Kentfield vs Greenbrae: Which Fits Your Lifestyle?

Trying to choose between Kentfield and Greenbrae? You are not alone. Both sit in central Marin and offer great access to nature and the Bay Area, but the day-to-day feel can be very different. In this guide, you will learn how each area stacks up on homes, commute, schools, amenities, and risks so you can decide which fits your lifestyle. Let’s dive in.

Quick snapshot comparison

Note on boundaries: Both are unincorporated communities governed by Marin County. Neighborhood boundaries can vary by data source, so always confirm specifics for a property address with Marin County resources.

Neighborhood profiles

Kentfield at a glance

Kentfield is a predominantly residential community of tree-lined streets and low-rise homes, many on medium to large lots in hilly terrain. You will find proximity to educational institutions, including the College of Marin’s Kentfield campus and several private schools. Daily life feels calm with easy access to parks and trails. Larger yards and a quieter setting are common draws.

Greenbrae at a glance

Greenbrae blends residential streets with convenient commercial corridors near Sir Francis Drake Boulevard and U.S. 101. You can reach shopping and services quickly, including the Bon Air Shopping Center and nearby medical facilities in the MarinHealth area. Commuters appreciate the proximity to major bus routes and the Larkspur Ferry. Many blocks feel walkable to everyday amenities.

Housing and market feel

In Kentfield, housing skews toward single-family homes, including mid-century and early 20th-century properties, many with custom remodels. Lots are often larger and may be sloped, which can offer privacy, views, and space for gardens. Multifamily options are limited compared with surrounding towns.

In Greenbrae, you will see a wider mix of single-family homes, townhomes, and condos, with more attached options near commercial corridors and 101. Parcels can be more compact, and some areas include newer infill or renovated homes. Many buyers trade lot size for convenience and access to services.

Schools and education

School assignments vary by exact address. Parts of Kentfield are served by the Kentfield School District for elementary and middle grades, and many high school students attend schools in the Tamalpais Union High School District. Kentfield is also near the College of Marin’s Kentfield campus and several private institutions. In Greenbrae, assignments depend on parcel location and may align with nearby districts in the area.

Because boundaries can shift and differ block by block, always verify the school district for a specific property directly with the relevant district or the county before making decisions. Use district maps and official tools to confirm grade-level assignments.

Commute and access

If your priority is fast regional access, Greenbrae offers quick connections to U.S. 101 with nearby ferry and major bus routes. This makes daily trips to San Francisco or the East Bay more straightforward.

Kentfield’s residential layout can mean longer routes to 101 depending on where you live, especially in hilltop areas. You still have access to regional bus lines, but the convenience differs by exact location within the neighborhood.

Shopping, dining, and healthcare

Greenbrae is well known for convenient shopping and services. The Bon Air Shopping Center and nearby businesses cover daily needs, and MarinHealth medical facilities are close by. Many residents can walk or take a short drive to groceries, dining, and clinics.

Kentfield has smaller commercial nodes, and you will likely drive to nearby Larkspur, San Rafael, or Ross for broader retail and dining options. Many residents value the trade-off for a more residential setting.

Outdoor recreation and trails

Both communities sit near Marin’s trail networks and open spaces. Kentfield’s hilly terrain gives you close access to residential trailheads and routes toward Mount Tamalpais. Greenbrae sits closer to lowland waterfront paths and Bay-side routes via nearby Larkspur. Either way, you are within a short drive of parks, trail systems, and open spaces.

Safety, hazards, and planning

Marin County generally reports lower violent crime rates than many urban areas, but conditions can vary within micro-neighborhoods. Review recent data from county sources for any address you are considering.

Environmental risks differ by topography. In parts of Greenbrae near the bay, consult FEMA flood maps and local sea-level-rise planning documents to understand flood insurance and resiliency considerations. In Kentfield’s hillier areas, review slope stability and potential landslide concerns and consider geotechnical guidance for steep or wooded parcels.

Both areas follow Marin County planning, zoning, and permitting rules. Larger remodels and new construction often require county plan checks and, in some cases, environmental review. If you are considering a condo or townhome in Greenbrae, check any HOA’s rules, fees, and rental policies. Short-term rental regulations in the county are strict, so verify what is permitted before assuming rental income.

Who each area fits

• Kentfield may fit you if you value larger lots, privacy, a quieter residential feel, and being near educational institutions and hillside trails.
• Greenbrae may fit you if you prioritize quick freeway access, walkable daily conveniences, a mix of housing types, and proximity to ferry and bus routes.

How to choose: a simple checklist

• Commute priority: Do you want the quickest access to 101 or ferry service?
• Lot and yard size: Is outdoor space, gardening, or privacy at the top of your list?
• Home type: Are you looking for a single-family home or open to condos and townhomes?
• Daily convenience: Do you want to walk to groceries, dining, and clinics, or are you comfortable driving a few minutes?
• Terrain and risks: Would you prefer hill views or flatter, waterfront-adjacent areas? Confirm flood or slope considerations for any specific parcel.
• Schools: Verify exact school assignments for your target addresses before you write an offer.

Tips for local sellers

• Selling in Kentfield: Highlight yard size, privacy, and access to trails and nearby campuses. Ensure hillside landscaping, drainage, and any slope-related maintenance are dialed in before listing.
• Selling in Greenbrae: Emphasize commute ease, walkability to shopping, and proximity to medical services and ferry or bus routes. Clarify HOA details for condos or townhomes and provide practical parking and storage information.

For both areas, targeted pre-sale improvements and professional staging can elevate buyer interest and shorten time on market. If you want hands-on help coordinating vendors and upgrades, ask about project-managed prep and financing options designed to maximize your net proceeds.

Next steps

Choosing between Kentfield and Greenbrae comes down to daily rhythms. If you want larger lots and a quieter residential feel, Kentfield often stands out. If you want quick access to 101, walkable shopping, and more housing variety, Greenbrae may be the right fit. When you are ready to compare specific streets and homes, connect with Christina & Karla for local guidance tailored to your goals.

FAQs

What is the main difference between Kentfield and Greenbrae?

• Kentfield is more residential with larger lots and hillside terrain, while Greenbrae offers a mix of housing near 101, shopping, and transit.

How do school assignments work for Kentfield and Greenbrae addresses?

• Assignments vary by street and can change; verify with the relevant district and county resources for each specific property.

Which area is better for commuting to San Francisco?

• Greenbrae typically provides faster access to 101 and nearby ferry and bus routes, which many commuters prefer.

Are there environmental risks I should check in each neighborhood?

• Review FEMA flood information and local sea-level planning for low-lying Greenbrae areas, and evaluate slope stability for hillside parcels in Kentfield.

What kinds of homes are most common in each area?

• Kentfield is mostly single-family homes on larger lots; Greenbrae includes single-family homes plus a notable share of townhomes and condos.