$971,840Average Value$118Average Price per Sq Ft0Homes For Sale
From historic mission to modern day
The earliest days of the city of San Rafael can be traced back to 1817 when Spanish settlers founded Mission San Rafael Arcángel. Receiving full mission status in 1822, the mission lasted 14 years before going defunct and its ruins were completely removed in 1870. A replica, which was built in the 1940s, sits on the same ground as the original mission, surrounded by the busy downtown. Now, over 200 years later, Downtown San Rafael is a thriving cultural and business hub that connects the surrounding communities. While the area has experienced tremendous growth over the years, San Rafael keeps hold of its historic charm while serving the needs of modern-day residents.
Mission San Rafael Arcángel is a Spanish mission in downtown San Rafael.
Royal Ground Coffee Shop has served Downtown San Rafael for more than two decades.
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Brewpubs and fresh produce
Downtown San Rafael is home to plenty of restaurants, wine bars and shopping boutiques. “Tam Commons is a cool gathering spot,” says Matt Francis, a Realtor with Vanguard Properties 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.
Sol Food in Downtown San Rafael offers a lively environment and great Cubano sandwhiches.
The Marin Farmer's Market is a great place to shop with family for fresh flowers and veggies.
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A mix of different styles
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. Home prices may range from $1 million to $2 million. Throughout the Bay Area, the risks of earthquakes, tsunamis and other natural disasters are a threat.
Stunning Spanish-style homes are available in the Downtown San Rafael neighborhood.
Downtown San Rafael has many historic Victorian homes available.
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Next door to nature
From fishing and hiking to biking with views of the bay, San Rafael offers a landing spot for 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 fishing village in the 1880s by Chinese immigrants. 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 hiking opportunities, and Albert Park offers sports courts and an onsite community center.
Enjoy a perfect day outdoors in the picnic havens of China Camp State Park.
The Marin Bocce Club is a hotspot for Downtown San Rafael residents.
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Art walks and film fests
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.
Rafael Theater in San Rafael focuses on independent, foreign, classic & documentary films.
Downtown San Rafael is a very bike friendly neighborhood.
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Stellar schools score high
The Green Ribbon Award-winning district, San Rafael City Schools, gives students a broad range of public school options when mapping out their education. Coleman Elementary School earns a B on Niche and takes students through Grade 5. They may then move on to B-rated James B. Davidson Middle School through Grade 8. The district allows for open enrollment in high school. Terra Linda High School scores an A-minus and boasts a strong sports program, with several athletic championships in varsity football, men’s soccer and women’s golf. Niche ranks it among the top ten public schools in Marin County.
The main entrance is inviting for students and staff at Coleman Elementary School.
James B. Davidson Middle School is home to the Cougars Mascot.
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A quick commute
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 train system heads as far north as Santa Rosa. While San Rafael has its own small airport where private planes can land, the San Francisco International Airport and Oakland International Airport are approximately 30 miles away.
I-80 makes for easy travel in and out of Downtown San Rafael.
Sonoma–Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) is a rail line that runs through downtown San Rafael.
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
Bill Byrd,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Sun Valley Park
National Geographic Kids Play Area
Albert Park
Picnic Area
Trails
Playground
China Camp State Park
Camping
Trails
Hiking
Gerstle Park
Boyd Memorial Park
Picnic Area
Trails
Playground
Transit
Airport
San Francisco International
51 min drive
Bus
4th St & C St
Bus
San Rafael Transit Center
Bus
Lincoln Ave & Mission Ave
Bus
4th St & E St
Bus
4th St & Court St
Bus
4th St & Ida St
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Downtown San Rafael
US
Homicide
3
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
4
4
Robbery
5
4
Burglary
7
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
9
4
Larceny
7
4
Crime Score
6
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Downtown San Rafael Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Downtown San Rafael, San Rafael sell after 25 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Downtown San Rafael, San Rafael over the last 12 months is $499,000, up 37% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Imagine! A super place to live in Central Marin under $500,000! Sun-filled south-facing single level unit in newer building with elevator & garage. The kitchen opens to the larger living space with built-in display and storage cabinets. A private deck looks out to a bigger world. Two bedrooms, bath & newer washer/dryer make it complete. The commute is quick from here, close to 101. An easy place
Bright, stylish, and perfectly located, this beautifully updated 2-bedroom, 2-bath condo offers effortless living in the heart of San Rafael. From the moment you walk in, you're greeted by an inviting open-concept living space filled with natural light, a cozy fireplace, and thoughtful upgrades throughout. Whether you're hosting friends in the spacious living and dining area or enjoying a quiet
This 3-unit building, nestled in the stunning West End area of San Rafael, is within strolling distance of both the vibrant city life of downtown San Rafael and the ever-evolving charm of San Anselmo. With easy access to the 101 freeway, the San Rafael transportation center, the SMART train, and a wealth of fabulous restaurants and shopping, this prime location offers an unparalleled lifestyle of
Welcome to One55 Lofts, where entertainment is always just around the corner. Our loft-style apartments for rent in San Rafael, CA include studio, one, and two bedroom floor plans with all the amenities you desire. Boasting inspired interior features, inviting community amenities, and a desirable location, life is exceptional here.
Lone Palm Court Apartments has two on-site laundry rooms, bicycle storage room, and a BBQ and picnic table. All units come with one assigned parking space in a gated garage. Lone Palm Court is located in downtown San Rafael, near various transit lines, schools, the library, grocery stores, banks, parks, restaurants, and entertainment. No pets on property. No co-signers.
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Bill Byrd,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
2,468
Median Age
43
Population Density
11 ppl/acre
Population under 18
16.3%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
18.4%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$87,873
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$105,891
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
95.5%
College Graduates
56.7%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
23.1%
% Population in Labor Force
76.5%
Above the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
34''
Average Winter Low Temperature
42°F
Average Summer High Temperature
81°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Walker's Paradise
Walk Score®
98/ 100
Good Transit
Transit Score®
53/ 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.
