San Rafael

As the San Rafael Creek flows east into the San Francisco Bay, the small community of Canal flourishes with family-friendly vibes against the backdrop of the San Rafael Bay. Just 18 miles north of San Francisco, this Marin County bedroom community is pulling in droves of young professionals as it’s brilliantly poised for a Bay Area commute and more affordable for the area, allowing these young people to plant their roots, set up shop and flourish into the future. One of the more affordable communities in Marin County, Canal is comprised of a healthy mix of condos, townhouses and single-family homes. Interestingly, none of them were built in the 21st century. “The housing is very clapboard, from the 1960s and ‘70s, but it’s still pretty pricy,” says Andrea Gordon, Realtor with Compass, who’s been serving East Bay homebuyers since 1998. “People really buy here because it’s extremely affordable for Marin County.” Midcentury modern is the most common housing style, with waterfront properties boasting bayside views and boats bobbing on the bay. Condos and townhouses are tucked away in cul-de-sacs, with monthly HOA fees averaging $500. According to Gordon, condos can start around $300,000, while townhouses can range from $1 million to $1.5 million. Single-family homes range from $1 million to $2 million. Being on the water comes with plenty of options for outdoor recreation. Up San Rafael Creek, the fun-loving and community-oriented San Rafael Yacht Club offers cruise-in docks for boaters. The club also hosts a trendy happy hour every Friday and its annual Rockin’ the Bay Opening Day every April, featuring music, activities and, of course, boats. At Pickleweed Park, sun-drenched playgrounds keep kids occupied, and the onsite community center adds indoor options for recreation. The park’s soccer fields are filled with league matches on the weekends. Bikers take to the bayside Jean & John Starkweather Shoreline Park for its paved stretch of the 550-mile San Francisco Bay Trail, and wildlife lovers can catch a glimpse of blue herons and stunning sunsets throughout the year. Gunshots may be heard faintly in the distance, but no worries: it’s just from the adjacent Marin Rod & Gun Club, where about 1,200 members enjoy a clubhouse, archery range and half-mile-long fishing pier. Local eateries in and around Canal keep a laidback aura, calling for casual yet enjoyable dining. Known for its friendly service and personable staff, Smoky’s Deli puts together delicious deli-style sandwiches, and the tangy teriyaki chicken is always a hit. Foodles is a popular spot for its salad bar and Tuesday Korean bibimbap special. Bringing a taste of Europe stateside, Le Croissant provides personal pots of coffee and hot chocolate to accompany breakfast and brunch. For a sweet treat, neighborhood staple Fiorello’s Artisan Gelato has a menu of 80 different gelato and sorbetto flavors — some seasonal and others with wine. “While there are a few dining spots in the Canal area, most Canal residents will frequent Fourth Street in Downtown San Rafael for shopping and dining,” says Gordon. Locals frequent Cardenas Markets and Target for grocery runs, with Trader Joe’s and the family-owned Jasmine Market just across the creek. As part of the San Rafael City School District, students can attend Coleman Elementary School and James B. Davidson Middle School, both with a Niche score of B-minus, before enrolling in San Rafael High School. The high school’s campus is spread across 33 acres and includes a massive sports complex housing tennis courts and a swimming pool, ultramodern computer labs and the high school’s KSRH radio station. San Rafael High scores a B on Niche. Highway 101 becomes Interstate 580 at the northern tip of the neighborhood and runs directly through the community. At Canal’s southern end, I-580 leads to the Richmond Bridge, crossing San Rafael Bay into North Richmond. Marin Transit is the local public transit system in Canal, with several bus stops located around the community, making public transit easily accessible to residents who choose not to drive. The Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) train is a regional option, traveling between San Rafael and Santa Rosa, and the Golden Gate Ferry provides travel between Larkspur, Sausalito and San Francisco. With an overall CAP Crime Index Score of 5, Canal’s crime rate is relatively average compared to the rest of the country. The score starts to rise in specific subcategories, with assault and motor vehicle theft scoring a 6 and robbery topping at 9.

