Trying to figure out which San Rafael neighborhood fits your budget, commute, and lifestyle? You are not alone. With prices in the seven-figure range and a wide mix of architecture and amenities, it helps to compare areas side by side. This guide gives you a clear snapshot of how key neighborhoods stack up so you can focus your search with confidence. Let’s dive in.
San Rafael at a glance
San Rafael sits in the low to mid seven-figure range for single-family homes based on recent public figures. Citywide price per square foot and days on market vary by pocket, and limited inventory is common in Marin. Rents trend in the low $3,000s on average, though they vary by unit type. Use current listings for up-to-date rent comps.
Commuting is a strong draw. The city anchors Marin’s transit network with the Bettini Transit Center, SMART rail, and easy access to the Golden Gate Ferry via nearby Larkspur. The average travel time to work for residents is in the mid‑20 minute range across modes. You can review the San Rafael Transit Center project page and Census QuickFacts for San Rafael for broader context.
How the neighborhoods compare
Below is a quick buyer’s view of six areas you will likely consider. Use it to narrow to two or three that match your top priorities.
| Neighborhood | Typical price tier | Housing styles | Commute and transit | Lifestyle highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dominican | Upper six to multi‑million | Victorian, Arts & Crafts, mid‑century, remodels | Close to downtown and Bettini Transit Center | Leafy streets, larger lots near Dominican University |
| Sun Valley | Around mid seven figures | Bungalow and mid‑century, many updates | Central location with quick 101 access | Neighborhood parks, close to downtown conveniences |
| Terra Linda / Lucas Valley / Marinwood | Seven‑figure band, often more attainable than bayside | Eichler and mid‑century modern, ranch tracts | Suburban feel, quick to 101 | Open space access, yards, community vibe |
| Peacock Gap / Glenwood | Often multi‑million | Custom bay‑view homes, mid‑century, HOA pockets | Car‑forward; downtown and ferry by drive | Golf, marina and bay access, trails to China Camp |
| Gerstle Park / Downtown adjacency | Generally $1M–$2M+ depending on size/condition | Victorian and Craftsman cottages, historic character | Walkable to Bettini Transit Center and Fourth Street | Dining, shops, tree‑lined streets |
| Canal District | Lower median relative to most of Marin | Dense multifamily and apartments | Central Marin location | Waterfront setting with active community groups |
Notes: Neighborhood lines are informal and medians vary by source and product type. Always evaluate a specific address and recent comparable sales.
Dominican
Dominican offers larger lots, leafy streets, and a range of character homes near Dominican University. You will see Victorian and Arts & Crafts residences alongside updated mid‑century and contemporary remodels. Pricing often sits in the upper six to seven figures, and high‑end estates reach into the multi‑millions. Proximity to downtown Fourth Street and the Bettini Transit Center makes daily errands and commute connections straightforward.
Sun Valley
Sun Valley attracts buyers who want a central location and classic mid‑century charm. Expect bungalows and mid‑century homes on mostly flat or gently sloped streets, with parks nearby. Portal medians have hovered around the mid‑seven figures in recent periods, though conditions move with inventory. Transit access and Highway 101 are close, which helps if you split your week between Marin and San Francisco.
Terra Linda, Lucas Valley, and Marinwood
North San Rafael blends suburban comfort with standout mid‑century design. Terra Linda and Lucas Valley are known for a large concentration of Eichler and Eichler‑style homes, along with ranch tracts from the 1950s to 1970s. Buyers often find more predictable yards and access to ridge trails and open space. Many addresses fall within the Miller Creek Elementary School District that feeds into Terra Linda High. Always confirm an exact address with the district, since boundaries can vary.
Peacock Gap and Glenwood
On the bayside, Peacock Gap and Glenwood deliver water, golf, and open‑space living. Many homes offer bay views or look over the Peacock Gap Golf Course, and you are close to China Camp State Park and McNears Beach. This is one of San Rafael’s pricier clusters, with many homes trading in the multi‑million range. If you want water access and views, you will likely pay a premium per square foot.
