Nestled between rolling hills and wetlands in Marin County, Novato offers a blend of historic charm and suburban comfort just 30 miles north of San Francisco. The city features historic areas like Old Town, where Victorian-era buildings line Grant Avenue's tree-shaded shopping district, alongside newer developments such as the redeveloped Hamilton Field, a former air force base now home to residential communities and office spaces. With over 3,000 acres of open space, Novato provides renters abundant outdoor recreation at Mount Burdell, Rush Creek, and Stafford Lake Park.

Rental options in Novato include boutique apartment communities with resort-style amenities, townhomes in walkable neighborhoods, and single-family homes with private yards. The Hamilton area features Spanish Colonial Revival architecture and modern apartments, while neighborhoods like San Marin and Ignacio offer a mix of rental homes and smaller apartment buildings. Downtown rentals provide easy access to restaurants, coffee shops, and the seasonal farmers market, with average rent for a one-bedroom apartment around $2,200 per month.

Novato's location provides convenient access to major employers including BioMarin Pharmaceutical, 2K Games, and the Buck Institute for Research on Aging. Commuters appreciate the SMART train service with three stations in Novato and easy access to Highway 101 for drives to San Francisco (approximately 30-40 minutes) or Santa Rosa (about 25 minutes). The Mediterranean climate brings mild, sunny days most of the year, making Novato an appealing choice for renters seeking a balance of natural beauty and community living in Marin County.