Hanging Out at the Market in Kentfield

The classic drive through Marin is along Sir Francis Drake. From the 101, heading west off this exit towards Pt. Reyes, you pass more than a handful of Marin towns, each with it’s own distinct character and personality.

For those just driving along and never bothering to turn off of SFD, (Marinites’ acronym for Sir Francis Drake), it’s easy to whiz by Kentfield. It’s synonymous with College of Marin, our pride and joy community college; it’s probably the largest business, employer and structure in Kentfield.

The immediate area surrounding College of Marin are quite a few apartment and condo complexes, typically housing students and new graduates. However, Kentfield is far from a college town but dominated instead by the residents that call Kent Woodlands, a residential area of homes nestled amongst the hills, home.

Kent Woodlands consists of ~ 550 homes, that decorate the eastern slope of Mt. Tam. Homes in this area are generally impressive and many border upon open space – i.e. quintessential Marin living. Some are in the “flats,” while others wind up high in the verdant, wooded hills.

The Kent Wooodlands Property Owners Association is the homeowners’ group that “.. represents members’ interests in traffic safety, fire preparedness, architectural review, social activities, representation on county-wide issues and maintenance of community development standards.” Reading a copy of their latest newsletter hints at the various social activities and architectural proposals that occur regularly to foster a sense of community.

When Kentfield residents aren’t tending to their gorgeous homes, the social hub and center is the local, gourmet independent grocer, Woodlands Market. As Kentfield is an unincorporated area of Marin, there really is no true “downtown.” Smack at the corner of College and Kent Avenues, Woodlands serves as prime location for food shopping and running into your neighbors. They are also known to host fundraisers for the local schools and put on BBQs, complete with music and entertainment, right in their prime time parking lot.

Browse some of current listings that will get you shopping at Woodlands:

4 Kentdale Ln – 3 bedroom, 2 bath Cape Cod – $1,127,000. On the north side of SFD, this location usually attracts a discount compared to the more desirable area south of SFD

4 Hillside Ave – 4 bedroom, 4 bath remodeled multi-level – $1,695,000. Convenient location just off the Kent Ave and a nice stroll to Woodlands Market.

4 Rock Road - 5 bedroom, 5 bathroom Spanish villa – $4,350,000. Nestled high up on the hill with great Mt. Tam Views.

**If you didn’t notice already, all the house numbers above are the single digit 4. This was pure coincidence, really. I think I need to buy a lottery ticket…**