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Mill Valley, CA

Frequently asked questions

Mill Valley, CA

Mill Valley is a city in Marin County, California, United States, located about 14 miles (23 km) north of San Francisco via the Golden Gate Bridge and 52 miles (84 km) from Napa Valley. The population was 14,231 at the 2020 census.

Mill Valley is located on the western and northern shores of Richardson Bay, and the eastern slopes of Mount Tamalpais. Beyond the flat coastal area and marshlands, it occupies narrow wooded canyons, mostly of second-growth redwoods, on the southeastern slopes of Mount Tamalpais. The Mill Valley 94941 ZIP Code also includes the following adjacent unincorporated communities: Almonte, Alto, Homestead Valley, Tamalpais Valley, and Strawberry. The Muir Woods National Monument is also located just outside the city limits.

The first people known to inhabit Marin County, the Coast Miwok, arrived approximately 6,500 years ago. The territory of the Coast Miwok encompasses all of Marin County, north to Bodega Bay, and southern Sonoma County. More than 600 village sites have been identified, including 14 sites in the Mill Valley area. Nearby archaeological discoveries include rock carvings and grain-grinding sites on Ring Mountain. The pre-missionization population of the Coast Miwok is estimated to have been between 1,500 (Alfred L. Kroeber's estimate for the year 1770 A.D.) and 2,000 (Sherburne F. Cook's estimate for the same year). The pre-Spanish era Coast Miwok population may have even been as high as 5,000. Cook speculated that by 1848, their population had decreased to merely 300, from foreign disease exposure and Spanish violence, and was down to 60 by 1880. As of 2011, there are over 1,000 registered members of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, which includes both the Coast Miwok and the Southern Pomo, all of whom can date their ancestry back to 14 survivors as original tribal ancestors.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 4.8 square miles (12 km2), of which 4.7 square miles (12 km2) is land and 0.1 square miles (0.26 km2) of (1.74%) water.

The Mill Valley 94941 area lies between Mt. Tamalpais on the west, the city of Tiburon on the east, the City of Corte Madera on the north, and the Golden Gate National Recreational Area (GGNRA) on the south. Two streams flow from the slopes of Mt. Tamalpais through Mill Valley to the bay: the Arroyo Corte Madera del Presidio; and Cascade Creek. Mill Valley is surrounded by hundreds of acres of state, federal, and county parklands. In addition, there are many municipally maintained open-space reserves, parks, and coastal habitats that, when taken together, ensconce Mill Valley in a natural wilderness.

Mill Valley and the Homestead Valley Land Trust maintain many minimally disturbed wildland areas and preserves which are open to the public from sunrise to dusk every day. Several nature trails allow access as well as provide gateway access to neighboring state and federal parklands, and the Mt. Tamalpais Watershed wildland on the broad eastern face of Mt. Tamalpais that overlooks Mill Valley. These are undeveloped natural areas and contain many species of wild animals, including some large predators like the coyote, the bobcat, and the cougar.

Mill Valley focuses on health and wellness. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the Mill Valley Recreation and Community Services Department offers. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include TJ’s Gym, Fitness Center, and Strength Den. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Mill Valley, such as the Dipsea Trail and the Temelpa Trail. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

The top sites in Mill Valley, CA are Old Mill Park, Seager Gray Gallery, and Muir Woods National Monument.

ZIP Code: 94941. Population: 14,105 (2021). Area code: 415. Elevation: 79 ft (24 m). Area: 4.85 sq mi (12.55 km2).

FAQs

What is Mill Valley, CA is known for?

With stunning views of Mount Tam and a creek running throughout, the historic Mill Valley Lumber Yard is a place to shop, eat, enjoy and relax. Mill Valley has been called "one of America's best small towns" for its well-preserved downtown, hopping music scene, and stunning natural surroundings. It is also well known for the Dipsea Race, the oldest trail race in America that winds from downtown Mill Valley, through Muir Woods’ towering redwoods and onto the Pacific Ocean.

Is Mill Valley, CA expensive?

Mill Valley, California's cost of living is 100% higher than the national average. Mill Valley's housing expenses are 270% higher than the national average and the utility prices are 32% higher than the national average. Transportation expenses like bus fares and gas prices are 38% higher than the national average.

Is Mill Valley, CA a good area?

Mill Valley is in Marin County and is one of the best places to live in California. Living in Mill Valley offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Mill Valley, there are a lot of restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. Many retirees live in Mill Valley and residents tend to be liberal.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Mill Valley

Mill Valley Recreation and Community Services Department

TJ’s Gym 

Fitness Center 

Strength Den

Dipsea Trail 

Temelpa Trail

Old Mill Park

Seager Gray Gallery

Muir Woods National Monument

Sfgate

Payscale

Niche

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