Why Live in Canal
Canal, a neighborhood in San Rafael, is situated along the San Rafael Creek as it flows into the San Francisco Bay, just 18 miles north of San Francisco. This Marin County community attracts young professionals due to its affordability and convenient Bay Area commute. Housing options include midcentury modern condos, townhouses, and single-family homes, primarily built in the 1960s and '70s. Waterfront properties offer bayside views, while condos and townhouses are often found in cul-de-sacs with HOA fees averaging $500 monthly. Outdoor recreation is abundant, with the San Rafael Yacht Club providing cruise-in docks and hosting events like the annual Rockin’ the Bay Opening Day. Pickleweed Park features playgrounds, a community center, and soccer fields, while Jean & John Starkweather Shoreline Park offers a scenic stretch of the San Francisco Bay Trail. Dining in Canal is casual, with local favorites like Smoky’s Deli, Foodles, and Le Croissant. For a sweet treat, Fiorello’s Artisan Gelato offers a variety of flavors. Residents often shop at Cardenas Markets, Target, Trader Joe’s, and Jasmine Market. The neighborhood is part of the San Rafael City School District, with Coleman Elementary, James B. Davidson Middle School, and San Rafael High School serving local students. Transportation options include Highway 101, Interstate 580, Marin Transit buses, the SMART train, and the Golden Gate Ferry. Canal's crime rate is relatively average compared to the national average.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Canal a good place to live?
Canal is a good place to live, receiving 3.6 stars from its residents. Canal is considered somewhat walkable and bikeable with some transit options. Canal has 6 parks for recreational activities. It is somewhat dense in population with 10.7 people per acre and a median age of 33. The average household income is $96,899 which is below the national average. College graduates make up 16.1% of residents. A majority of residents in Canal are renters, with 78.4% of residents renting and 21.6% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Canal can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Canal neighborhood guide.
Is Canal, CA a safe neighborhood?
Canal, CA is safer than the average neighborhood in the United States. It received a crime score of 3 out of 10.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Canal?
The median home price in Canal is $570,000. If you put a 20% down payment of $114,000 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.15%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $2,780 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $119K a year to afford the median home price in Canal. Learn how much home you can afford with our
Home Affordability Calculator. The average household income in Canal is $97K.
What are the best public schools in Canal?
The best public schools that serve Canal are:
What are the best private schools in Canal?
The best private schools that serve Canal are:
What are the most popular zip codes in Canal, San Rafael, CA?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near Canal, San Rafael, CA?
Home Trends in Canal, CA
On average, homes in Canal, San Rafael sell after 58 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 $820,500, consistent with the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$820,500
Median Single Family Sale Price
$1,200,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$415,000
Median 1 Bedroom Sale Price
$304,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$492
Number of Homes for Sale
9
Last 12 months Home Sales
28
Median List Price
$570,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
0%