Gerstle Park and downtown adjacency
Just south and west of downtown, Gerstle Park features historic character and walkability. You will find Victorian and Craftsman cottages on tree‑lined streets, with quick access to Fourth Street restaurants and shops. The neighborhood’s history and architecture are well documented by local sources such as Marin Magazine’s profile of Gerstle Park. For transit riders, the Bettini Transit Center is close, which simplifies bus and SMART rail connections.
Canal District
The Canal sits on low‑lying waterfront flats east of downtown and has a dense multifamily housing stock. Median home prices and rents are generally lower here compared with most of Marin. A key consideration is flood and sea‑level vulnerability. Recent reporting highlights recurring king‑tide and storm flooding and the scale of future adaptation work that may be required, which could be significant for property condition and insurance. For more context, see the San Francisco Chronicle’s coverage of San Rafael sea‑level planning and the Canal Alliance’s summary of local risks.
Match your top priority to an area
Use these quick filters to focus your search. Then validate with recent neighborhood comps and an exact address check.
- Predictable transit commute and walkability: Look near downtown and Gerstle Park for access to the Bettini Transit Center and SMART rail. Confirm schedules for the Golden Gate Ferry and SMART stations if you plan a rail‑to‑ferry route via Larkspur.
- Yards, open space, and school pathways: Start with Terra Linda, Lucas Valley, and Glenwood. Confirm school boundaries with the relevant district. Many North San Rafael addresses are served by the Miller Creek Elementary School District.
- Mid‑century modern architecture: Target Terra Linda and Lucas Valley for Eichler and mid‑century tracts. Some Sun Valley pockets offer similar character.
- Water access and bay views: Focus on Peacock Gap and Glenwood. Expect higher price per square foot for view and waterfront proximity.
- Central location on a tighter budget: Consider parts of Terra Linda and other central or north San Rafael flats. Weigh tradeoffs like a longer drive or fewer transit options.
What to watch for before you buy
- Neighborhood lines are informal. Different data sources categorize boundaries differently, and medians shift with the mix of condos versus single‑family homes. Always evaluate a specific address and the most recent comparable sales.
- Flood and climate risk are real in parts of San Rafael. The Canal area has documented flood vulnerability that shows up during king tides and major storms. Review recent reporting and city materials before you assume long‑term stability, and budget for insurance and resiliency needs. The San Francisco Chronicle’s local analysis is a helpful primer.
- School boundaries can change. Verify district assignment for any property under serious consideration. The Miller Creek Elementary School District overview is a good starting point for North San Rafael.
- Commute plans need a test run. Try your actual AM and PM trips, including parking or transfers. The San Rafael Transit Center page and Golden Gate Ferry schedules are key references.
Your next step
If San Rafael is on your short list, you will benefit from a local plan that ties neighborhood fit to real inventory. A brief discovery call can align your budget, commute, and lifestyle goals with the two or three pockets most likely to deliver. Then you can focus on the right listings and move quickly when the right one appears.
For tailored guidance and on‑the‑ground insight across Marin, connect with Phillipa Criswell. You will get clear next steps, current comps, and a search strategy built around your priorities.
FAQs
What is the typical home price in San Rafael right now?
- Recent public figures place San Rafael’s single‑family home values in the low to mid seven‑figure range, with medians roughly around 1.1 to 1.25 million depending on source and timing.
Which San Rafael neighborhoods are best for transit commuters to San Francisco?
- Look near downtown and Gerstle Park for walkable access to the Bettini Transit Center and SMART, and plan rail‑to‑ferry connections via Larkspur using Golden Gate Ferry schedules and SMART station info.
Where can I find mid‑century modern or Eichler homes in San Rafael?
- Terra Linda and Lucas Valley have a large concentration of Eichler and mid‑century tracts, with some similar styles in Sun Valley.
How does flood risk affect buying in the Canal District?
- The Canal has documented flood and sea‑level vulnerability; review recent coverage like the San Francisco Chronicle’s report and Canal Alliance resources and budget for insurance and resiliency.
Do school boundaries stay the same across San Rafael neighborhoods?
- Boundaries can shift and sometimes differ within a single neighborhood, so always confirm by address with the relevant district; North San Rafael often routes through the Miller Creek Elementary School District.
