San Anselmo

San Anselmo is a charming community of older homes amid diverse architectural styles, on shady, tree-lined streets. The downtown area is very “small town” in appearance, but offers a variety of shops and restaurants. In the 1870′s, what is now known as “The Hub” in San Anselmo was the spot where a spur track to San Rafael was added to the Sausalito-Tomales run of the Pacific Coast Railroad. San Anselmo was incorporated in 1907.

The most visible landmark in town, a beautiful stone castle that overlooks San Anselmo, is actually the San Francisco Theological Seminary, established in 1892 to train Presbyterian clergy. From the ivy covered chapel with its enchanting bell tolling the hours, to the turrets and towers, this beautiful facility has an ethereal, fairy tale look.

San Anselmo Avenue, the town’s main shopping area, is a curving boulevard of awning-shaded shops, cafes, galleries, restaurants, and boutiques. Known as the “Antique Capital of Northern California,” there are, within a half-mile radius of downtown, more than 150 antique dealers who attract collectors from all over the West Coast.

Love of family and a sense of community are common bonds shared by those in the more affluent areas as well as by those in the more modest homes at the west end of town. The Annual Art and Wine Festival, the Antique Dealers Fair, and the Country Fair Day, are all very well attended by local citizens. San Anselmo also boasts one of the County’s most successful community volunteer programs.

Demographics

• Population (2000) 12,378
• Average household income (2000) $91,200
• Median home price (December 2005) $852,500

Community Contacts

• Town Hall 258-4600
• Chamber of Commerce 454-2510
• Fire Department Information 258-4686
• Police Department 258-4610
• Library 258-4656
• Post Office 453-0830
• School District 454-2162
• Parks Department 258-4645
• Recreation Department 258-4640