148 movers in Novato
Viking Moving and Storage
"Terrible on all counts: Customer experience, damaged items, storage and final delivery. Do not use, under any circumstances!"
Clutch Moving Company
"This was my first time using movers. Honestly, I don't understand how this company is sitting comfortably at 4.8 stars. The rating made me feel comfortable along with the quote I received, but there was nothing "clutch" about this move or my exper..."
Got2Move
"When looking for a rental company, you go to reviews and other people’s experience. This is my experience. My $2000 4 month old Frame TV was smashed somewhere during the move. The owner thinks possibly in transit, but didn’t have an exact answer. ..."
Preferred Movers
"Worst experience ever! We hired them trying to support local a family business, which are also more affordable; however, this time was a very costly decision for us, not only in terms of money, but also in terms of time, effort and stress. Sinc..."
AMS Bekins
"Avoid this moving company. They lost one of our boxes which happened to have very valuable items. The company takes no responsibility and has built a system to place all the blame on the customer. Upon digging further into their process, I learned..."
My Move & Cross Country Movers
"My Move subcontracted to Dumbo moving which subsequently broke items and lost a large box of items including a car jack! Driver tried to shake us down for extra $."
XO Moving System
"I signed contract with A+ company based on BBB, they told me they are the best in marked ,etc, they have handed off moving my stuff to XOMoving Company based in CA with out my authorization, it's been 2 months delay , somebody called me twice and ..."
Gold Star Van Lines
"This moving company is awful. At first you call and everything is delightful and egar to help. The estimate was far below what I actually paid. When the movers show up, do NOT sign anything before you read EVERY word! They packed my vacuum in a a ..."
What to know when moving to Novato, CA
Novato at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A highly educated area with 51.7% of residents holding a bachelor's degree and 28.5% of the population renting.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income is $109,750, making it relatively affluent.
- The Reality Check:
- Median gross rent is $2,168, which could be a significant expense for some.
- Commute:
- Only 3.4% of residents use public transit for commuting.
- Top Tip:
- Prepare for 22.5 inches of rain annually, so invest in good rain gear.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
In Novato, you'll find a community with a strong educational background, where over half of the residents have a bachelor's degree. The housing market is competitive, with a median home value of $1,094,300, which reflects the area's affluence. While many residents enjoy the benefits of homeownership, nearly 29% are renters, indicating a diverse living arrangement. With a relatively low public transit usage rate, it's advisable to have a car for commuting and getting around.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for affordable rent, as the median gross rent is $2,168.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $2,168, which may be high for some budgets.
- Median owner-occupied home value is $1,094,300, indicating a robust housing market.
- 51.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, contributing to the area's educated populace.
- The poverty rate stands at 7.4%, which is relatively low.
- Only 3.4% of residents commute via public transit, suggesting a car-dependent area.
- 28.5% of the population are renters, indicating a mix of ownership and rental living.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In California, the property crime rate is 1,764 per 100,000 residents, which is about 14% higher than the national average of 1,547. However, property crime has seen a significant decrease of 26.1% from 2022 to 2025. The violent crime rate is 415.5 per 100,000, which is 27.7% higher than the national average of 325.3, but it has also decreased by 17.4% over the same period.
- Violent crime: 415.5 per 100,000 vs. national average of 325.3
- Property crime: 1,764 per 100,000 vs. national average of 1,547
- Notable trend: Homicide rate down 44.9% since 2022
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for California).
Schools & Higher Ed
Novato has access to three nearby postsecondary institutions, providing educational opportunities within a reasonable distance.
- Total postsecondary institutions: 3
- Dominican University of California in San Rafael
- Presidio Graduate School in San Anselmo
- Meridian University in Petaluma
Source: NCES Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Novato experiences an annual precipitation of 22.5 inches, with most of that falling during the winter months. The area enjoys about 53 rainy days a year, so planning for wet weather is essential. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore several local parks for recreation.
- China Camp State Park - 4.7 stars (1,208 reviews)
- Lagoon Park - 4.6 stars (727 reviews)
- McNears Beach Park - 4.6 stars (689 reviews)
- Shollenberger Park - 4.6 stars (540 reviews)
Source: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
In Marin County, which includes Novato, the unemployment rate is 4.0%. There are currently 120,106 employed individuals, with a labor force of 125,091.
- Unemployment rate: 4.0% (December 2025)
- Employed: 120,106
- Labor force: 125,091
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.
