Ross, CA Real Estate and Luxury Homes for Sale

Ross is one of the most picturesque towns in Marin County, known for its incredible architecture and tree-canopied streets that feel more East Coast than California. Homes here range from grand estates in the flats and hills to more traditional floor plans, with mid-century, Mediterranean, and modern homes sprinkled throughout. Ross Common serves as the town's hub, hosting community events year round that bring residents together. The Sarkissian Bullock Team has represented buyers and sellers across Ross and the greater Marin market for a combined 80 years, and Ross homes for sale remain some of the most sought-after, and least visible, in the county.

Ross is not a town buyers stumble into. Most arrive because someone they trust told them it's the best place in Marin to raise a family, and they came looking for it specifically. With a population that has stayed small on purpose, Ross functions more like a private residential enclave than a typical town, anchored by Ross Common, where community events bring residents together throughout the year, from mini farmers markets with a strawberry stand to occasional gatherings with food trucks. Streets wind beneath heritage oaks and redwoods, and it's the kind of town where kids bike or walk home from school because it feels that safe.

The draw is a combination of the Ross School, one of the most highly rated public K-8 schools in the country, and Branson, an outstanding private school, along with architecturally significant homes on generous lots and a community that has actively resisted commercial development to preserve its rural character. Ross also draws buyers who love hiking and biking, offering trail access in a warmer, sunnier climate than nearby Mill Valley, which makes it especially appealing for anyone who wants a pool. Buyers here tend to be established professionals and executives who could live anywhere and choose Ross specifically for its privacy, schools, and natural setting. We see families moving up from San Francisco who want their children raised on an acre of oak-studded land, families relocating within Marin who are drawn to more space and the Ross School, and multigenerational Marin families for whom Ross represents the culmination of decades in the county.

East Side Ross (Wellington and Baywood area)

Known for its historical charm, with older homes lined by beautiful trees. Walking up the hill brings access to hiking trails and a view of the St. Anselm's Church. Residents here can walk to downtown San Anselmo to enjoy restaurants and cafes like Insalata's and Comforts. It's picture-book charming.

West Side Ross (Shady Lane, Fernhill, Lagunitas, Upper Road, Southwood)

This is the premier location in Ross, valued for keeping kids close to the schools. Known as old Ross, this area includes legacy properties that have been in families for generations. Homes here sell for a high price per square foot, with estates featuring incredible landscaped gardens and pools. Owners tend to invest in updating their homes while preserving their original character. Residents enjoy access to the private tennis club, as well as Phoenix Lake and its network of trails.

Laurel Grove, Makin Grade, and Winding Way Area

A great fit for residents who want easier access to Sir Francis Drake Boulevard and nearby towns. Architecture here is a mix of traditional Cape Cod, Mediterranean, and contemporary styles, and many homes offer views of Mount Tamalpais.

Sir Francis Drake

A great option for buyers who want easier access in and out of town. This area tends to attract buyers just starting their search in Ross, often drawn by the school system or simply by how much they love the area and its climate.

Ross-San Anselmo Border

Close to the church and schools, this area is a great fit for buyers who want the Ross address along with easy access to San Anselmo's amenities. Residents enjoy movie nights in the park for kids, an annual summer fair, and some of the best cafes around, including M.H. Bread and Comforts, along with walking distance to local clothing shops.

Ross has a small, quaint downtown with a coffee shop, market, bike shop, salons, and a handful of excellent restaurants, all within easy reach of most homes in town. For anything beyond that, residents often head to neighboring San Anselmo, San Rafael, or Larkspur, and access the freeway through Kentfield. Woodlands Market in Kentfield is also a favorite grocery stop and gathering spot, especially on Saturday mornings.

The Marin Art and Garden Center on Sir Francis Drake Boulevard serves as another community hub, with gardens, galleries, and event spaces that host art shows, garden tours, and seasonal events throughout the year. Ross Common rounds things out as the town's central green space, where families gather, dogs run, and the town's Fourth of July celebration takes place. Families with young kids also love Pixie Park, a beloved local playground that's become a go-to spot for playdates and after-school time.

Ross places a strong emphasis on design review and preserving the character of its homes and streets, which is part of what keeps the town feeling the way it does. Buyers planning a renovation or addition should factor in some extra time for the permitting process, and we're happy to walk you through what that typically looks like.

Ross residents favor a handful of local go-tos: Taqueria Marin, Crown & Crumpet, Marche Aux Fleurs, Tony Tutto, and Trattoria Fresco.

The Ross School District operates a single K-8 school that consistently ranks among the finest public schools in California, with small class sizes supported by both state funding and a robust local parcel tax.

For high school, families have strong options. Redwood High School in Larkspur is the public path for Ross residents, while Branson School, a highly selective private college-prep school with a hilltop campus in Ross itself, is the private path most associated with the town. Marin Academy in San Rafael is also a popular choice for families weighing private options.

By car, Ross reaches the San Francisco Financial District in about 25 to 30 minutes off-peak via Sir Francis Drake Boulevard and Highway 101, with rush hour typically adding some extra time. There's no direct transit from Ross itself, so most residents drive or connect to the Larkspur Ferry, which offers a scenic, traffic-free ride into the city.

The median home price in Ross was $3.4M in 2025, per Golden Gate Sotheby's International Realty's Annual Market Report, though the range spans widely depending on the zone, lot size, and privacy. Homes in the flats and close to the school tend to sell for a particularly high price per square foot.

Inventory in Ross is extremely limited, and it's true of some of the best homes especially. Many are passed down within families or sold quietly before ever reaching the open market, which is why it's so valuable to work with a local agent who knows these homes and these streets.

What is the average home price in Ross, CA?

The median home price in Ross was $3.4M in 2025, per Golden Gate Sotheby's International Realty's Annual Market Report, though prices vary significantly by zone. Homes on flat lots with gardens and pools, updated throughout, and close to Ross Common tend to command a premium.

Is Ross a good place to live?

Yes. Ross is one of the most exclusive towns in Marin County, offering privacy, top-rated schools, and a rural character that's increasingly rare this close to San Francisco. It's especially well suited to families prioritizing space, natural surroundings, and the Ross School.

What are the best neighborhoods in Ross?

Ross is small enough that its neighborhoods blend together, but the town breaks into a few distinct zones. East Side Ross (Wellington and Baywood area) is known for its historic charm and walkability to downtown San Anselmo. West Side Ross (Shady Lane, Fernhill, Lagunitas, Upper Road, and Southwood) is considered the premier location, valued for proximity to the schools and home to many legacy estates. The Laurel Grove, Makin Grade, and Winding Way area offers easier access to Sir Francis Drake Boulevard with a mix of architectural styles and Mount Tamalpais views. Sir Francis Drake itself is popular with buyers just starting their search in Ross. And the Ross-San Anselmo border combines the Ross address with easy access to San Anselmo's cafes, shops, and community events.

How is the commute from Ross to San Francisco?

By car, Ross reaches San Francisco in about 25 to 30 minutes off-peak, longer during rush hour. There's no direct transit, so most residents drive or use the Larkspur Ferry for a scenic, traffic-free alternative.

What are the schools like in Ross?

The Ross School District operates a single, highly rated K-8 public school with small class sizes and strong community support. For high school, families choose between Redwood High School in Larkspur and Branson School, a highly selective private school located in Ross itself.

Ross 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 Ross, or wondering what your Ross property could be worth today? Contact us for a personal conversation about buying or selling in one of Marin's most private markets.