2026 Compare Cities Overview:
Novato, CA vs Fountain Valley, CA

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Highlights
Are people in Fountain Valley older or younger than people in Novato?
- The Median Age in Fountain Valley is 4.2 years younger than in Novato.

Are housing costs cheaper in Fountain Valley or Novato?
- Fountain Valley housing costs are 0.9% less expensive than Novato housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Fountain Valley or Novato?
- The average commute for residents of Fountain Valley is 4.1 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Novato.

Things to do in Novato?
Novato, California is located in Marin County, just north of San Francisco. Novato is home to nearly 56,000 people and offers a mix of rural and urban attractions. Residents enjoy outdoor activities such as Mt. Burdell Open Space Preserve and the Novato Arts Center for its art galleries, plays, and music events. Novato also boasts several shopping destinations in addition to top-notch schools, hospitals and services. With its combination of small-town charm, big-city amenities and access to pristine natural beauty, Novato provides an excellent place to call home.

Things to do in Fountain Valley?
Fountain Valley, California is a vibrant city located in the heart of Orange County. With its sunny weather and seaside location, Fountain Valley offers something for everyone to enjoy. From its popular festivals and attractions such as Surf City USA at Huntington Beach, to its bustling shopping districts and diverse dining options, there is plenty to keep visitors entertained. The city also has several parks and trails perfect for outdoor activities including biking, fishing and picnicking. In addition, Fountain Valley's close proximity to Los Angeles allows residents easy access to America's entertainment capital while still experiencing the relaxing atmosphere of their own neighborhood. Whether you’re looking for a place to live or visit, Fountain Valley has something for everyone!

 Novato, CAFountain Valley, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock57,139329,725,481
 Median Income$107,975  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock43.938.4
 Avg. Home Price$1,052,000  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock6.2%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time32.59  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Novato    9 Reviews

Lush hills, hiking trails, and easy access to both wine country and San Francisco. We love it here.  More

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Over 11 years ago

Novato is a family oriented community located about 20 miles north of the Golden Gate bridge. The quality of life is excellent here assuming your job pays you enough to  More

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Over 12 years ago

We recently moved to a secluded neighborhood in Novato after 25 years in central Marin. While there are fewer restaurants and galleries, we are very pleased with our  More

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Reviews for Fountain Valley    3 Reviews

We are just average home gardeners and having lived in Fountain Valley for over 40 years, my wife and I have found the climate excellent for growing nearly ever kind of  More

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Over 19 years ago

fountain valley is nice but very expensive. Average home price will run you around $700,000.Beaches are close by. People are okay but no sense of community or sense of  More

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The weather is very moderate year-around. Warm summers, comfortable spring-time, cool  More

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