Homes in Marin County Civic Center are close to the seat of government in Marin, along with nearby retail centers like Northgate Mall. “Young professionals who want to be close to the road live there,” says Eli Kuo, a Realtor with Keller Williams who has been selling Bay Area real estate since 2004. “People who want to be out and about.” The area It’s also a cultural center thanks to the Marin Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium. The main residential area here is Marin Lagoon, a planned community centered around a small lagoon. The area is served by San Rafael City Schools, which has an A-minus rating and is the No. 2 school district in Marin County according in Niche. Coleman Elementary and James B. Davidson Middle Schools both have B-minus ratings on Niche. San Rafael High School has a 33-acre campus, a large gym complex, and multipurpose fields for tennis and football. Lagoon Park is within walking distance of most Civic Center single-family homes. “People in that area, they like to go outdoors and enjoy sunny weather.,” says Kuo. “You see a lot of people go jogging out there.” The park is popular for a couple of reasons – first is the water. The lagoon is open for fishing and is home to a variety of duck, geese and bird species. There are also walking paths that wrap around the lagoon and wind throughout the park, and leashed dogs are welcome. There is also a space for pétanque, which is a French style of outdoor bowling, and a fenced-in dog park. For more in-depth outdoor experiences, people can head to China Camp State Park, which is less than five miles away. The Marin Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium is the area’s cultural hub. The auditorium, and the Marin County Civic Center, were designed by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright. The building itself is a cultural touchstone, and it hosts art exhibitions and traveling performers. In the parking lot, people come to experience the Marin County Fair every July, and the Marin County Farmers’ Market every Thursday. The Osher Marin Jewish Community Center is located on the other side of Lagoon Park and offers a variety of recreational activities for members. Northgate Mall is the main place people in the area go for shopping. This indoor shopping mall is home to around 40 chain retail stores and fast-casual restaurants, along with a movie theater. There are other restaurants in the immediate area around the mall, like Black Bear Diner San Rafael, a casual American dining spot serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. For groceries, people head to Safeway, also located near Northgate Mall. Marin Lagoon is the neighborhood’s residential area. It has single-family homes and condominiums. Marin Lagoon is named for the lagoon in the center of the neighborhood. There is also a clubhouse and pool for neighborhood residents to use. Single-family home prices in Marin Lagoon range from $1 to $1.5 million, and condos range from $500,000 to $950,000 Route 101 provides access to the surrounding area and a Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) station, which runs under route 101 and provides access all the way up to Sonoma County, which is about 40 miles away.

Perched along the rippling waters of the San Rafael Bay, Country Club is an upscale neighborhood nestled in the wooded hills of east San Rafael. The neighborhood was named for a former golf club that was subdivided after World War II in favor of today’s luxury homes, broadleaf trees and winding streets. "You’ve got some really beautiful homes on big, country lots that you usually don’t get out here,” says Realtor Lindy Emrich of Sotheby’s International Realty, who frequently works in Country Club and lives in the neighboring Dominican community. “It’s a bit rural, but it’s just a few minutes from downtown San Rafael.” Ranging from $1.5 million to $7 million, most of the homes here are mid-century modern and Craftsman-style, with four to five bedrooms and three to five baths. “There are lot of custom homes here, mostly built in the 1940s and 50s,” Emrich says. Though all local homes are beautifully kept with established, manicured landscaping, the more expensive ones are found in the hillsides or close to San Rafael Bay. Streets are wide and sidewalks narrow, and many homes are gated. Around almost every corner, residents can catch a glimpse of golden, oak-studded hills or calm teal-grey water. All that remains of Country Club’s former country club is its Spanish Colonial Revival clubhouse, now a private residence on leafy Margarita Drive. Once part of this country club, the Marin Yacht Club sailed off on its own in 1934; today it’s a strong source of local community, with family-and dog-friendly cruises and gatherings. Set on 27 private acres along the San Rafael Canal, the club includes a restaurant and outdoor pool, as well as bocce, tennis and pickleball courts. To simply park and service a vessel or superyacht, residents can rent a slip at marinas like Loch Lomond Marina Park. For a view of the bay from land, locals enjoy the benches, lawns and walking paths at Bayside Park. Andy’s Local Market is the only neighborhood grocery store, but it offers a pizza oven, barbecue menu, coffee cafe and deli, and fresh produce. The original market in a local chain, it’s as much a grocery store as a neighborhood hangout, with a full bar inside and Adirondack chairs and picnic tables outside. For everything else, there’s Trader’s Joe’s and Whole Foods just west of the neighborhood. Diverse dining options are on display in Downtown San Rafael. Authentic Puerto Rican cuisine can be found at the hip, happening and original Sol Food, part of a small local chain, while those in the mood for Laotian and Thai dishes visit Laos Kitchen, known