Why Live in Picnic Valley
Picnic Valley, a suburb of San Rafael, has transformed from an industrial hub to a desirable residential area. The neighborhood features lush lawns and leafy streets, with homes ranging from 1920s bungalows to luxury townhouses. Its proximity to Downtown San Rafael makes it a convenient location for residents. Bret Harte Park offers a playground, basketball courts, and a handpainted tile mural, while the larger Albert Park includes bocce courts and serves as the home base for the San Rafael Pacifics baseball team. The San Rafael Community Center provides various activities for children, and San Rafael Creek is a hotspot for boating enthusiasts. Local businesses such as Downtown Barbers, Brewer Philips Hair Design, and Wabi Pottery Studio contribute to the community's vibrant atmosphere. The Bret Harte Community Association organizes events like art and music strolls, holiday parties, and group garage sales. Dining options include Mi Casa Café for Mexican cuisine, El Lucerito for Guatemalan dishes, and Fox & Kit for coffee. Grocery stores like Sprouts Farmers Market, Trader Joe’s, and Safeway are nearby. Picnic Valley is part of the San Rafael City School District, with schools offering various enrichment activities and state-of-the-art facilities. The neighborhood is bordered by the 101 Freeway and is 18 miles north of San Francisco, with transportation options including the Larkspur Ferry and San Rafael SMART station. Picnic Valley has a crime rate comparable to the national average, with lower rates for homicide and assault.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Picnic Valley a good place to live?
Picnic Valley is a good place to live. Picnic Valley is considered fairly walkable and bikeable with some transit options. Picnic Valley is a suburban neighborhood with a crime score of 4, on par with the average neighborhood in the U.S. Picnic Valley has 6 parks for recreational activities. It is fairly sparse in population with 5.9 people per acre and a median age of 43. The average household income is $146,807 which is above the national average. College graduates make up 54.1% of residents. A majority of residents in Picnic Valley are home owners, with 48.4% of residents renting and 51.6% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Picnic Valley can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Picnic Valley neighborhood guide.
Is Picnic Valley, CA a safe neighborhood?
Picnic Valley, CA is a safe neighborhood and is on par with the average neighborhood in the United States. It received a crime score of 4 out of 10.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Picnic Valley?
The median home price in Picnic Valley is $494,900. If you put a 20% down payment of $99,000 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.74%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $2,570 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $110K a year to afford the median home price in Picnic Valley. The average household income in Picnic Valley is $147K.
What are the best public schools in Picnic Valley?
The best public schools that serve Picnic Valley are:
What are the best private schools in Picnic Valley?
The best private schools that serve Picnic Valley 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.
- Marin Catholic High School has an A Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 14:1 and an average review score of 4.0.
What are the most popular zip codes in Picnic Valley, San Rafael, CA?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near Picnic Valley, San Rafael, CA?
Are home prices dropping in Picnic Valley?
Yes, home prices in Picnic Valley are down 58% in the last 12 months.
Home Trends in Picnic Valley, CA
On average, homes in Picnic Valley, San Rafael sell after 60 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Picnic Valley, San Rafael over the last 12 months is $412,500, up 64% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$412,500
Median Single Family Sale Price
$479,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$399,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$241
Number of Homes for Sale
6
Last 12 months Home Sales
5
Median List Price
$494,900
Median Change From 1st List Price
5%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
64%