OVERVIEW: San Anselmo, once the county's railroad hub, is larger than many of its neighbors, but retains a small-town charm. The self-proclaimed "Antiques Capital of Northern California," San Anselmo has about 130 antique dealers, as well as bookstores, coffee shops, boutiques, and restaurants along San Anselmo Avenue next to Creek Park. Homes are older and smaller than those in nearby Ross. Larger lots grace some hill areas. Five roads converge through The Hub, with Sir Francis Drake Boulevard and The Miracle Mile jamming from traffic during the rush hours.

HOUSING: San Anselmo offers mid-range housing prices. Real estate sales have remained steady, and except for a jump in 1995, few new homes have been constructed in the last five years.

EDUCATION: The Ross Valley School District serves both Fairfax and San Anselmo with three elementary schools for grades K-5 and one middle school for grades 6-8. District enrollment is just over 1,700, with class sizes averaging 20-24 students. Students who live in San Anselmo go to Sir Francis Drake High School in San Anselmo, which is part of the Tamalpais Union High School District. There are also two private schools.

TRANSPORTATION: Most San Anselmo residents drive to work, but some choose public transportation. Traffic can be heavy during rush hour on Sir Francis Drake Boulevard.

PUBLIC SAFETY: San Anselmo is served by its own police department and the Ross Valley Fire Service, which also covers Fairfax. Crime is low, as is earthquake danger.

DEMOGRAPHICS: San Anselmo has one of the larger populations in the county, and a median age in the late 30s. Its citizens are highly educated, as in the rest of the county, and most work in managerial, technical, or sales professions.

PARKS AND RECREATION: San Anselmo has several parks and offers youth programs through the Recreational Department and local schools.

AMENITIES: San Anselmo bills itself as an antiques center, with over 100 antique shops and collectives. Downtown there are also several restaurants, and there is a shopping center on the west side of town. There are several churches, and a host of annual local events.

WEATHER: The average temperature is 59 degrees, with an average maximum temperature of 70 degrees and an average low of 48. From July to September, highs get into the 80s. San Anselmo gets about 37 inches of rain a year. The average low is 48 degrees, with the coldest months being November and December. Mount Tamalpais usually protects the region from perpetual fog.