for their curry puffs and addictive peanut sauce. With a sunny atrium and rooftop dining, Kientz Hall serves seasonal Mediterranean-American fare and stocks a full bar. For a little entertainment, film buffs can catch an indie flick or classic movie at the art deco-style San Rafael Film Center. San Rafael City Schools includes the San Rafael Elementary School District and the San Rafael High School District, both governed by one school board. Young students attend Glenwood Elementary, which earns a B-plus rating from Niche, before moving on to B-minus-rated James B. Davidson Middle School. Upperclassmen attend B-rated San Rafael High School, which is in central San Rafael on an historic, 33-acre campus. It enrolls around 1,200 students every year. Country Club is about 3 miles from U.S. Route 101, a major north-south highway that connects with major Bay Area cities. It’s only 20 miles to San Francisco and 24 miles to Oakland. There are no bus routes within the neighborhood, but residents are just a few miles from the nearest SMART rail station, a commuter train that runs from Larkspur to Santa Rosa.

Dominican offers just the right mix of culture, recreation and eye-catching architecture. This San Rafael suburb overlooks a woodsy mountain ridgeline, surrounding a historic university and the city’s vibrant downtown. With lots of walking trails, green spaces and a picturesque college campus, Dominican has a “real sense of community,” says Christine Christiansen, Realtor with Engel & Völkers and a top neighborhood seller. These homeowners gather and reconnect outdoors, often on foot, taking in the stunning North Bay scenery. Situated at the San Pedro Mountain foothills, Dominican’s narrow roads twist and turn across trickling streams and forested vistas thick with towering pines, husky redwoods and tropical palms. Tucked into the leafy landscape are updated mid-century homes, large contemporary builds, and turn-of-the-20th-century Victorians with indoor-outdoor layouts. Christiansen emphasizes the neighborhood’s inventory of “incredible estates,” some of which were used in the early 20th century as hunting lodges for wealthy San Francisco families. In the 1950s and '60s, she says an influx of new residents led to the construction of many mid-century style homes and California bungalows. Many of these lofty residences perch on rangy hilltops with views of the San Rafael Bay and nearby woodland parks. Prices typically range from $1 million to $5 million, fluctuating with the home size, views and level of updates. Dominican University of California, the neighborhood's namesake, is at the heart of the district. A private university founded in 1890, it's known for its park-like, 80-acre campus of manicured gardens and walkways that flow between academic buildings. The school infuses culture into this mountainside community, popularly hosting a lecture series featuring famous artists, actors and politicians. Recently, the university hosted discussions with American diplomat Madeleine Albright, politician and former presidential candidate John Kerry and author George Saunders. “The lecture series is a treasure,” Christiansen says. Many Marin County landmarks also live on this side of the highway, including Marin Ballet, which famously puts on annual Nutcracker performances, and the Marin Shakespeare Company, known for its outdoor summertime showings. Dominican's streets extend to the edges of several forested nature preserves, keeping Dominican homeowners close to a scenic hike or nature walk. Nearby San Pedro Mountain Preserve’s rugged trails carve through 373 acres of rolling woodlands along small stands of redwoods and open grasslands flecked with blooming wildflowers during the spring months. Harry Barbier Memorial Park is next door, “a prime hunk of Marin County real estate” with steep climbs and views of the San Rafael Bay, according to Bay Area Hiker, a local hiking blog. For groceries, residents can head down the hill to Montecito Plaza, home to a Trader Joe’s, a Whole Foods and the family-run Jasmine Market, specializing in Persian ingredients. The shopping center also lodges fitness centers, restaurants and local retailers. From there, San Rafael’s vibrant downtown is minutes away, a bustling area boasting charming Victorian-style buildings and a vibrant commercial corridor. It’s an ideal pit stop for a morning coffee, upscale dinner or late-night cocktail. Downtown San Rafael also holds one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, Saint Raphael Church, a pale pink parish with a Spanish-style bell tower overlooking the sprawling cityscape. Students in the Dominican neighborhood can attend Coleman Elementary and continue to James B. Davidson Middle before earning their diplomas at San Rafael High. Each carries an overall score of B-minus or higher on Niche and is located within a 10-minute drive from home. San Rafael High is known for its athletics, and the cheer squad took home their 7th national title during the 2023 school year. There are private schools nearby for those interested in exploring alternative education options. Sidewalks line most residential streets in this walking community, often full of locals taking on the steep hillsides as they move from place to place. Most rely on cars for trips outside the community, but with easy highway access, getting around the Bay Area from Dominican is a breeze. Locals can hop on the nearby Redwood Highway for a 20-mile ride to the Golden Gate Bridge or 12 miles into busy Richmond. Marin Transit buses make stops along the main roads for those who prefer a car-free commute. The Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) station is also within walking distance for many, shuttling locals as far south as Larkspur and past Santa Rosa in the north.

