Benton Ln, Central

Benton Lane is a tiny bit less offset than some of the other streets in this quiet, newly developed Novato neighborhood. This means several things - there is a bit more road noise from Simmons Lane (NOT much), and the cell phone reception is a little bit better (again, not by much).

Like the rest of the neighborhood, the homes here are large, multi-million-dollar, in a friendly, quiet, neighborhood - and unusually close together - so much so that many of them do not have front or backyards.

Novato is a lovely, white suburban affluent town with great schools and a little bit of shopping. Proximity to San Francisco is an added bonus, and the easily-accessible 101 is right nearby. The biggest drawbacks of the neighborhood are price point, and real estate depreciation from the housing bust in California. Buy here now, don't sell. And enjoy the hillside views!