Why Live in Downtown San Rafael
Downtown San Rafael, a historic and cultural hub, blends its rich past with modern amenities. The area features a replica of the original Mission San Rafael Arcángel, surrounded by a bustling downtown. The neighborhood hosts various cultural events, including the Friday Night Block Party, 2nd Friday Art Walk, and PorchFest at Gerstle Park. The Mill Valley Film Festival and the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Marin County Civic Center add to the local attractions. Housing options range from classic Spanish-style homes to Eichler and Victorian-style residences, with upscale new builds and midcentury bungalows on the outskirts. Outdoor activities are abundant with nearly 20 parks, including China Camp State Park and Peacock Gap Park, offering hiking, kayaking, and tennis. Boyd Memorial Park and Albert Park provide additional recreational opportunities. The San Rafael City School District, known for its high ratings, includes Terra Linda High School, recognized for its athletic achievements. Dining and shopping options are plentiful, with popular spots like Tam Commons, Sol Food, and Northgate Mall. U.S. Route 101 and the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge offer easy access to surrounding areas, while the SMART train system connects to Santa Rosa. Downtown San Rafael has a crime index comparable to the national average, making it a vibrant and engaging community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Downtown San Rafael a good place to live?
Downtown San Rafael is a good place to live. Downtown San Rafael is considered very walkable with good transit options. Downtown San Rafael is a suburban neighborhood. Downtown San Rafael has 6 parks for recreational activities. It is somewhat dense in population with 10.9 people per acre and a median age of 43. The average household income is $105,891 which is above the national average. College graduates make up 56.7% of residents. A majority of residents in Downtown San Rafael are renters, with 89.5% of residents renting and 10.5% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Downtown San Rafael can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Downtown San Rafael neighborhood guide.
Is Downtown San Rafael, CA a safe neighborhood?
Downtown San Rafael, CA is less safe than the average neighborhood in the United States. It received a crime score of 6 out of 10.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Downtown San Rafael?
The median home price in Downtown San Rafael is $519,000. If you put a 20% down payment of $103,800 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.74%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $2,690 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $115K a year to afford the median home price in Downtown San Rafael. The average household income in Downtown San Rafael is $106K.
What are the best public schools in Downtown San Rafael?
The best public schools that serve Downtown San Rafael are:
What are the best private schools in Downtown San Rafael?
The best private schools that serve Downtown San Rafael are:
- The Branson School has an A+ Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 8:1 and an average review score of 4.5.
- Marin Academy has an A+ Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 7:1 and an average review score of 4.2.
- Brandeis Marin has an A Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 6:1 and an average review score of 4.9.
What are the most popular zip codes in Downtown San Rafael, San Rafael, CA?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near Downtown San Rafael, San Rafael, CA?
Home Trends in Downtown San Rafael, CA
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.
Median Sale Price
$499,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$499,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$118
Number of Homes for Sale
0
Last 12 months Home Sales
1
Median List Price
$519,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
4%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
37%