Welcome to Ross
Ross is located in Central Marin, approximately 18 miles north of San Francisco from the Golden Gate Bridge. Ross’ small town, family vibe, along with a low density of development, create a community where man-made and natural environments co-exist in harmony.
Why buy property in Ross CA?
Ross real estate in Marin County is popular for several reasons. The area has maintained a distinct woodsy feel, with tree-lined streets, hillsides, ridgelines and winding creeks. Much of Ross is adjacent to protected open space or land not accessible for development. Moreover, many Ross homes for sale are generous in terms of space, and are situated so that one feels separated from one’s neighbors, yet still part of a neighborhood and community.
Ross is served by The Ross School District which operates a single public school, The Ross School, serving students in grades K-8. The Ross School has the deep support of its community and is highly rated, often in the #1 spot among Marin County’s elementary schools. The school, and all of its many benefits, are a big reason many families seek out Ross homes for sale. Many secondary students either attend one of several high schools in the Tamalpais School District, or attend The Branson School, a private 9-12 school in Ross.
“Downtown” Ross is popular with locals. At the center is the Ross Common Park, with expansive grassy areas and a playground. At this public area, you can often see team practices and recreational classes taking place, as well as people taking a stroll or enjoying a picnic. Adjacent to the park is a small commercial area, with several shops, restaurants and coffee bars. Even the post office, housed across the street from Ross Common Park, has a cheerful and relaxed ambiance.
The town hosts a number of events for its residents, ranging from a Fourth of July parade to an annual town dinner.
Fun Facts & Statistics
Ross is named in honor of James Ross, who acquired Rancho Punta de Quentin in 1859, a 8,887-acre Mexican land grant. Ross, a Scot who originally arrived in San Francisco in 1848 and made his fortune in the wholesale liquor business, set up a trading post called "Ross Landing."
The Town of Ross is 1.6 square miles and has 2,543 residents. Ross’ town symbol is a bear, after the iconic and abstract Ross Bear sculpture created by the Italian sculptor Beniamino Bufano. The sculpture sits in front of the Ross town hall.
Ross Nature & Geography
The Marin Art and Garden Center is a popular and free attraction in Ross. It is a beautiful 11-acre respite full of plants, flowers, trees, water areas and pathways that wind through the grounds. The center’s art studio features a rotation of exhibits on digital art, sculpture, illustration, photography and more.
Nearby Phoenix Lake, located on watershed lands and accessible from Ross, is perfect for a family hike or bike ride due to its short and flat trails—but also offers a choice of challenging terrain for more experienced hikers and mountain bikers.
Another popular spot is Natalie Coffin Greene Park at the end of Lagunitas Road. The park is right below Phoenix Lake, and is outfitted with picnic tables, a creek and plenty of easy hiking trails.
A Perfect Day in Ross
After you’ve found your ideal Ross home for sale, settle in and enjoy your laid-back, small town adventure.
Spend your morning taking in a bit of zen by meandering through the Marin Art and Garden Center, where you can literally stop and smell the roses, marvel at a Giant Sequoia, toss a pebble into a pond and exploring the ground’s barn, studio and other structures.
Afterwards, check out Tony Tutto Pizza at Ross Common, which creates delectable farm-to-table pizzas, salads, soups and focaccia bread. Take your lunch fare to-go and walk across the street to Ross Commons Park for a spontaneous picnic. Let the kids explore the playground and grassy areas at the park.
Head up to Phoenix Lake for an afternoon bike ride or hike around the lake. There’s plenty of wildlife to explore, including turtles and river otters who live in the lake, wildflowers, and numerous birds and other local wildlife. Take a little break on one of the many benches scattered along the trail.
For dinner, there’s the delightful Marche Aux Fleurs, a farm-to-table restaurant featuring a menu of carefully crafted French and Italian inspired dishes and an extensive wine list.
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