Fairfax or San Anselmo? Two Wonderful Towns, Two Very Different Feelings

San Anselmo has a classic small-town feel with a vibrant downtown centered around its historic main street and creekside plaza. You'll find long-established boutiques, restaurants, cafés, and specialty shops that give the town a polished, timeless character. It's a little more refined, a little more bustling, and for many commuters, the easier access to Highway 101 is a real advantage.

Fairfax feels different the moment you arrive.

The pace slows. The streets feel a little quieter. Bikes outnumber briefcases, people linger over coffee, and nature seems woven into everyday life. Downtown is smaller and more eclectic, with independent businesses, neighborhood cafés, live music, and a growing restaurant scene that has become a destination in its own right.

There's an authenticity to Fairfax that's hard to manufacture. It feels creative, outdoorsy, and wonderfully unpretentious. It's the kind of place where neighbors know each other, kids ride their bikes to school, and it's perfectly normal to run into friends at the farmers market or while picking up groceries at Good Earth.

Neither town is better.

They simply appeal to different people.

Some buyers are drawn to the energy, convenience, and classic charm of San Anselmo. Others walk around Fairfax and immediately feel at home. They like that life seems just a little slower, a little simpler, and a little more connected to the outdoors.

One of the things I always encourage buyers to do is spend an afternoon in each town. Have lunch. Walk the neighborhoods. Browse the shops. Sit with a cup of coffee and watch the rhythm of the day unfold.

Usually, the decision becomes surprisingly clear.