San Anselmo is right at the top of the list for many homebuyers seeking a walk- or bike-friendly lifestyle. San Anselmo is home to Craftsman style homes, Tudors, and even Spanish Mediterranean styles. Located at a major crossroads in the center of the county, cycling to town or riding your child to school is enthusiastically embraced. The picturesque downtown has an upscale selection of entrepreneurial restaurants and shops. Things tend to get a bit sleepy once the sun goes down but two new wine bars opened recently, adding a little more evening action to the area, and Fairfax and San Rafael's music venues are just minutes away.

San Anselmo sits between Ross and Fairfax both physically and figuratively, as the Seminary area that borders Ross has a lot in common with its exclusive neighbor, while some parts of town on the west side feel much like an extension of Fairfax. This means that depending on the neighborhood, homes in San Anselmo run the gamut from cozy entry-level bungalows to multi-million-dollar grand estates, but most areas share an appealing charm whatever the price point, and the schools are first rate.

Center Road sits on a former railroad track, and is now open to vehicles, offering scenic bypasses for mountain and road cyclists. The community offers a variety of activities for young and old, with an extensive array of classes, camps, and other offerings from the San Anselmo Recreation Department, a holiday tree lighting ceremony, and outdoor movie nights during the summer months.