In Ross, every time you come home you feel like you've arrived. Amongst lush, tree covered hills, winding creeks, and graciously landscaped streets and gardens, are some of the world’s most dazzling homes. There is a mélange of architectural artistry and each of these exquisite residences are luxuriously appointed, embracing every fine amenity.
The appeal of an extraordinary home is its distinctive character. Because of the strict zoning restrictions that limit development in Ross, each property’s personality is unobstructed; there are only about 884 housing units. In the 1800's, expansive estates were built by wealthy San Franciscans as holiday homes. Many of these mansions remain and Ross still represents the pinnacle of luxurious lifestyles. The Town Council strives to preserve and enhance its historical, low-density character and identity. It is spacious, extremely safe, and has schools that continually rank amongst the highest in the nation. Ross Common, Golden Gate Sotheby’s International Realty continues to be the premiere brokerage in the area. Allow us to artfully unite you with the perfect home befitting your lifestyle.
For thousands of years prior to 1800, the Coast Miwok Indians lived and were sustained by the land that is now called Ross Valley. The Coast Miwok revered the land, plants and animals of the Ross Valley through tribal cultural beliefs and practices. European diseases eventually decimated the Indian population. The settlement in 1817 of Mission San Raphael, with its vast land holding, also resulted in further incursions into areas occupied by the Coast Miwok Indians.
After the Mexican Revolution of 1821, the land grant system of parceling out land gave rise to what we now know as Marin County. Ross was originally part of an 8,877-acre Mexican land grant to Juan B.R. Cooper in 1840 known as Ranch Punta de Quentin Canada de San Anselmo. The town of Ross itself was named in honor of James Ross, who purchased the land in 1857 for $50,000. Ross built his home on Redwood Drive and moved there with his wife and three children. When James Ross died in 1862 his wife, Annie Ross, was forced to sell a portion of James Ross' larger land holdings to pay each of their daughters $10,000. The 297 acres she had remaining make up part of the Town of Ross today.
Once Ross was incorporated one of the first actions of the new town council was to make it illegal to cut down trees without the town's approval. Soon the streets were paved, streetlights erected, concrete bridges built over the creek and a firehouse constructed. Thanks to the foresight of Ross' early leaders, the town today rests under a leafy canopy that is unique in Marin County.
Ross is located in the County of Marin, California approximately 18 miles north of San Francisco over the Golden Gate Bridge. Ross is 1.6 square miles and has 2,401 residents. Ross' town center includes the Ross Common, the nationally renowned Ross School and the charming, albeit small, Ross commercial area.
Experiencing a Mediterranean climate, Ross' temperature ranges from an average low of 41 degrees to a high of 83 degrees. The rainfall averages 48 inches per year. This temperate weather, and amazing location is perfect for outdoor recreation.
Ross is an exclusive community of expansive estates and award-winning schools. Golden Gate Sotheby's International Realty has a history of selling the highest priced homes in this community, which was also the highest priced sale in Marin County in both 2012 and 2011. In 2013 the minimum single family home price was $650,000, average was $2,807,729 and the maximum was $15,000,000. That's an increase of 23% from 2012. Overall Ross is a great place to make a real estate investment.
Ross School is located on beautiful Ross Common is a kindergarten-8 grade facility. The Branson School is a co-educational, independent, college-preparatory day school with 320 boys and girls in grades 9 to 12. In 2014 22% of the Branson's graduating class were recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.
Residences of Ross are fortunate to attend Redwood High School for it is nationally ranked and recognized as one of the premier high school's in the nation with some of the State's highest test scores, rates of graduation and college acceptance. Please visit the Quick Links section for additional information.
Ross has commuter buses to speed you into downtown San Francisco in 60 minutes. Estimated drive time is 30 minutes without commute traffic. Alternatively the Larkspur Ferry Terminal crosses the Bay to San Francisco in 40 minutes. For a schedule and fees please visit the Golden Gate Transit site for more details.
Ross is known for its sophisticated country living. Its crowning jewel is the Marin Art and Garden Center which features art, history, horticulture and environmental programs. The Ross Valley Players produces diverse, professional quality live theater that evokes, entertains, and enlivens the human spirit. Ross' annual Fourth of July event is a town occasion. Citizens line the Common to watch and cheer the rolling parade of vintage cars, local dignitaries, schools, scouts and anyone else who wants to join in the fun. There's a town picnic on the Ross Common with games and activities for the entire family. To see the latest in local emerging artists visit Sam the Butcher Contemporary Art. This non-profit organization which assists emerging artists by putting on exhibitions, publishing print and online catalogs, and helping artists with publicity.
Ross has easy access to Mt. Tamalpais' many hiking and biking trails. Phoenix Lake is a lovely walk along its shore with views of the surrounding hills. Bicycling is ideal in Ross' gently rolling landscape. For the more adventurous the many bike trails on the Mountain are known world wide. Ross Recreation is a self-sustaining agency formed in 1972 to provide recreational enrichment and community service for the residents of Ross and their neighbors. The department has grown from just a handful of classes to more than 100 classes per year for ages 2 to seniors.
Fine dining and casual cafes can be found Ross. Marche aux Fleurs features cuisine of the seasons, locally sourced and prepared with the utmost skill. Cafe Ross is a local hang out where one can enjoy an excellent cup of coffee, or a meal and enjoy the lovely outdoor patio. Trattoria Fresco offers a variety of delicious appetizers and salads freshly made pastas, seafood, and outstanding grilled entrees. And visit Eddie's Woodland Market for fine deli foods and snacks. Please visit this page's Quick Links for more information.
Ross' very own Breaking Away Bikes has everything for the casual rider to mountain biker. Busy Bees is American prep dressing for children at its best. Effortless clothing that is sophisticated yet approachable, sporty and chic. Check out the Quick Links for additional shops.
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