Real Marina Group

Homes in San Rafael, CA

San Rafael offers diverse neighborhoods, excellent schools, and convenient access to San Francisco, making it a top choice for Marin County living.

Marin County
Marin County Seat
25-40 min to San Francisco
45-60 min to Oakland
60-75 min to San Jose
Bus: Golden Gate Transit (Frequent)
Bus: Marin Transit (Local)

Why San Rafael?

Marin County Seat & Government Hub

As the county seat, San Rafael hosts government offices, courts, and administrative services, creating local employment opportunities and civic engagement. The downtown government center anchors the community while providing convenient access to county services for residents.

Excellent Schools & Educational Options

San Rafael offers strong public schools including San Rafael High and Terra Linda High, plus Dominican University of California providing higher education opportunities. The Marin County Office of Education supports educational excellence throughout the region, making it attractive to families.

Convenient San Francisco Access

Golden Gate Transit express buses reach downtown San Francisco in 25-40 minutes, making it one of the most accessible Marin County cities for city commuters. The transit hub provides frequent service throughout the day, supporting both traditional and flexible work schedules.

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Interactive Map

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Neighborhoods in San Rafael

Discover the unique character and charm of San Rafael's diverse neighborhoods.

Downtown San Rafael

Historic downtown with shops, restaurants, and community events.

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Neighborhood Characteristics

Community Type:
Historic Urban Core
Home Styles:
Victorian, Craftsman, Mixed-Use Lofts
Lot Sizes:
Small
Walkability:
Very High

For current pricing and availability, please contact us for personalized market information.

What Makes This Neighborhood Special

Fourth Street shopping district with boutiques, restaurants, and the Rafael Film Center.

Weekly farmers market, art walks, and community festivals throughout the year.

Golden Gate Transit hub providing express service to San Francisco.

Terra Linda

Established neighborhood with mature homes.

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Neighborhood Characteristics

Community Type:
Established Family Suburban
Home Styles:
Mid-Century Ranch, Traditional, Split-Level
Lot Sizes:
Medium
Walkability:
Moderate

For current pricing and availability, please contact us for personalized market information.

What Makes This Neighborhood Special

Terra Linda High School and nearby elementary schools create strong community ties.

Terra Linda Community Center and parks provide recreation and gathering spaces.

Convenient access to Highway 101 and San Rafael Transit Center.

Marinwood

Family-friendly area with parks and schools.

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Neighborhood Characteristics

Community Type:
Family-Oriented Suburban
Home Styles:
Ranch, Traditional, Contemporary
Lot Sizes:
Medium to Large
Walkability:
Moderate

For current pricing and availability, please contact us for personalized market information.

What Makes This Neighborhood Special

Marinwood Park and open space provide extensive recreation opportunities.

Strong schools and community programs make it ideal for families.

Community pool, sports fields, and walking trails anchor neighborhood life.

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Schools in San Rafael

Quality education is a cornerstone of San Rafael's appeal to families.

School NameLevelSchool RatingActions
Bahia Vista Elementary SchoolElementaryView
Coleman Elementary SchoolElementaryView
Glenwood Elementary SchoolElementaryView

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Note: Verify current ratings and boundaries with official district resources. School assignments may change based on enrollment and boundary adjustments.

Major Employment Hubs & Local Employers

San Rafael offers excellent access to major Bay Area job centers and is home to several major employers.

Major Employment Hubs Near San Rafael

  • San Francisco Financial District & Embarcadero - Finance, legal, and tech headquarters reachable in 25-40 minutes via Golden Gate Transit express buses.

  • Downtown Oakland / Lake Merritt Business District - Government agencies, Kaiser Center, and fintech towers 45-60 minutes away via Golden Gate Transit and BART connection.

  • Marin County Government Center - County offices, courts, and government services in downtown San Rafael employing local residents.

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Top Employers in San Rafael

  • Marin County Government

    County seat with government offices, courts, and administrative services employing hundreds in various departments including public works, health services, and planning.

  • Kaiser Permanente San Rafael Medical Center

    Major hospital and medical offices employing healthcare professionals, nurses, and support staff serving Marin County's healthcare needs.

  • Marin General Hospital

    Regional medical center providing comprehensive healthcare services and employing medical professionals, technicians, and administrative staff.

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Commute Times

San Rafael offers excellent connectivity to major job centers, airports, and regional destinations.

Commute to Major Job Centers

Downtown San Francisco
Golden Gate Transit express
30 min
Downtown Oakland
Golden Gate Transit to BART
50 min
San Francisco Financial District
Golden Gate Transit
35 min
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Airports

SFOSan Francisco International Airport
Airport
45-55 min
OAKOakland International Airport
Airport
55-65 min
STSCharles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport
Airport
35 min

Regional Hotspots

Point Reyes National Seashore
Sir Francis Drake Boulevard
35 min
Napa Valley
Highway 101 to CA-37
45 min
Mount Tamalpais State Park
Panoramic Highway
20 min
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Lifestyle & Amenities

Discover what makes San Rafael a special place to live.

  • Daily rhythms in San Rafael blend Marin County's natural beauty with urban convenience. Residents start mornings with coffee at downtown cafes before boarding Golden Gate Transit express buses to San Francisco, arriving in 25-40 minutes. Evenings bring neighbors to Fourth Street restaurants, the Rafael Film Center, or community events that keep downtown lively throughout the year.

  • Family life centers around excellent schools, community parks, and strong neighborhood connections. Parents appreciate the ability to choose from multiple strong elementary schools, while San Rafael High and Terra Linda High offer comprehensive programs. Neighborhoods like Marinwood and Sun Valley provide community pools, sports fields, and programs that bring families together.

