$731,992Average Value$487Average Price per Sq Ft9Homes For Sale
Flourishing into the future
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. It’s brilliantly poised for a Bay Area commute with homes for everyone, allowing these young people to plant their roots, set up shop and thrive.
Pickleweed Park in Canal has a popular modern playground.
The canal feeds into the San Rafael bay with businesses and homes lining the shore.
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Variety of homes in Marin County
Canal is a 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.
In Canal, townhomes cluster along the waterfront.
Contemporary ranch homes like this are prevalent in certain areas of Canal.
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Opening Day on the Bay
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.
Waterways are a part of life in Canal.
The San Rafael Yacht Club is a private club located along the canals of Canal.
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Easygoing eateries with a twist
Local eateries in and around Canal keep a laidback aura, calling for casual yet enjoyable dining. 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.
Chicken Katsu and other easy to-go dishes are served at Foodles.
A local enjoys a Teriyaki sandwich at Smokey's Deli.
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Academics and sports
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.
San Rafael High School is a giant campus in Canal.
San Rafael Creek in Canal is a great spot for young sailors.
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Easy, breezy transport
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.
A Smart train leaves the San Rafael Station en route northbound.
Canal sits right at the foot of the Richmond Bridge for easy east-bay access.
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Average crime score
Canal's overall CAP Crime Index Score is 5, which is relatively average compared to the rest of the country. The score starts to rise in specific subcategories, with assault and motor vehicle at a 6 and robbery at 9.
A row of townhomes in this part of Canal exist with covered parking below.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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Anywhere one goes there will be a place to buy food. There are many restaurants and groceries at walking distances. Drug stores like Rite-Aid and Walgreens are present. Big companies are also present, specially dealerships. There is a road where one can fine 3-5 different dealerships.
4.0Niche User
1/12/2016Niche Review
Police drive through the neighborhood a few times a week.
3.0Niche User
8/7/2014Niche Review
There aren't a lot of parks nearby but the one we have has recently been improved. There are soccer fields, a gym, a library, and a playground for children. This park is also a community center because classes are given there and some rooms are rented for important events. There is a lot of water in the area because we are located in the bay. One mountain that is typically known here is Mt. Tam.
2.0Niche User
8/7/2014Niche Review
Although a lot of people have jobs, there are many who don't. There are a lot of illegal immigrants in this area who do jobs many won't do and there are some who just don't have a job. There is a street nearby where these illegal immigrants will go and spend the whole day waiting for someone to pick them up for a job offer, even if it's just for that day. Those who have papers can get jobs at grocery stores pretty easily but will be paid at the minimum.
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Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Canal
US
Homicide
4
4
Sexual Assault
7
4
Assault with Weapon
5
4
Robbery
5
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
6
4
Crime Score
3
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Canal Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Canal, San Rafael sell after 63 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Canal, San Rafael over the last 12 months is $825,000, up 15% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
