$748,510Average Value$202Average Price per Sq Ft0Homes 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.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Shirin Zehtabfard,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Niven Park
Pickleweed Park
Picnic Area
Playground
Multi-Purpose Field
Albert Park
Picnic Area
Trails
Playground
Gerstle Park
Boyd Memorial Park
Picnic Area
Trails
Playground
Jean and John Starkweather Shoreline Park
Picnic Area
Trails
Transit
Airport
Metro Oakland International
42 min drive
Bus
Kerner Blvd & Bahia Way
Bus
Medway Rd & Francisco Blvd E
Bus
Francisco Blvd E & Bay St
Bus
Canal St & Sonoma St
Bus
I-580 & Main St
Bus
Kerner Blvd & Shoreline Pkwy
Bus
Kerner Blvd & Larkspur St
Reviews
Niche Reviews
3.614 Reviews
4.0Niche User
8/7/2014Niche Review
I have really enjoyed living here. I would live here all over again if I had the chance to choose and I would recommend this place to people I know. Stores and groceries are nearby and friends are generally close as well. This area is in Marin County, which is one of the highest counties in the world. I am happy to know I live in such a county, although most parts are very expensive.
3.0Niche User
8/7/2014Niche Review
This area used to be known to other places nearby as a threat. Many crimes used to occur but everything has ease down due to the increase in security. There are many more police officers supervising the area at all times. With them around one is able to feel much safer.
4.0Niche User
8/7/2014Niche Review
The fire and police stations are not too far from this area and they react in a very reasonable time. Since there are police officers supervising the area sometimes they react faster than usual. The public services are good and many people of power are trying to improve them.v
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Canal Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Canal, San Rafael sell after 78 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Canal, San Rafael over the last 12 months is $425,000, down 57% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
One of Baypoint Lagoon's Finest Homes. Exquisite 3BD 2.5BA 2102 sq ft 2-level home with beautiful architectural lines. Elegantly remodeled throughout with incredible attention to detail. Spacious living room w/fireplace and formal dining room. Stunning quartz kitchen w/breakfast area opens up to a family room w/fireplace and vaulted ceiling. French doors to a private, manicured backyard with
Serene and sophisticated, this contemporary Baypoint home is both comfortable and stylish. The spacious living area features high ceilings, hardwood floors, lighted built-ins, and a gas fireplace. Plantation shutters, crown molding, and detailed baseboards add timeless charm. The formal dining room flows into the family room with its own fireplace and built-ins, opening to a sunny, flower-filled
Beautiful waterfront gem in central San Rafael, ideally located close to Montecito Plaza shops and restaurants. Built in 2005 with no detail overlooked, this attached upper-floor residence offers a blend of modern luxury and relaxed coastal living. Set on a serene waterway with Mt. Tam views and direct access to the Bay, the property offers a 2-slip boat dock perfect for boating, paddleboarding,
Welcome to this bright and inviting top floor 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom condo in the desirable Canal neighborhood of San Rafael. With 837SF of thoughtfully updated living space, the residence boasts a recently updated kitchen and bathroom, sleek finishes, and an open layout perfect for comfortable everyday living. Enjoy serene treetop views and abundant natural light across the updated interior.
Offering strong value and upside potential, this 2-bedroom, 1-bath condo spans approximately 908 sq ft and sits in the heart of San Rafael's vibrant Canal neighborhood. The layout is ideal for roommates, small families, or downsizers, with a private deck overlooking the courtyard and access to a community pool for added comfort. Investors will appreciate the healthy upside potential, while
Turn-key and spacious, this single-story 3-bedroom, 2-bath condo offers approximately 1,245 sq ft of comfortable living in the heart of San Rafael. With a functional layout ideal for families, roommates, or a flexible home office setup, this well-priced home presents strong rental potential (estimated at $4,000+/month), making it a smart investment in Marin. Enjoy a generous living room and
Experience the Perfect Balance Between San Francisco and Suburban TranquilityWelcome to Sommerhill Townhomes in San Rafael, CAUncover spacious living concepts, curated community amenity offerings, and proximity to local transit and major employers at Sommerhill Townhomes with our quaint one- to three-bedroom apartments for rent. We offer a conveniently charming apartment community
Great open design. Lots of natural light. 2 bedrooms both with en suite full bath. Lots of storage / closet space. Beautiful big open kitchen. Great deck with loads of light and privacy. Really fantastic neighborhood with close proximity to trails, parks, open fields. Really ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and people with dogs / animals.
Enjoy a fully furnished studio suite in our hotel at an affordable rate with free wi-fi, free utilities and free premium cable. Each studio suite has a full kitchen with full-size refrigerator, stovetop and microwave, and has a flexible workspace and plenty of storage. All our hotels are pet-friendly and have on-site guest laundry available. Plus, there are no long-term commitments and you can
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Shirin Zehtabfard,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
11,560
Median Age
33
Population Density
11 ppl/acre
Population under 18
29.1%
Above the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
8.8%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$68,561
On par with the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$96,899
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
49.7%
Significantly below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
16.1%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
7.2%
% Population in Labor Force
75.7%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
34''
Average Winter Low Temperature
42°F
Average Summer High Temperature
81°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
63/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
59/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
42/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
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.
