For those of you who want to live in Shangri-la and yet still only have a 20 minute drive to work, Marin County is an area that you should look at, both for investment purposes and for luxury living.

As an investment area, it has a very good record, with a steady increase since 2003. More recently, in the last three years, it has proven even more profitable with all houses listed being sold. (Whereas sales in the 1997 to 2003 period show some shortfall.) With the expected rush on luxury property as the first wave of baby boomers retire in 2011, buying at the present time in Marin County could be an ideal investment.

Houses prices are amongst the highest in the country and strict laws allow for very little new development. It is only a 20 minute drive to San Francisco, yet it is a nature lovers dream. Just across the Golden Gate Bridge into Marin County and a short drive to the eastern side will bring you to where the vast majority of homes nowadays are located.

Over 33% of the country is wide open spaces, with redwood forests and small communities. There are abundant and varied beaches to please every taste because Marin County is surrounded on three sides by water. A sea view is not an optional extra.

Although Marin County can trace its roots back to the 1500s, it has only been settled for 200 years, and is the base for America's oldest cross country race: the Dipsea Race.

Marin County schools have an excellent reputation, not unexpected in an area that has been described as having a highly educated population. Schools in this area are consistently scored above average and listed amongst the top USA schools.

It is not surprising therefore that Marin County ranks the highest per capita incomes of any county in the whole USA

As befits such an impressive population, Marin County takes care of the beauty and health of its environment; it is home to a number of watersheds.

It is considered in the California Floristic Province and hosts a number of eco systems. These include chaparral, oak woodland and coastal strand amongst others. It is home to many unique and protected species, both plant and animal, who no doubt thrive in the same perfect climate that could be yours!