148 movers in Novato
Avl Moving Systems
"Never,..ever,..even consider using this company in Santa Clarita. AVL Moving Systems. The previous negative reviews are indeed correct. Other than the nice guy in sales, (but who still mislead me into thinking that things were far more inclusive ..."
Golden State Van Lines
"Wanted to share my experience about my move with Golden state Van lines. they have quoted me the best price and I went a head with them as you were refereed by my friend(who was referred by his friend). you pick-up was the good. you guys came o..."
Mont-Rose Moving Systems Inc.
"I hired Mont-Rose/Mayflower to move me in state. For the most part the move went great. The problem came when I had damaged items and filed a claim. Everything was taken care of with no issues except my computer. It had been dropped on its corner ..."
Best Moving Van Lines
"This company was subcontracted by my daughter-in-law's primary movers, Allegiance Van Lines, to move her furniture and boxes from LA to Chicago. Not only did the furniture arrive more than 10 days late, they also lost her new $2,800 Casper Wave ma..."
Cal Van Lines
"This was a long move and the first time I have ever moved this far and with a moving company. It was the worst experience I have experienced in my life. I would never, ever use this company again, as long as I live. I had to make a claim with Cal ..."
EHM Moving
"If I could rate them less than one I would. Worst experience ever tried to change quote even after confirmation text. When I copied text their quote back to them then I received a ranting maniac cursing and threatening me telling he had my inform..."
California Moving Systems
"I seriously suspect the ratings I see for California Moving Systems on various sites as my extremely poor customer service experience was not an anomaly. We used CMS to complete a move from California to Florida and we couldn't have received worst..."
House To Home Moving
"I only review when a business provides me with an exceptional experience that I take the time to review them. Unfortunately this time I am writing a review for on ongoing exceptionally negative experience. A little background on how and why w..."
Fuller Moving Service
"Beware!!!! I would seriously caution anyone on using this company for their moving needs because They engage in very unethical business practices such as the following: 1. We were quoted an estimated price for our belongings that was much heavier ..."
Hollister Moving and Storage
"I contracted with Hollister Moving and Storage to move me from Hollister to Wyoming. Though they ([NAME EDIT]) promised to 'take care' of me, it was absolutely my worst nightmare! They damaged or 'lost' everything that I own(ed). They now refuse t..."
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.
