Kentfield

Kentfield is one of central Marin's most established addresses, an unincorporated community nestled at the base of Mount Tamalpais between Larkspur and Ross. The town's name traces back to Albert and Adaline Kent, who settled the area in 1872. Adaline later donated the land that became College of Marin, and their son William, a U.S. congressman and conservationist, went on to donate Muir Woods as a national park. That legacy of stewardship still shapes the town today: spacious, architecturally distinctive homes set well back from quiet, tree-lined streets. The Sarkissian Bullock Team has represented buyers and sellers across Kentfield for a combined 80 years, and average sale prices here have climbed more than 40% over the last decade.

Kentfield offers something increasingly rare in Marin: real space, without giving up access to top schools, nature, and everyday convenience. Homes here tend to sit on larger, well-landscaped lots, many nestled behind gates and mature trees, giving even sizable estates a genuine sense of privacy. Kentfield has easy access to the shops and restaurants of neighboring Larkspur and Ross, just minutes away, while the town itself stays quiet and residential.

Buyers are drawn here for the schools first and foremost, but stay for the lifestyle: direct trail access to Phoenix Lake, Baltimore Canyon, and Mount Tamalpais from many neighborhoods, a strong sense of community, and a climate that's noticeably warmer and sunnier than towns closer to the Bay. Typical buyers include outdoor enthusiasts, young families, and anyone drawn to nature and warmer weather.

Kent Woodlands Hillside

Close to hiking trails with amazing views of Mount Tamalpais and glimpses of the water, surrounded by beautiful oak trees.

Kent Woodlands Flats

Walking distance to Woodlands Market, with a beloved annual Halloween party that brings the neighborhood together. Streets like Woodland and Goodhill feature larger, newer construction, and parts of this area feel like driving through the East Coast.

Del Mesa (Poplar, Makin Grade, Laurel Grove Area)

This area connects directly into Ross. Families are especially drawn here for the proximity to Bacich and other top schools.

Marin Catholic Area (Berens, McAllister, Acacia Area)

Another area families love, thanks to its proximity to schools and amazing views of Mount Tamalpais.

College of Marin & Sir Francis Drake Area

Closer to the commercial zones, offering easy access for commuting.

Life in Kentfield centers on the outdoors and a close-knit residential community. Woodlands Market serves as the town's unofficial gathering spot, part gourmet grocery, part neighborhood hub, and a favorite stop for coffee, lunch, and running into neighbors.

From Kent Woodlands, residents can hike or bike directly to Phoenix Lake, Baltimore Canyon, and eventually the summit of Mount Tamalpais, all without leaving the neighborhood. The Phoenix Lake fire road loop, a 2.7-mile route around the lake, is a daily walk for many, and the Crown Road trail offers another direct path into the broader Tam trail system for hiking, biking, and running. Kentfield also has a strong cycling culture, with cyclists a common sight on the roads leading up toward the mountain.

College of Marin adds an unexpected layer of community life beyond its role as a school. The campus itself, mature oaks, open lawns, a modern performing arts center, and public tennis courts, functions almost like a town green. Its Performing Arts program brings concerts, theater, and speaker events to residents at student-friendly prices, and many locals take continuing education classes there purely for enrichment.

Since Kentfield itself is primarily residential, most dining and shopping happens just minutes away. Residents frequently head to Larkspur for Farmshop, Left Bank, and Emporio Rulli, or to San Anselmo for Insalata's and Comforts, both about a five to seven minute drive. Closer to home, Guesthouse is a fun spot, especially on Thursdays, Half Day Cafe is a favorite for their scones, and Rio Rock is known for its açaí bowls. Woodlands Market covers most everyday needs without leaving town.

Kentfield is served by the Kentfield School District for elementary and middle school, and the Tamalpais Union High School District for high school.

Kentfield has seen strong appreciation over the past decade, with average sale prices up more than 40%. The median home price in Kentfield was $3,000,000 in 2025, per Golden Gate Sotheby's International Realty's Annual Market Report.

Our work in Kentfield has drawn national and local attention. In 2015, our sale of 660 Goodhill Road, the former estate of Cy Young winner and two-time World Series champion Barry Zito, was covered by The Marin Independent Journal and distributed nationally by Tribune Content Agency. Known as Villa Della Pace, the 7,116-square-foot Mediterranean estate had its own history even before the sale: Zito married his wife there in 2011, and the property had drawn earlier coverage from HuffPost and CBS Sports during its time on the market. Our sale closed at $8,150,000, one of a series of high-profile Marin luxury sales that year.

What is the average home price in Kentfield, CA?

The median home price in Kentfield was $3,000,000 in 2025, per Golden Gate Sotheby's International Realty's Annual Market Report. Kentfield has also seen average sale prices climb more than 40% over the past decade.

Is Kentfield a good place to live?

Yes. Kentfield offers spacious, private homes on large lots, top-rated schools, and direct access to Marin's best hiking and biking trails, all within minutes of Larkspur, Corte Madera, and Ross. It's especially well suited to families and buyers who want privacy and space without sacrificing access to nature and community.

What are the best neighborhoods in Kentfield?

Kentfield breaks into a few distinct areas. Kent Woodlands Hillside offers close proximity to hiking trails with views of Mount Tamalpais and the water. Kent Woodlands Flats is walking distance to Woodlands Market, known for larger newer construction and a beloved annual Halloween party. Del Mesa connects into neighboring Ross and is especially popular with families for its proximity to Bacich and other top schools. The Marin Catholic area also draws families, with easy school access and sweeping Mount Tamalpais views. And the College of Marin and Sir Francis Drake area sits closer to the commercial zones, offering easy commuting access.

How is the commute from Kentfield to San Francisco?

By car, Kentfield reaches San Francisco in about 30 minutes, depending on traffic, via Highway 101.

What are the schools like in Kentfield?

Kentfield is served by the Kentfield School District, which includes Bacich Elementary and Kent Middle School, along with Redwood High School through the Tamalpais Union High School District. Marin Catholic High School, a highly regarded private option, is also located in town.

Kentfield is one of several close-knit communities that make up the best of Marin County living. Explore our guides to neighboring towns:

Considering a move to Kentfield, or wondering what your Kentfield property could be worth today? Contact us for a personal conversation about buying or selling in one of Marin's most established communities.