You’ve probably driven right through it without even realizing. Honestly, Kentfield has a way of hiding in plain sight, tucked between the more famous names of Ross and Larkspur. It doesn't have a big, flashy downtown or a main street lined with neon signs. Instead, it has redwoods. Lots of them. And some of the most insanely valuable real estate in the country.
If you're looking for Kentfield CA United States on a map, you’ll find it sitting at the base of Mount Tamalpais, about 15 miles north of San Francisco. It’s an unincorporated community, which basically means it doesn't have its own mayor. The Marin County Board of Supervisors calls the shots here. For the roughly 6,800 people who live here, that lack of "city" status is a badge of honor. It keeps things quiet.
What Actually Sets Kentfield Apart?
People often lump Kentfield in with Ross, its neighbor to the north. They share a zip code (94904) and a general vibe of "quiet wealth," but they aren't the same. Ross is an incorporated town with its own police and strict, sometimes grueling, permitting processes. Kentfield feels a bit more approachable, even if "approachable" still means median home prices hovering around $2.5 million.
Lot sizes here vary wildly. In the famous Kent Woodlands neighborhood, you’ll find massive estates where the houses are set so far back from the street you can barely see the rooflines through the manzanita and pine. Down in the "flats," the houses are closer together, but you’re within walking distance of the schools. That’s the big draw.
The School Factor
If you want to understand why people fight over 1,500-square-foot bungalows here, look at the schools. The Kentfield School District is basically a local legend.
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- Anthony G. Bacich Elementary School (K-4)
- Adeline E. Kent Middle School (5-8)
These schools are consistently ranked in the top tier of California. It’s not just about test scores, though those are high. It's the community. The Kentfield Schools Foundation (KIK) raises millions to fund things like the IDEA Maker Lab, woodshop, and coding classes. In most other towns, those are the first things to get cut. Here? They’re the priority.
Real Estate Reality in 2026
Let’s talk numbers because they’re kind of staggering. As of early 2026, the Kentfield housing market remains one of the most competitive "micro-markets" in the Bay Area. While the rest of California might be seeing a "modest adjustment" in prices, Kentfield operates on its own supply-and-demand curve.
According to recent data, the average home value is sticking around $2,562,716.
It’s a low-inventory game. In November 2025, only a handful of homes sold in the area. When a turnkey property hits the market—especially one on a level lot in the flats—it’s usually gone in under 30 days. We’re seeing some homes sell for 18% over asking price, like a 3-bedroom on Edna Court that recently closed for over $2.2 million.
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The Mount Tam Connection
Living in Kentfield means Mount Tamalpais is basically your backyard. You don't "go" to the mountain; you're already on it. The access to hiking is world-class.
- Phoenix Lake: This is the local favorite. It’s a 2.8-mile loop that’s relatively flat and incredibly scenic. Most residents just walk or bike from their front doors to the trailhead.
- Baltimore Canyon Preserve: Tucked between Kentfield and Larkspur, this 193-acre spot has some of the biggest coastal redwoods in the county. It's cool, shady, and feels like you’re miles away from civilization.
- Dawn Falls Trail: If it’s rained recently, this is where you go. It’s a 2.2-mile hike that leads to a cascading waterfall.
The College of Marin Factor
It’s rare for a tiny residential enclave to host a major community college, but the College of Marin (COM) Kentfield campus is right in the heart of things. Established in 1926, the campus covers 77 acres.
It adds a specific energy to the neighborhood. You’ve got students grabbing breakfast at the Half Day Cafe (a local institution) and people attending community education classes or performances at the James Dunn Theatre. The campus has also become a leader in sustainability, with LEED-certified buildings and massive solar arrays.
Why People Stay
History runs deep here. The community is named after the Kent family. Albert Emmett Kent bought the land back in 1871. His son, William Kent, was the U.S. Congressman who basically saved Muir Woods by donating the land to the federal government.
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That spirit of preservation hasn't left.
You see it at Woodlands Market. It’s been the local grocery hub for decades. It’s not just a store; it’s where you see your neighbors and chat about the school board election. It’s that weird mix of high-end luxury (it's a gourmet market, for sure) and small-town familiarity.
Actionable Insights for Moving or Visiting
- For Buyers: If you’re looking in the 94904 zip code, look at Greenbrae as well. It’s often lumped with Kentfield but can offer slightly better "value" if you’re okay with hillside lots versus level land.
- For Hikers: Parking at Phoenix Lake is a nightmare on weekends. Seriously, don't even try it after 9:00 AM. Park further down in the neighborhood and walk in, or better yet, take a bike.
- For Foodies: Guesthouse is the go-to for a "nice" dinner, but for a true local experience, hit Judy’s Breadsticks. It sounds simple, but they’re a Marin staple for a reason.
Kentfield isn't trying to be San Francisco or even San Rafael. It’s perfectly happy being a quiet, wooded corner of the Ross Valley where the schools are great and the trails are endless.
Next Steps for You:
If you're serious about exploring the area, your next move is to download the Marin County Parks trail map for the Mt. Tam Watershed. It’ll show you the connectors from Kentfield streets directly into the preserve, which are often missed by GPS. If you're looking at property, check the Marin County GIS parcel viewer to verify exact lot lines before you fall in love with a "massive" backyard that might actually belong to the county.