  • Outdoor culture thrives thanks to proximity to Mount Tamalpais, Point Reyes National Seashore, and extensive open space. Residents enjoy hiking trails, mountain biking, and nature access just minutes from home, while the city's location provides easy access to beaches, redwood groves, and scenic overlooks. The natural setting means outdoor recreation is part of daily life.

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Weather & Climate

Quick-hit visuals that show how San Rafael feels throughout the year.

Temperature Story

Quick look at the seasonal swing in San Rafael

Winter Comfort Band
Summer Warmth Band
W
S
35°F63°F90°F
W

Winter Comfort Band

40–48°F

Typical overnight lows from December through February.

S

Summer Warmth Band

75–85°F

Afternoon highs during peak summer months.

Climate Type

Mediterranean

Overall pattern

Days of Sunshine

260+ days

Bright days/year

Annual Rainfall

30-35 inches

Nov–Mar showers

Marin County's location creates moderate temperatures year-round.

Mild summers with occasional heat waves; cool, wet winters with most rainfall occurring December thr...

Year-round outdoor living is possible thanks to moderate temperatures.

Parks & Recreation in San Rafael

San Rafael maintains over 8 parks and recreational facilities, from neighborhood parks to large regional parks.

China Camp State Park

State Park

Historic Chinese fishing village and 1,640-acre park with hiking trails, mountain biking, and San Pablo Bay access.

Hiking trailsMountain bikingBay accessHistoric siteCamping

McNears Beach Park

Regional Park

Waterfront park with swimming beach, picnic areas, and San Pablo Bay views perfect for family recreation.

Swimming beachPicnic areasBay viewsPlaygroundParking

Gerstle Park

Community Park

Historic neighborhood park with playground, sports fields, and community gathering spaces in the Gerstle Park neighborhood.

PlaygroundSports fieldsPicnic areasWalking paths

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Natural Hazards & Fault Lines

Important information about seismic activity, flood zones, and fire hazards in San Rafael.

Major Fault Lines Near San Rafael

San Andreas Fault

Runs approximately 5 miles west through the Point Reyes Peninsula

Type: Right-lateral strike-slip

Hayward Fault

Located roughly 15 miles east across the Bay

Type: Right-lateral strike-slip

Rodgers Creek Fault

Runs through northern Marin County, approximately 8 miles northwest

Type: Strike-slip

Fire Hazard Severity Zones

Moderate to high in hillside and open space areas; low in established valley neighborhoods. Wildland-urban interface conditions exist in Lucas Valley and hillside areas.

CalFire Classification

Seismic Hazard Zones

Liquefaction Zones

Low to moderate risk in low-lying areas near creeks and Bay fill; minimal risk in hillside neighborhoods on stable ground.

Landslide Zones

Moderate to high susceptibility on steep hillside slopes, especially during heavy winter storms. Hillside neighborhoods require careful site evaluation.

Alquist-Priolo Fault Zone Status

Portions of San Rafael may fall within fault zone areas; geological reports required for new construction in designated zones.

FEMA Flood Zones

Zone Type

Zone AE along San Rafael Creek and low-lying areas; Zone X in hillside neighborhoods.

Flood Risk Notes

Homes near San Rafael Creek may require flood insurance. Flash flooding possible in creek corridors during heavy winter storms.

Additional Notes

San Rafael participates in regional wildfire prevention programs. Many hillside homes require defensible space clearance. PG&E Public Safety Power Shutoffs may occur during Red Flag warnings. Seismic retrofitting recommended for older homes built before 1980.

What Locals Say

Hear from residents about living in San Rafael.

"I love being able to take Golden Gate Transit to San Francisco in under 40 minutes. The commute is actually enjoyable, and I'm home in time for dinner with the family."

Downtown San Rafael Resident

"The schools here are excellent, and the community feel is amazing. We know our neighbors, and the kids have so many opportunities for outdoor activities."

Marinwood Parent

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Local Favorites

Discover recommended restaurants and dining spots in San Rafael.

Sol Food

Puerto RicanCasual

Popular Puerto Rican restaurant serving authentic mofongo, plantains, and Caribbean cuisine in a vibrant atmosphere.

Il Davide

AmericanCasual

Cozy neighborhood favorite in San Rafael serving fresh local flavors.

The Kitchen Table

AmericanCasual

Cozy neighborhood favorite in San Rafael serving fresh local flavors.

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What Makes San Rafael Special

Discover unique features, historical facts, and notable highlights of San Rafael.

Marin County Civic Center

Frank Lloyd Wright-designed civic center hosting government offices, events, and cultural programming, representing a unique architectural landmark.

China Camp State Park

Historic Chinese fishing village and 1,640-acre state park with hiking trails, mountain biking, and San Pablo Bay access preserving cultural and natural heritage.

Dominican University of California

Private university campus offering cultural events, lectures, and educational programs that enrich the community's intellectual and cultural life.

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Insider Tips

What to know and what to be aware of when considering San Rafael.

What to Know

Golden Gate Transit Access

Express buses provide reliable service to San Francisco, but parking at transit centers can fill early. Consider walking or biking to stops.

Hillside Home Considerations

Homes in Lucas Valley and hillside areas may require defensible space for fire safety and careful site evaluation for stability.

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What to Avoid

Ignoring Traffic Patterns

Highway 101 can be congested during commute hours; factor in traffic when considering commute times.

Skipping Seismic Checks

Older homes may need seismic retrofitting; have inspections done before purchase.

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Homes for Sale in San Rafael

Active listings coming soon. Contact us for current availability.

Coming Soon

We're working on bringing you real-time listings for San Rafael. In the meantime, contact us to get personalized information about available homes in this area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions About San Rafael

Common questions about living and buying in San Rafael.

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