San Rafael 

Welcome to San Rafael 

Located 18 miles north of San Francisco, San Rafael is a North Bay community with excellent amenities, shopping, and dining. With a population of 58,775 residents, it is also one of the larger cities in Marin County. Every part of town has a unique personality, and it boasts good schools, fun attractions, and more.

Among its more notable features, San Rafael is home to the biggest farmers market in the North Bay area. The city is also linked directly to 580 and 101, making it quick and easy to get wherever you need to go. Considering all of its other features, you could easily say this community is all-encompassing. 

San Rafael Real Estate Market

Those looking to buy in San Rafael will be pleased to find a mix of condos, townhomes, and single-family homes of varying sizes and styles. Each neighborhood is one-of-a-kind, making it incredibly crucial for prospective buyers to look at all areas before making a decision. Median home prices are currently at $1,070,000. San Rafael real estate is highly desirable.

What to Love

• An all-encompassing area with top amenities and conveniences
• Convenient location 18 miles north of San Francisco
• Highly rated schools

People & Lifestyle

The population of San Rafael is diverse and welcoming. Here, you’ll find people of every age and from every background imaginable. Residents enjoy the variety of life found in every neighborhood and the unique personality that can only be found in San Rafael. 

The area is an ideal fit for anyone. There is genuinely something for everyone in the community. With highly-rated schools (including Dominican University of California), fantastic shopping and dining, spots to enjoy nature, and plenty of attractions, it is easy to feel at home when living in San Rafael. 

Dining, Entertainment & Shopping

One thing is for sure: As a resident of San Rafael, you’ll never be bored with the selection of excellent dining and shopping available throughout the area.

No matter which neighborhood you settle in, there are always great places to run your errands just minutes from home. On the northern end of town, the shopping in and around the Northgate Mall is top-notch. Visit retailers such as HomeGoods, Kohl’s, Macy’s, Safeway, and more. Moving to the southern end of San Rafael, you’ll be able to shop at favorite stores such as Target, The Home Depot, T.J. Maxx, Best Buy, Whole Foods Market, and a second Safeway location.

Dining is also a treat in San Rafael. Locals enjoy the one-of-a-kind menu offerings at restaurants such as Sol Food, Whipper Snapper Restaurant, Café Arrivederci, Le Comptoir, Magnolia Park Kitchen, Royal Thai Restaurant, Revel and Roost Brick Oven Kitchen, and Le Chalet Basque Restaurant.

 Things to Do

Looking for fun ways to fill your free time? San Rafael boasts a laundry list of things to do. Whether you’re in search of a relaxing experience or a fun adventure, you’re sure to find something you love.

Enjoy picking up local goods at the farmers’ market? You’ll be pleased to learn that San Rafael is home to the biggest farmer’s market in the North Bay area. In search of a place to reserve your next tee time? Look no further than Peacock Gap Golf Club or the McInnis Park Golf Center. If you’re an art enthusiast, be sure to stop by the Art Works Downtown art gallery.

There are plenty of parks and hiking trails in San Rafael for those looking to enjoy a day outside. When the weather is lovely, you’ll catch residents at Boyd Memorial Park, the Robert Dollar Hiking Trail, Loch Lomond Jetty Trail, McNears Beach County Park, Lagoon Park, and Terra Linda Park.

Schools

San Rafael is home to several excellent schools. Top educational opportunities include: 

Public Schools

San Rafael City Schools

San Rafael City Schools comprises the San Rafael Elementary School District and the San Rafael High School District, serving approximately 7,200 students across various campuses. ​San Rafael City Schools+1Marin County LAFCo+1

Early Learning Center:

• San Rafael Early Learning Center at Short School
• Phone: (415) 485-1719
• Website: San Rafael Early Learning Center​San Rafael City Schools+2San Rafael City Schools+2California Department of Education+2

Elementary Schools (Grades TK–5):

• Bahia Vista Elementary School
• Phone: (415) 485-2415
• Website: Bahia Vista Elementary​marinschools.org+1San Rafael City Schools+1marinschools.org+4San Rafael City Schools+4San Rafael City Schools+4
• Coleman Elementary School
• Phone: (415) 485-2420
• Website: Coleman Elementary​
• Glenwood Elementary School
• Phone: (415) 485-2430
• Website: Glenwood Elementary​Efficient Facility Management+7San Rafael City Schools+7California Department of Education+7
• Laurel Dell Elementary School
• Phone: (415) 485-2317
• Website: Laurel Dell Elementary​marinschools.org+1San Rafael City Schools+1
• San Pedro Elementary School
• Phone: (415) 485-2450
• Website: San Pedro Elementary​San Rafael City Schools+2marinschools.org+2bayareamodern.com+2San Rafael City Schools+1marinschools.org+1
• Sun Valley Elementary School
• Phone: (415) 485-2440
• Website: Sun Valley Elementary​bayareamodern.com

TK–8 School:

• Venetia Valley TK–8 School
• Phone: (415) 492-3150
• Website: Venetia Valley School​millercreeksd.org+3San Rafael City Schools+3California Department of Education+3

Middle School (Grades 6–8):

• Davidson Middle School
• Phone: (415) 485-2400
• Website: Davidson Middle School​San Rafael City Schools+1marinschools.org+1marinschools.org+1San Rafael City Schools+1

High Schools (Grades 9–12):

• San Rafael High School
• Phone: (415) 485-2330
• Website: San Rafael High School​marinschools.org+2MapQuest+2San Rafael City Schools+2
• Terra Linda High School
• Phone: (415) 492-3100
• Website: Terra Linda High School​millercreeksd.org+6San Rafael City Schools+6bhmconstruction.com+6
• Madrone High School (Continuation School)
• Phone: (415) 485-2435
• Website: Madrone High School​San Rafael City Schools+1bayareamodern.com+1

Miller Creek School District

Serving northern San Rafael, the Miller Creek School District includes:​

• Lucas Valley Elementary School
• Phone: (415) 492-3730
• Website: Lucas Valley Elementary​marinmontessori.org+5millercreeksd.org+5millercreeksd.org+5
• Miller Creek Middle School
• Phone: (415) 492-3760
• Website: Miller Creek Middle School​millercreeksd.org
• Santa Margarita Elementary School
• Phone: (415) 492-3740
• Website: Santa Margarita Elementary​California Department of Education+2millercreeksd.org+2millercreeksd.org+2California Department of Education+2millercreeksd.org+2millercreeksd.org+2

Private Schools

• Marin Academy (Grades 9–12)
• Phone: (415) 453-4550
• Website: Marin Academy​Niche+1Private School Review+1
• Mark Day School (Grades K–8)
• Phone: (415) 472-8000
• Website: Mark Day School​Yelp+2markdayschool.org+2Private School Review+2
• Brandeis Marin (Grades K–8)
• Phone: (415) 472-1833
• Website: Brandeis Marin​Private School Review
• Saint Raphael School (Grades K–8)
• Phone: (415) 454-4455
• Website: Saint Raphael School​Yelp
• Saint Isabella School (Grades K–8)
• Phone: (415) 479-3727
• Website: Saint Isabella School​stisabellaschool.org+1Yelp+1
• Fusion Academy Marin (Grades 6–12)

• Phone: Fusion Academy Marin (Grades 6–12)
• Phone: (415) 472-1421
• Website: fusionacademy.com/campuses/marin