The earliest days of the City of San Rafael can be traced back to 1817 when Spanish settlers founded Mission San Rafael Arcángel as a hospital asistencia. Receiving full mission status in 1822, the mission lasted 14 years before going defunct and its ruins were completely removed in 1870. A replica was built in 1949 and sits on the same ground where the original mission was established, surrounded by the busyness of downtown. Now, over 200 years later, Downtown San Rafael is a thriving cultural and business hub connecting the surrounding communities. While the area has experienced tremendous growth over the years, San Rafael keeps hold of its historic charm while moving into the modern day. A cultural touchstone of Marin County, Downtown San Rafael keeps its finger on the pulse of all the goings-on of the area. Within the downtown district, the West End community hosts a Friday Night Block Party from June through September with music, entertainment and food. The artistic community hosts the 2nd Friday Art Walk with rotating galleries and exhibits once a month from August to December. Hosted at Gerstle Park, San Rafael’s PorchFest is an annual event with live music, and the annual Mill Valley Film Festival welcomes more than 200 filmmakers each year. Even the Marin County Civic Center — designed by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright — is an official state landmark. With an eclectic blend of stately homes surrounding its lively business district, Downtown San Rafael prominently displays classic Spanish-style architecture. Single-family homes dominate the landscape, with Eichler and Victorian-style homes being the most popular. Downtown San Rafael also features a cropping of townhouses and apartment complexes. On the outskirts of the busy downtown district, upscale new builds, midcentury bungalows and Spanish-style homes line the streets. Price tags can be a bit lofty in the area, ranging from $1 million to $ 4 million, according to Matt Francis of Vanguard Properties. From fishing and hiking to biking with views of the bay, San Rafael offers a perfect geographic landing spot for easy access to nearby beaches and green spaces. The area is home to almost 20 parks, with China Camp State Park being the largest and most well-known of the bunch. Covering just over 1,500 acres, the site was settled as a Chinese fishing village in the 1880s. Now, tennis and pickleball courts entertain the athletic while kayak and canoe launches cater to the aquatic. Peacock Gap Park’s playground, par course and tennis courts are right next to the championship Peacock Gap Golf Club, just a stone’s throw from McNears Beach. In Downtown San Rafael, Boyd Memorial Park has endless hiking opportunities, and Albert Park offers sports courts and an onsite community center. The Green Ribbon Award-winning San Rafael City School District gives students a broad range of public school options when mapping out their education. Coleman Elementary School takes students through Grade 5, moving on to James B. Davidson Middle School through Grade 8. The district includes some of the best high schools in the area. Terra Linda High School is the most decorated — with several athletic championships in varsity football, men’s soccer and women’s golf — and is counted among the top ten in Marin County. Niche scores Coleman and Davidson a B-minus, while Terra Linda has an A-minus. Downtown San Rafael is home to plenty of restaurants, wine bars and shopping boutiques. “Tam Commons is a cool gathering spot,” says Francis, who’s lived in the area for 9 years. “And Fourth Street has a bunch of restaurants and shops.” Sol Food is a popular spot specializing in authentic Puerto Rican cuisine, and the Whipper Snapper Restaurant serves up Caribbean vibes with dishes to match. The State Room is a brewpub with wood-fired pizzas and weekend brunch, and San Rafael Joe’s is a local Italian favorite with weekly live music. Northgate Mall in the Terra Linda neighborhood has a movie theater and is one of the largest shopping centers in San Rafael. Residents can pop into shops like Couture Revival for discount designer brands or Sustainable Exchange to swap out verified sustainable items for reuse. For groceries and other