Many people moving to the Bay area immediately focus on San Francisco itself.  However, the surrounding communities can offer much more to a home buyer than the downtown area.  One example of this is San Anselmo real estate, part of Marin County.

The area is located just across the bridge from San Francisco proper, offering beach access and views back onto the city.  It is former pastureland that has been settled gradually over the last 100 years, allowing for a slow and thoughtful pace of development that protects and preserves the natural beauty of the area.  Most streets are lined with mature trees, and large tracts of green space have been set aside as permanently protected areas. 

This emphasis on preserving and embracing the environment is one of the ways that San Anselmo real estate separates itself from other satellite communities.  It has real character and true natural beauty, instead of being a bland subdivision zone with artificial landscaping.  When you buy here, you can feel like you have really bought a corner of the world where peace and relaxation are possible.

Of course, one of the ways you will want to relax is by taking in all that the community has to offer.  There is no doubt that San Anselmo real estate benefits from the downtown zone's plethora of boutiques and antique stops.  It creates a thriving pedestrian shopping area where there are many dining and nightlife options.

However, the area has also managed to keep from getting so big that you don't feel like you know anyone.  The preservation areas around the city have naturally limited growth, keep the community smaller and San Anselmo real estate values high.  You will be able to build real connections here, and your home will hold its worth over time.

All of the different aspects of the community move to welcome you into somewhere you'll be happy to stay for a while.  There are good schools for children, and a variety of employers to ensure professional opportunities for parents.  Of course, all the facilities of San Francisco are just across the Bay Bridge, making it possible for you to live the quiet life in a smaller town and still have all the benefits of the big city right there at your doorstep.  Taken altogether, all the different features of life in San Anselmo make this an area that you won't want to overlook as you consider where to move when you come to the San Francisco area.