

The school district for Greenbrae is not the Corte Madera -Larkspur School District, it is in the Kentfield School District. Go figure.

Got it?

Benefits of rain- Marin waterfalls

Posted on February 3, 2008 by Ginger Wilcox

cataractfallsA big positive of the recent rains is waterfalls around Marin County. The Marin IJ did a great story about Marin County waterfalls recently, including details on some of the lesser known waterfalls.

This spectacular picture is of Cascade Falls near Fairfax. Other magnificent Marin County waterfalls include Cataract Falls and Steep Ravine on Mount Tamalpais.

Looking for waterfall information throughout the West Coast and in Canda? Check out waterfallswest.com!

Happy Hiking!

Sausalito- A Boating Mecca

Posted on January 31, 2008 by Ginger Wilcox

Sausalito Yacht HarborDid you know there are nearly 40 marinas in the San Francisco Bay Area? Sausalito has one of the largest and busiest maritime areas in the region with almost a dozen marinas and boatyards. Sausalito is located on the south shore of Richardson Bay. Richardson Bay is located between Sausalito and the Tiburon Peninsula.

Continue reading →

Show me the Home Depot!

Posted on January 27, 2008 by Ginger Wilcox

If you have been a Marin homeowner for any length of time, you could probably drive to Home Depot in your sleep. Before I bought a home, I could never have imagined how much money I would spend at Home Depot, even if you aren’t a do-it-yourselfer. So, when we first moved to Marin and someone tried to describe how to actually get to Home Depot in San Rafael, I was horrified.

Highway 101. Exit Sir Francis Drake. Past San Quentin. Get on the 580. Immediately get off again. Go under the Freeway, down the frontage road.

YIKES! Over the mountain and through the woods- I may never return home! If it seems daunting, I promise you will one day be able to find all of the home improvement stores in your sleep. Until then, you can check out this map with details out the major home improvement spots in southern and central Marin County.


View Larger Marin Map of Marin County Home Improvement Stores

Novato Best Affordable Suburb in California

Posted on January 18, 2008 by Ginger Wilcox

The city of Novato was named the the “Best Affordable Suburb in California” by Sperling’s BestPlaces. Novato is definitely the most affordable spot in Marin. In addition, Sperling ranks it high because of factors like low crime and good schools. If you are thinking about moving to Novato, this 3.5 minute video is worth a look.

Life in Novato

Trader Joes coming to Larkspur?

Posted on January 14, 2008 by Ginger Wilcox

Trader Joes coming to Larkspur?This just in… the Marin IJ reported late this afternoon that Trader Joes is planning to add a third Marin location. According to the IJ, Trader Joes is set to take over a 10,000 square foot spot at Cost Plus Plaza, just off the 101 freeway at Lucky Drive in Larkspur (in the old Tower Records spot). Beverages & More just opened up in the center as well.

Southern Marin Trader Joes’ fans like myself will be happy to avoid the San Rafael congestion at this new central spot!

Read the full Marin IJ story here.

Ice Skate in Marin

Posted on December 31, 2007 by Ginger Wilcox

Ice Skate in MarinWant to take a twirl on the ice? Normally, Marin residents have to drive to San Francisco or Santa Rosa for a spin. For one weekend only, you can ice skate in Fairfax. The Fairfax Pavilion will become an ice skating rink this weekend.

  • What: Ice Skating in Marin!
  • When: Saturday, January 5, 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm and Sunday, January 6, 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
  • Where: Fairfax Pavilion, 142 Bolinas Road
  • Cost: Free! Sponsored by the Fairfax Parks & Rec. Skates will be available.
  • More Info: 456-5652

Can’t make it this weekend? Other ice skating spots near Marin include Snoopy’s Home Ice in Santa Rosa and Yurba Buena Ice Skating in San Francisco.

A bird’s eye view of Marin neighborhoods

Posted on December 28, 2007 by Ginger Wilcox

Want to explore a new neighborhood? Get a street level view with Google Maps. If you haven’t checked it out, you should. Google has literally hired photographers to take pictures of every street and neighborhood across the country. San Francisco is basically done. Marin County is underway. In the snapshot below, you can see one of my favorite parks in a street view from San Rafael Blvd in Belvedere.

Street View Google Maps

It is a pretty cool tool right now- and will get even better as more photography is completed. I wish they had this when I moved to Marin!

Want to learn how to use it? Watch this goofy but helpful video from Google.

Rent vs. Own

Posted on by Ginger Wilcox

A good reason to jump in and buy a home instead of renting…

Lawrence Yun, chief economist for the National Association of Realtors, recently pointed out some interesting research from the Federal Reserve. Between 1995 and 2004, the average renter accumulated $4,000 in wealth. In contrast, the average homeowner accumulated $184,400.

Can you imagine what those numbers would be for Marin County and the San Francisco Bay Area?