Novato, CA

Novato, California

Introduction to Novato, California

Novato, California, in Marin county, is 9 miles SE of Petaluma, California (center to center) and 24 miles N of San Francisco, California. It's part of the San Francisco Bay Area. Fireman's Fund Insurance Company and several biotech firms are located in the city. Notable companies located at the former Hamilton Air Force Base include Sony Imageworks, Smith & Hawken, Birkenstock Distribution USA and Visual Concepts Entertainment. Rolling hills, cow farms and numerous ranches are located near the western portion of the city.

Novato History

The area originally included several Coast Miwok villages. The city was established in 1839 as Rancho de Novato by a land grant by the Mexican Government. Four additional land grants were created in the area. During the middle of the 1850's Joseph Sweetser and Francis De Long purchased a large acreage and developed orchards and vineyards.

The railroad arrived in 1879 and connected the city with Sonoma County. During the Great Depression a large number of farmers lost their land. After World War II a vast number of homes were built. The city was incorporated in 1960. The Hamilton Air Force Base was decommissioned in 1974 and now includes homes and office buildings.

Novato and nearby Attractions

• Miwok Park/Marin Museum of the American Indian is a notable venue.
• Novato Arts Center at Hamilton Field.
• Novato History Museum.
• Novato Old Town features unique shops and attractive historic buildings.

Novato Activities

Stafford Lake is popular for fishing and picnicking and includes a scenic nature trail. The nearby Muir Woods is a well known scenic location and features the impressive coast redwood trees. Residents and visitors enjoy touring the nearby wineries located in Napa and Sonoma and the Pacheco Ranch Winery located in Novato. Samuel P. Taylor State Park features grasslands and coast redwood groves. The close by scenic Point Reyes, situated along the coastline features a vast number of bird species, a historic lighthouse, panoramic views, a variety of landscapes and scenic walking trails.

Olompali State Historic Park offers scenic views. Mt. Burdell is popular with hikers. Golf enthusiasts enjoy playing at the scenic Indian Valley Golf Club and the Stone Tree Golf Club. San Francisco is about a thirty minute drive away. The scenic Mount Tamalais State Park includes redwood trees and spectacular views. The beautiful and charming city of Sausalito, situated along the San Francisco Bay is a popular tourist location.

High Points

Novato strengths, compared to Peers (similar size places nationally) or State (other places in California):

Category	Trophy
Well-Paid Single Men (vs. Peers)	Top 12%
Public Transportation Use (vs. Peers)	Top 12%
Well-Paid Single Women (vs. Peers)	Top 12%
Low Violent Crime (vs. Peers)	Top 16%
Median Family Income (vs. Peers)	Top 17%

Comparative Profile of Novato, CA

Comparing Novato to similar size places nationwide (Peers) and to other places in California (State):

Ratings range from (lowest) to (highest).

The People

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Age of the Population
Well-Paid Single Men
Well-Paid Single Women
Racial Diversity
Senior Citizens
Female Share of the Population
Male Share of the Population
Children Under 5 Years Old

Families

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Portion of People Married
Average Household Size

Wealth

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Median Family Income
College Educated Adults
People in Middle Class or Better
People Above Poverty

Commute & Sprawl

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Working at Home
Public Transportation Use
Walking and Biking to Work
Short Commute Times

Housing

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Housing Recently Built
People Living Alone
Seasonal and Vacation Housing
Studio & One-Bedroom Rentals
Affordability of Property Taxes
Affordability of Rents

Crime

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Low Violent Crime
Low Property Crime

Novato Almanac

Novato Climate

Nearest Weather Stations

• Temp ranges are avg daily min and max for the month
• Precipitation is rainfall (and rainfall equiv of snowfall)

Novato Population (2000)

(From 2000 Census, as reported by individuals)

Neighborhood and Nearby Area Names

According to the US Postal Service, Novato, its neighborhoods, and/or surrounding areas are also referred to as:

Note that not all alternate names are acceptable for use in US Post Office addresses.

Nearby Cities and Towns

Novato Hospitals

NOVATO COMMUNITY HOSPITAL
(Voluntary non-profit - Other)
180 ROWLAND WAY
(415) 209-1300
Emergency Service: Yes

Starbucks in Novato

Novato High Schools (2004)

NOVATO HIGH
625 ARTHUR ST.
415-898-2125
Serves 1,134 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 21

SAN MARIN HIGH
15 SAN MARIN DR.
415-898-2121
Serves 1,062 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 22

MARIN SCHOOL OF ARTS AND TECHNOLOGY
1850 IGNACIO BLVD.
415-883-7390
A charter school.
Serves 111 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 22.2

NOVA EDUCATION CENTER (INDEP. ST.)
730 DIABLO BLVD.
415-897-7653
A Non-traditional School
Serves 111 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 25.2

MARIN OAKS HIGH SCHOOL
611 ARTHUR STREET
415-892-8733
A Non-traditional School
Title I eligible, not participating.
Serves 59 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 12.8

Novato Colleges

(List of All California Colleges)

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