Choosing between Greenbrae and Kentfield can feel like splitting hairs. They sit side by side in central Marin, yet the day-to-day experience can be very different. If you are weighing space, views, commute access, and maintenance needs, a clear comparison will help you align your search with your budget and lifestyle. Below, you will find practical, local guidance to help you decide with confidence. Let’s dive in.

Where they sit in Marin

Greenbrae and Kentfield are neighboring communities in central Marin County. Both are just inland of the Corte Madera Creek corridor and offer direct access to the US‑101 spine that connects to the Golden Gate Bridge and the broader North Bay.

Greenbrae sits lower and closer to Larkspur Landing and 101. Kentfield lies just uphill and west of Greenbrae, stretching toward the foothills near Mount Tamalpais and the College of Marin.

Lot size and outdoor space

If you want larger yards with room to grow, Kentfield generally offers more of them. Many Kentfield parcels are 8,000 square feet or larger, with numerous properties on 10,000 to 20,000 square feet or more. You will see substantial yards, driveways, and private landscaping.

Greenbrae typically has smaller single-family lots alongside a higher share of condos and townhomes. You will still find single-family homes, but the overall footprint tends to be more modest, especially near the marsh or commercial corridors.

What this means for you:

• Kentfield often supports additions, outdoor amenities, and extensive landscaping.
• Greenbrae’s denser areas may have tighter setback and lot coverage limits, which can shape remodel scope.
• ADU potential exists in both areas, but feasibility depends on parcel size and zoning. Confirm details with county planning.

Views and topography

Kentfield’s hillside streets create more opportunities for long-range vistas. Many homes enjoy views of Mount Tamalpais, surrounding hills, and in some cases partial Bay vistas depending on elevation and orientation.

Greenbrae’s lower elevations are closer to the Corte Madera Marsh and Richardson Bay. Some homes and condos near Larkspur Landing offer marsh and Bay outlooks, while many interior streets have more limited long-range views.

Impact on value and design:

• Kentfield’s hillside properties with broad views often command a premium and may use split-level or hillside foundations.
• Greenbrae’s view premiums often cluster around waterfront and marsh-facing buildings, including select condos and townhomes.

Commute and transit access

Both communities are convenient for regional travel, but access differences matter day to day.

• Greenbrae: Immediate proximity to US‑101 and a short hop to the Larkspur Ferry and SMART rail station at Larkspur Landing. Some homes are within a practical walk or quick bike ride to the ferry, which is a plus for San Francisco commuters.
• Kentfield: Still close to 101 and Larkspur Landing, usually via a short local drive along Sir Francis Drake Boulevard or nearby arterials. If you prize quieter streets and larger lots, the extra minutes can be a fair tradeoff.

Tip for measuring commute time:

• Check door-to-door timing during your actual peak hours using your navigation app, including ferry or rail schedules, and account for local arterial congestion.

Housing types and age

Kentfield is predominantly single-family residential. You will see early 20th-century homes, mid-century ranches, and many properties that have been remodeled or expanded. Larger lots can support major renovations and rebuilds over time.

Greenbrae offers a mix: single-family homes plus a notable number of condos, townhomes, and garden apartments, especially near commercial corridors and Larkspur Landing. You will also find mid-century homes and some newer infill and updated condos.

Buyer takeaways:

• Kentfield often fits buyers seeking a long-term home with room to add space or pursue a significant remodel.
• Greenbrae often suits commuters, downsizers, and buyers who prefer lower-maintenance living near transit and amenities.

Environmental and permitting checks

Site conditions vary by block. Before you get attached to a property, confirm the following:

• Flood and sea-level considerations: Parts of Greenbrae border marshy areas. Some parcels may be in or near FEMA flood zones or future sea-level rise planning areas. Flood insurance and permitting can be affected.
• Slope and geotechnical: Kentfield’s hillside locations may require geotechnical review for slope stability, retaining walls, and grading.
• Trees and views: Tree preservation rules and view easements can limit removals or view alterations in both areas.
• Zoning and allowable uses: Kentfield includes larger-lot residential zones, while Greenbrae includes more mixed-use and multifamily zones near corridors. Verify parcel-specific rules with Marin County Planning.
• Utilities: Most central Marin properties are on public sewer. Confirm utility details for any atypical parcels.

Which neighborhood fits your goals

Use these simple filters to focus your search:

• Choose Kentfield if you prioritize larger lots, privacy, and more scope to expand.
• Choose Greenbrae if you want quicker access to 101 and the Larkspur Ferry, or prefer condo and townhome options with lower maintenance.
• For broad Mount Tam and hillside vistas, Kentfield’s elevations offer more options.
• For marsh and Bay outlooks with immediate proximity to Larkspur Landing, look to select Greenbrae locations.

How to compare specific homes

When you find a promising listing, validate the details that can change costs and long-term value:

• Lot size and layout: Pull parcel area and dimensions from county assessor records or the county parcel viewer.
• View quality: Check sight lines from the property and revisit during different light and seasons to see how foliage affects views.
• Environmental layers: Review floodplain, slope, and landslide mapping to understand potential insurance and permitting impacts.
• Commute tests: Drive or ride at your actual peak times and include parking or first-mile and last-mile connections.
• Zoning and ADU feasibility: Confirm lot coverage, setbacks, and any overlay rules with Marin County.
• School boundaries: Verify attendance boundaries directly with the district if this factor is important to you.

On-site viewing checklist

Bring this checklist to showings so you can compare apples to apples:

• Lot usability: Flat vs slope, yard size, privacy, and neighbor sight lines.
• Foundation and site: Slab vs hillside construction, retaining walls, drainage patterns.
• Flood or moisture indicators: Raised mechanicals, flood vents, sump pumps, and any disclosure history.
• Noise and access: Proximity to arterials, 101, or ferry approaches; daytime and nighttime sound levels.
• Transit convenience: Walking or biking routes to ferry or rail and safe crossings.
• Future projects: Space for an ADU, pool, or addition and possible permitting triggers.

Ready to narrow your search?

If you want larger lots and hillside serenity, Kentfield may be your match. If you need fast ferry access and a wider mix of lower-maintenance homes, Greenbrae can shine. The right fit often comes down to block-by-block details. A focused tour plan and a clean set of comps will clarify the tradeoffs quickly.

For tailored guidance, local comps, and a viewing plan built around your goals, reach out to the Tam Home Team. Our boutique, high-touch approach and deep Marin roots help you compare options, verify site details, and move forward with confidence.

FAQs

What are the main lot size differences between Greenbrae and Kentfield?

• Kentfield generally offers larger single-family parcels with more yard space, while Greenbrae has more modest lots alongside a higher share of condos and townhomes.

How does ferry access compare for commuters to San Francisco?

• Greenbrae is closest to the Larkspur Ferry and SMART station, often allowing a short drive or practical walk, while Kentfield usually involves a brief local drive.

Are flood risks a concern in Greenbrae near the marsh?

• Some Greenbrae parcels are in or near flood zones; confirm floodplain status, insurance needs, and any resilience planning before you move ahead.

Do Kentfield hillside homes require special permitting?

• Properties on steeper slopes can be subject to geotechnical review, slope stability rules, and additional permits for grading or retaining walls.

Where should I verify zoning, ADU rules, and setbacks?

• Marin County Planning and the county parcel viewer are the primary sources for parcel zoning, allowable uses, lot coverage, and setback standards.

What housing types are more common in each area?

• Kentfield is predominantly single-family homes, while Greenbrae mixes single-family with notable condo and townhome communities, especially near commercial corridors.