essentials, Safeway is right by the San Rafael Community Center, and the Marin Farmers Market is a community staple providing produce from almost 200 local farmers. U.S. Route 101 borders the community's eastern edge, giving access to the surrounding areas. Many San Rafael residents live and work in the region, while a sizeable amount commute to San Francisco, less than 20 miles away. The Richmond-San Rafael Bridge sits on the city's southeastern edge, providing access to the East Bay. The Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) train system heads as far north as Santa Rosa. While San Rafael has its own local airport, the San Francisco International Airport and Oakland International Airport are approximately 30 miles away. According to the CAP Crime Index, Downtown San Rafael scores right in the middle of the scale at a 5, just one point above the national average. Scores get to be a little higher in certain categories, with burglary and motor vehicle theft scoring a 6 and larceny scoring a 7.

Gerstle Park has a lot going for it, especially its namesake park in the center of the neighborhood. “One of the great things about Gerstle Park is the beautiful setting,” says James Nead, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Realty. Close to downtown San Rafael, while being comfortably quiet, this neighborhood offers an active neighborhood association and friendly community to potential homebuyers. “They have yearly block parties,” Nead says. “That goes along with the awesome community.” Bordered by a low stone wall with ivy growing over the top, the trees and fields of Gerstle Park are the cornerstones of the neighborhood. This park dates back to 1930, when it was donated to the city by Lewis Gerstle, a 20th century businessman. Today, children sprint around its playground, joggers circle the paths beneath trees, and laid-back visitors spread picnic blankets on the grass. Beyond the beloved park, residents will drive 10 miles to the trail system that makes its way up Mount Tamalpais. The Gerstle Park Neighborhood Association doesn’t only protect the neighborhood's past by maintaining the neighborhood’s aesthetics; it also maintains the neighborhood's present and future community by hosting seasonal events. Residents can get their hands dirty during the annual Earth Day mushroom hunt, or enjoy a casual evening with friends and neighbors at Gerstle Park takeout night. The neighborhood has a diversity of housing styles owing to its lengthy history. Most properties fall in the million-dollar range, typically between $1-$2 million. Streetscapes are a mix of gridded suburban and windy, tree-lined streets and many homes are within walking distance of Gerstle Park. The neighborhood is also home to historic Victorian properties that rarely go up for sale, partially because some were destroyed in the 1950s to clear the way for apartment buildings. That prompted the establishment of the Gerstle Park Neighborhood Association, which still works to protect the history and character of the neighborhood. For a bite to eat, residents take can walk to the restaurants around downtown San Rafael. “You can easily walk to downtown San Rafael,” says Nead. It’s home to plenty of different restaurants. Casa Manana and its Mexican cuisine draw patrons in on warm afternoons for lunch, and the sandwiches and lattes from Pink Owl Coffee bring in early risers for breakfast. For groceries, locals head to Safeway or Kuma Market. The area is served by San Rafael City Schools, which has an A-minus rating on Niche. The area’s youngest learners begin their academic journeys at C-minus-rated Laura Dell Elementary School and continue at James B. Davidson Middle School, which has a B-minus rating. Students finish up at A-minus-rated Terra Linda High School, which has a variety of activities available for students, like hiking, fantasy football and Taylor Swift clubs. Residents can hop on the train at the San Rafael Transit Center, which provides transportation into San Francisco. The Redwood Highway is minutes from the neighborhood and connects residents to San Francisco, which is about 20 miles away. Residents looking to take a flight can head to the San Francisco International Airport, about 30 miles away.