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Best Neighborhoods in Novato: Why Old Town Is the Top Choice for Renters

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Best Neighborhoods in Novato: Old Town


If you’re searching for the best neighborhoods in Novato and trying to figure out where to live in Novato, the answer is surprisingly simple: Old Town. This historic district isn’t just charming — it’s the perfect mix of convenience, culture, and community that renters love.

Here’s why Old Town easily tops the list for renters, newcomers, and anyone who wants the best of Novato right outside their front door.


1. Walkability You Rarely Find in Marin County


Novato is known for suburban sprawl, but Old Town breaks the mold. Living here means you can actually walk to what you need — a luxury in Marin.

Old Town gives renters quick access to:

  • Restaurants, coffee shops, and locally owned boutiques

  • Grocery stores and pharmacies

  • Banks, salons, fitness studios, and weekly farmers markets

  • Public transit stops and the SMART train

If you want a lifestyle that doesn’t depend on a car, Old Town is your best option in Novato.


2. The Heart of Novato’s Culture


Old Town is where Novato feels most alive. Grant Avenue is the neighborhood’s main artery — lined with food, nightlife, live music, and community events.

Renters here enjoy:

  • Street fairs and seasonal festivals

  • Live performances at local venues

  • Art shows and cultural events

  • Weekend strolls with always-changing energy

It’s the one part of Novato where you actually feel plugged into the community instead of tucked away in a quiet subdivision.


3. Great Rental Options for Every Lifestyle


Unlike neighborhoods dominated by large single-family homes, Old Town has a wide range of rental-friendly housing.

Living here means access to:

  • Modern apartments

  • Updated townhomes and condos

  • Small multi-family buildings

  • Live-work units

  • Studio and one-bedroom options for more affordable rent

This variety is exactly why renters often choose Old Town over areas like San Marin or Pleasant Valley, where rental inventory is limited and competition is high.


4. A Commuter-Friendly Location


If you work in Marin, Sonoma, or even commute toward San Francisco, Old Town is the smartest place to live in Novato. You’re minutes from:

  • Highway 101

  • The SMART train station

  • Bus routes serving major Marin County corridors

The convenience saves renters time — and time is money, especially when traffic is unpredictable.


5. Perfect Blend of Charm + Modern Convenience


Old Town has character — not cookie-cutter subdivisions. You get historic architecture mixed with fresh development, upgraded roads, and revitalized storefronts.

Renters choose Old Town because it offers:

  • A unique, authentic neighborhood feel

  • Buildings with personality rather than uniformity

  • A walkable, lived-in vibe that feels like a real downtown

It’s the closest thing Novato has to a “city-within-a-city.”


6. Safe, Friendly, and Community-Focused


People look out for each other here. Old Town is known for being one of Novato’s most welcoming and neighborly parts of town.

Residents enjoy:

  • Clean, well-maintained streets

  • Strong local businesses

  • Nighttime walkability

  • Community-oriented events year-round

It’s the kind of neighborhood where you recognize faces and feel like you belong.


7. Everything You Need Is Within Five Minutes


The biggest reason Old Town earns its title as the best neighborhood in Novato is simple: convenience.

Within a five-minute walk or drive, renters can access:

  • Parks and playgrounds

  • The public library

  • Trails and open-space hikes

  • Gyms and wellness studios

  • Breweries and wine bars

  • Grocery stores and fast-casual restaurants

You’re never far from anything — and that’s the luxury renters appreciate most.


Final Verdict: Old Town Is Where You Want to Live in Novato


When people ask “Where’s the best neighborhood in Novato?”, the answer is clear.

Old Town offers:

  • The best walkability

  • The most culture

  • The greatest mix of rental options

  • The easiest commute

  • The strongest sense of community

If you want a neighborhood with heart, convenience, charm, and energy — Old Town Novato isn’t just one of the best neighborhoods. It’s the best place to live in Novato.

 
 
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