Neighborhood guide · 2026-05-01
10 things to know about San Rafael before you buy.
A buyer's guide written by Roger Grubb, a 18-year Bay Area realtor (DRE #01845823, Security Pacific Real Estate) who has transacted in San Rafael repeatedly.
- 01
The median home price
San Rafael median in 2026: $1,390,000. That's $794/sqft on a typical 1,750 sqft home.
- 02
How fast homes sell
19 days on market is the San Rafael average. A correctly priced, well-prepped listing often goes pending in 7-14 days.
- 03
Who lives here
Buyers who want Marin schools + climate + ferry access without paying Mill Valley or Tiburon prices.
- 04
What San Rafael isn't
Cheap. "$1M entry into Marin" still means $1M.
- 05
The schools
Key schools: Sun Valley Elementary (rating 7/10). Terra Linda HS (rating 8/10).
- 06
What makes it special
Marin geography without Marin's top-tier prices. Mediterranean climate, walkable downtown, Dominican University, easy 101 access.
- 07
Roger's insider note
Sun Valley + Terra Linda are the best schools-for-dollar in Marin. Loch Lomond + Dominican stretch have view homes Marin people don't talk about.
- 08
Best fit for
First-Marin buyers, SF refugees, Empty-nesters from inland.
- 09
Notable amenities
Downtown 4th Street · China Camp State Park · Dominican University · SMART train + Larkspur Ferry
- 10
Walk score
56/100. Somewhat walkable; car still useful.
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