Why Live in Dominican
Dominican, a suburb in San Rafael, offers a blend of culture, recreation, and striking architecture. Nestled at the foothills of San Pedro Mountain, this neighborhood is characterized by its narrow, winding roads that traverse streams and forested areas filled with towering pines, redwoods, and tropical palms. The area features a mix of updated mid-century homes, large contemporary builds, and historic turn-of-the-20th-century Victorians, many with indoor-outdoor layouts and scenic views of the San Rafael Bay. Dominican University of California, a private institution founded in 1890, is a central feature of the neighborhood, known for its 80-acre park-like campus and cultural events, including a popular lecture series. Residents enjoy proximity to nature preserves like San Pedro Mountain Preserve and Harry Barbier Memorial Park, offering rugged trails and panoramic views. For daily needs, Montecito Plaza provides grocery options such as Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods, along with fitness centers and local retailers. Downtown San Rafael, with its Victorian-style buildings, offers a vibrant commercial corridor for dining and nightlife. The neighborhood's schools, including Coleman Elementary, James B. Davidson Middle, and San Rafael High, are all within a 10-minute drive and have overall good ratings. Dominican is a walkable community with sidewalks lining most streets, though many residents use cars for longer trips, benefiting from easy highway access to the Golden Gate Bridge and Richmond. Public transportation options include Marin Transit buses and the SMART train station, facilitating commutes throughout the Bay Area.