Nestled between vast open space and rolling hills, the City of Novato lies in the most northern point of Marin County. A true community with a population of just over 50,000 residents, Novato boasts a thriving business community, resident serving commerce, full municipality services, and a charming downtown district. Novato is steadily increasing as a destination point for visitors with its close proximity to San Francisco and the Napa Valley-Sonoma wine country. The Novato Unified School District provides education services to families, comprised of eight elementary schools, three middle schools, two high schools and three alternative schools. In addition to public schools there are also a number of private schools in the area so parents can choose the best fit to meet the educational needs of their children and family. Both public and private school systems have a high level of parental and community involvement, parents in this community take an active role in the education of their children. Novato is considered a great weather area with warm summers and relatively mild winter temperatures. Residents and visitors enjoy a variety of community special events through out the year, including Movies in the Park, the Salsa Festival, the Novato Festival of Art, Wine and Music, Friday Night Movies on Sherman Avenue, the annual 4th of July Parade, a Downtown Farmers’ Market, and Nostalgia Days in downtown Novato. The City of Novato Parks & Recreation Department provides numerous community classes, activities, youth and adult sports programs and an active Senior Center. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy the 3,500 acres of outlying open space preserves that provide a picturesque backdrop for hiking, biking and enjoying the regions natural beauty. Novato is a pleasant and special place to live.