If you are looking to buy newer construction in Marin County, Hamilton is an excellent place to consider. Located in southern Novato next to tidal wetlands and the San Pablo Bay, Hamilton was once Hamilton Field, a U.S. military air base. In the late 1990s it was transformed into a vibrant residential community with about one thousand homes built between 1998 and 2001. There are a mix of single-family houses, townhomes, and middle- to low-income properties.
The homes in Hamilton are divided into smaller areas - sort of like "neighborhoods within a neighborhood." These include Newport Landing, Sunny Cove, Bayside, Traditions, Inspiration, Southgate, Hamilton Park and the Villas.
The old military airplane hangars have been renovated for commercial tenants. This rehabbed area is called Hamilton Landing , which has become a magnet for both high-tech and traditional companies seeking a dynamic work environment. Many employees who live in Hamilton can walk to work.
Life at Hamilton continues to improve. The long-awaited Hamilton Marketplace shopping center opened this year and is home to Marin County's largest Safeway grocery store and gas station, as well as other stores and restaurants. Hamilton also has many recreation activities, including two parks and a YMCA. There's also a branch of the Marin County Public Library as we
ll as Hamilton Cafe.
Recently (first half of 2009), there have been several foreclosures and short sales in Hamilton that have brought down prices. So, if you were priced out of Hamilton in the past, it is a good time to take another look.
Are there drawbacks to living in Hamilton? Perhaps. A trade-off for newer construction is often smaller lot sizes. Homes are close together in many of the Hamilton neighborhoods. However, there are lots that back to future wetlands and open space, so there are no rear neighbors.
I'm Kevin McGinnis and I'm an expert in Marin County real estate an
d Hamilton homes. You can reach me at (415) 725-1911 or kmcginnis@fhallen.com
Search the MLS on www.BestHomesMarin.com
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