$730,324Average Value$481Average Price per Sq Ft8Homes 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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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
The weather is amazing here although it gets crazy at times. It is beautiful when it is sunny and when it rains it is relaxing. No matter what type of weather there may be one will still have a good time. Natural disasters rarely occur and i have only experienced 1-2 small earthquakes. Being in the bay makes us be constantly surrounded by water and possibly live with the fear of a flood occurring, but up to this point that hasn't happened yet.
4.0Niche User
1/12/2016Niche Review
Police drive through the neighborhood a few times a week.
5.0Niche User
8/7/2014Niche Review
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
8/7/2014Niche Review
Near this area there are a lot of fast food places, just like there would be in most areas. But we also have unique local restaurants like Little Mandarin and Mikes Sourdough. Little Mandarin is a Chinese place and Mikes Sourdough is all about sandwiches. I wish we had a buffet though, this will just make the place even better.
Are you familiar with the Canal neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Canal Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Canal, San Rafael sell after 66 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Canal, San Rafael over the last 12 months is $710,500, down 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Experience beautiful living in this 3bd/3ba end-unit townhome with a private waterfront park in sunny San Rafael. This house-like townhome shares only one lower-level wall and offers abundant natural light through all new windows and skylights. The open-concept floor plan showcases engineered wood floors and premium finishes throughout. The kitchen features quartz countertops, a full height
Discover a rare canal-side retreat where modern California living meets timeless design. This beautifully updated three-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath home combines comfort, serenity, and a coveted waterfront lifestyle, sharing its setting with only one other unit. Enjoy effortless living and entertaining in the fully remodeled chef's kitchen featuring sleek cabinetry, a gas range, handcrafted
Nestled in the sought after Baypoint Lagoon community, this beautifully updated two-story home blends coastal charm with modern comfort. Set on a desirable corner lot, the property offers Bay views, abundance of natural light, and nearly 2,300 sq ft of thoughtfully designed living space. Step inside this 3 bed 3 bath home with soaring cathedral ceilings and sun filled rooms that create a sense of
Enjoy Serene Waterfront Living in Marin at an Exceptional Value! Welcome to this charming ground-floor condo offering privacy, comfort, scenic marina views and views of Mt. Tam, all at an unbeatable price. Located in a cozy six-unit complex with low HOA dues, this rarely available unit combines convenience with tranquil living. Step inside to discover a bright and inviting space featuring modern
Welcome to 155 Canal St, a beautiful condo located in a desirable private gated community. This inviting home features a bright and airy open-concept floor plan with 2 spacious bedrooms and 1 full bathroom, offering both comfort and functionality. Step outside to your private deck, the perfect place to relax with your morning coffee or unwind after a long day. During the warmer months, take
Wake up to Mt. Tam views, step onto your private dock, and be on the Bay in minutes, 22-22A Mooring Road puts waterfront living within reach in the heart of Marin County. This rare opportunity delivers two generously sized, townhouse-style homes in one distinctive property- each spanning 2,360 square feet, with scale and versatility seldom found in a duplex. Unit 22 features three bedrooms, three
It's easy living at this elegant waterfront home and boater's paradise, with its own 55-foot deep-water dock and an additional 12-foot one. The main level offers a water-facing primary suite and two additional bedrooms, two full baths, expansive living and dining area, and chef's kitchen with designer appliances and finishes. The open floor plans flows seamlessly to the lush backyard and docks. A
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
Welcome to 6 Egret View, a luxury, spacious and light-filled residence ideally situated in the desirable Baypoint Lagoons area, referred to as a Marin hidden gem. This impressive two-story house offers more than 2,250 square feet of luxury and comfortable living space, soaring cathedral ceilings, abundant natural light, featuring 3+ bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms in an inviting floor plan designed for
Experience the best of waterfront living in this one-of-a-kind 4-bedroom, 3-bath residence offering approximately 2,650 square feet of beautifully designed living space in one of San Rafael’s most desirable waterfront neighborhoods. Perfectly positioned on a quiet cul-de-sac, this exceptional home offers a private 65-foot deepwater dock with direct access to the Bay, creating the ultimate retreat
Welcome to 184 Baypoint Drive, a spacious 4-bedroom, 3-full-bath home offering approximately 2,385 square feet in San Rafael’s desirable Baypoint Lagoons community. SPECIAL RENTAL INCENTIVE: The current tenants are purchasing a home and need to end their lease early. To help facilitate a new tenancy, they are offering to cover the new tenant’s first month’s rent. This incentive is being
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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.
