Why Live in Smith Ranch
Smith Ranch in San Rafael is a peaceful, semi-rural neighborhood located about 22 miles north of San Francisco, near the San Pablo Bay wetlands. The area features a mix of condos, apartments, and mobile homes, many with scenic views of the surrounding hills. Smith Ranch Homes, a gated 55-and-up community, offers one- and two-bedroom condos within 30 acres of landscaped grounds. Other housing options include the Captains Cove condo community and the Contempo of Marin mobile home park. Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty of things to do, with McInnis Park offering tennis and pickleball courts, soccer and softball fields, a skatepark, and a 9-hole public golf course. Gallinas Creek provides opportunities for canoeing and kayaking, while nearby open space preserves offer additional hiking trails. Local dining options include Red Whale Coffee, Smith Ranch Deli and Café, and Mulberry Street Pizzeria. For shopping, Northgate Mall is nearby with stores like Macy’s and a Cinemark movie theater. Grocery stores such as Safeway, Nugget Markets, and Costco are within a few miles. The neighborhood is served by highly rated schools, including Mary E. Silveira Elementary School, Miller Creek Middle School, and Terra Linda High School. Smith Ranch is bordered by U.S. Route 101, providing direct access to the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco. Public transportation options include Marin Transit bus lines and the SMART train at the Marin County Civic Center. Some parts of the neighborhood are at an increased risk for flooding due to low elevation and proximity to wetlands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Smith Ranch a good place to live?
Smith Ranch is a good place to live. Smith Ranch is considered very car-dependent and somewhat bikeable. Smith Ranch is a suburban neighborhood. Smith Ranch has 6 parks for recreational activities. It is sparse in population with 1.5 people per acre and a median age of 44. The average household income is $122,503 which is above the national average. College graduates make up 57.2% of residents. A majority of residents in Smith Ranch are renters, with 55.9% of residents renting and 44.1% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Smith Ranch can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Smith Ranch neighborhood guide.
Is Smith Ranch, CA a safe neighborhood?
Smith Ranch, 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 Smith Ranch?
The median home price in Smith Ranch is $627,500. If you put a 20% down payment of $125,500 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.75%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $3,260 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $140K a year to afford the median home price in Smith Ranch. The average household income in Smith Ranch is $123K.
What are the best public schools in Smith Ranch?
The best public schools that serve Smith Ranch are:
- Miller Creek Middle School has an A Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 17:1 and an average review score of 4.2.
- Novato High School has an A- Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 24:1 and an average review score of 3.7.
- Terra Linda High School has an A- Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 21:1 and an average review score of 3.6.
What are the best private schools in Smith Ranch?
The best private schools that serve Smith Ranch are:
- Caulbridge School has an A+ Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 8:1 and an average review score of 4.8.
- Brandeis Marin has an A Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 6:1 and an average review score of 4.9.
- The Marin School has an A Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 7:1 and an average review score of 3.9.
What are the most popular zip codes in Smith Ranch, San Rafael, CA?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near Smith Ranch, San Rafael, CA?
Home Trends in Smith Ranch, CA
On average, homes in Smith Ranch, San Rafael sell after 68 days on the market compared to the national average of 51 days. The median sale price for homes in Smith Ranch, San Rafael over the last 12 months is $617,500, down 20% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$617,500
Median Single Family Sale Price
$1,087,500
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$945,218
Median 1 Bedroom Sale Price
$462,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$644
Number of Homes for Sale
14
Last 12 months Home Sales
44
Median List Price
$627,500
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-20%