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Novato, CA

Frequently asked questions

Novato, CA

Novato (Spanish for "Novatus") is a city in Marin County, California, United States, situated in the North Bay region of the Bay Area. At the 2020 census, Novato had a population of 53,225.

According to the United States Census Bureau, Novato has a total area of 28.0 square miles (73 km2) and is the largest city in area in Marin County. A total of 27.4 square miles (71 km2) is land and 0.5 square miles (1.3 km2) (1.85%) is water.

The southwestern part of Novato is significantly more mountainous, whereas eastern Novato is characterized by marshland and diked fields and pastures.

Major geographical features nearby include Mount Burdell and Mount Burdell Open Space Preserve to the north and Big Rock Ridge to the southwest. Stafford Lake to the west is a secondary water supply for Novato, with the Russian River in Sonoma County to the north supplying 80% of the city's water.

Novato includes ten Marin County Open Space District preserves: Mount Burdell, Rush Creek, Little Mountain, Verissimo Hills, Indian Tree, Deer Island, Indian Valley, Ignacio Valley, Loma Verde, and Pacheco Valle. Although Novato is located on the water, access to the water is blocked by expansive farmland and wetlands.

What is now Novato was originally the site of several Coast Miwok villages: Chokecherry, near downtown Novato; Puyuku, near Ignacio; and Olómpali, at the present-day Olompali State Historic Park.

In 1839, the Mexican government granted the 8,876-acre (35.92 km2) Rancho Novato to Fernando Feliz. The rancho was named after a local Miwok leader who had probably been given the name of Saint Novatus at his baptism. Subsequently, four additional land grants were made in the area: Rancho Corte Madera de Novato, to John Martin in 1839; Rancho San Jose, to Ignacio Pacheco in 1840; Rancho Olómpali, awarded in 1843 to Camilo Ynitia, son of a Coast Miwok chief; and Rancho Nicasio, by far the largest at 56,621 acres (229.1 km2), awarded to Pablo de la Guerra and John B.R. Cooper in 1844.

Novato emphasizes health and wellness. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs offered by Novato’s Recreation and Community Services Department. 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 Anytime Fitness, Five Points Fitness, and Northbay Strength & Fitness Training Gym. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Novato, such as the Dwarf Oak Trail and the Mount Burdell Open Space Preserve. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Novato, CA are Olompali State Historic Park, Marin Museum of Contemporary Art, and Point Reyes National Seashore. 

Population: 51,722 (2023). ZIP codes: 94945, 94947–94949, 94998. Area code: 415. Area: 28.0 square miles (73 km2). Elevation: 30 ft (9 m).

FAQs

Is Novato, CA a good place to live?

Living in Novato offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Novato, there are a lot of restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. Many families live in Novato and residents tend to be liberal. The public schools in Novato are highly rated.

How expensive is Novato, CA?

Novato, California's cost of living is 51% higher than the national average. Novato's housing expenses are 120% 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.

What is the crime rate in Novato, CA?

The crime rate in Novato is considerably higher than the national average across all communities in America from the largest to the smallest, although at 20 crimes per one thousand residents, it is not among the communities with the very highest crime rate. The chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Novato is 1 in 50. Based on FBI crime data, Novato is not one of the safest communities in America. Relative to California, Novato has a crime rate that is higher than 57% of the state's cities and towns of all sizes.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Novato

Marin County

Novato’s Recreation and Community Services Department

Anytime Fitness

Five Points Fitness 

Northbay Strength & Fitness Training Gym

Dwarf Oak Trail 

Mount Burdell Open Space Preserve

Finnegan’s Marin

Marin Museum of Contemporary Art

Point Reyes National Seashore

Niche

Payscale

Neighborhoodscout

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