San Anselmo is essentially a family town with a gentle pace and friendly ambiance. Population of 12,378 at the 2000 census, it began as a pastoral town until 1874 when the North Pacific Coast Railroad added to its line a spur track from San Rafael. San Anselmo was named after a Miwok Indian buried in the area. Along with the railroad junction came development of the unique downtown area alongside the banks of San Anselmo creek.

Conveniently located between Fairfax, San Rafael, and Ross, San Anselmo is a neighborhood with easy access to the open spaces and lakes of the Tam watershed. Creek-side restaurants, cafes, galleries, antique shops, boutiques and a small winery contribute to downtown San Anselmo's charming atmosphere ideal for strolling or dining. San Anselmo Memorial Park provides children and parents a recreational area to play and picnic under the view of Mount Tamalpais, contributing to an environment perfect for what a family neighborhood has to offer.