Moving to West Marin: Point Reyes, Inverness, and Olema Explained
Are you considering a move to West Marin? In this post, I will walk you through everything you need to know about living in Point Reyes Station, Inverness, and Olema — three small towns that offer natural beauty, privacy, and a truly distinct lifestyle. We’ll cover the real estate market, what kinds of homes are available, what everyday life looks like, and what to expect if you’re relocating full-time or purchasing a second home. This post will give you a full picture of what life is really like in this part of Marin County.
Point Reyes Station
Let’s begin with Point Reyes Station — the most active and commercial of the three towns. Here, you'll find a small downtown with locally owned shops, a well-stocked grocery store, galleries, a post office, and a few cafes and restaurants. It's also home to Station House Café and the Western, the local bar that serves as a gathering place for residents and weekenders alike. You can grab a drink, listen to live music, and get a real feel for the community.
Point Reyes is compact and walkable. You’ll often see locals chatting outside the bakery, and the farmers market on Saturdays is a community fixture. In terms of housing, most of the homes in Point Reyes Station are older and full of character — bungalows, early 20th-century cottages, and modest ranch-style homes. You might find homes needing updates starting around $1.2 million, while move-in-ready homes with land or views can exceed $2.5 million.
Inventory is limited, and properties here don’t come up often. Buyers are drawn to the town’s charm, proximity to the Point Reyes National Seashore, and its walkable layout — rare in West Marin.
Inverness
Just a short drive from Point Reyes, Inverness feels like a completely different world. Situated along Tomales Bay and extending up into the wooded hills, Inverness offers a more secluded lifestyle. The homes here are often set back from the road, surrounded by trees, and many enjoy views of the bay. Architecturally, you’ll see classic West Marin styles: shingled homes, rustic cabins, mid-century modern houses with lots of wood and glass, and a few contemporary properties nestled discreetly into the landscape.
What defines Inverness is its connection to nature. Residents enjoy access to nearby beaches, hiking trails, and calm kayaking spots on the bay. Downtown Inverness has a small market, a post office, and the Salt Water Oyster Depot. Most residents rely on Point Reyes Station for groceries and dining.
Real estate in Inverness ranges widely. Modest cabins can start around $1.1 million, while larger properties on acreage or with prime views can go well beyond $4 million. The average home price tends to fall between $1.5 and $2.5 million. Because homes here are often held long-term or passed down within families, the market is very tight and competitive when listings do become available.
Olema
Olema is the smallest and quietest of the three towns. Located just a few minutes south of Point Reyes Station, it has a peaceful, rural atmosphere with wide-open views, grassy fields, and wooded hills. It’s also the closest to the Bear Valley Visitor Center, which serves as the main gateway to the Point Reyes National Seashore.
There are just a handful of businesses in Olema — including the Olema House, a beautifully restored inn, restaurant, and market.
Real estate here is limited, and properties tend to be on larger parcels. You'll find mostly historic homes in Olema, if you are lucky enough to find a home for sale. There have only been 3 homes sold in Olema in the past 10 years. With such low turnover, buyers need to be ready to act quickly when something becomes available.
What It’s Like to Live Here
Living in West Marin is very different from life in a traditional suburb. First, you’ll want to be realistic about infrastructure. Cell service can be spotty, and internet access varies significantly by location. Some homes have reliable broadband, while others still depend on satellite or limited DSL. If you work from home, it’s crucial to confirm internet speeds before making an offer.
Second, expect cooler weather — especially in summer. Fog is common, particularly in Inverness and Olema. It creates that dramatic, moody coastal feel many people love, but it also means you’ll want sweaters year-round.
Third, services are minimal. For major shopping, home improvement stores, or medical care, you’ll likely drive to Petaluma, Novato, or even further. But for many, that trade-off is worth it. You get access to incredible hiking, quiet beaches, wildlife, and a deep sense of peace that’s hard to find elsewhere in the Bay Area.
The Real Estate Process in West Marin
Buying in West Marin requires patience. The inventory is low, competition is strong, and many sales happen off-market or through private networks. If you’re serious about buying here, it’s important to work with a Realtor who understands the local landscape and has strong relationships in the community.
It’s also a good idea to familiarize yourself with local zoning and Coastal Commission regulations, especially if you’re planning to renovate or build. The area is environmentally sensitive, and permitting can be complex. That said, the reward is a property that feels like a true retreat — something that can be hard to find anywhere else in Northern California.
So to summarize:
Point Reyes Station is the most active and walkable, with the strongest sense of community life.
Inverness offers quiet beauty, privacy, and architectural charm.
Olema is peaceful, pastoral, and extremely limited in inventory.
Each town has its own distinct personality, but all three offer a rare opportunity to live immersed in nature while still being within reach of the Bay Area.
If you’re considering a move to West Marin — whether you’re searching for a weekend retreat or a permanent home — I’d love to help guide you through the process.
