Dominican / Black Canyon, San Rafael, CA
At a glance
Dominican / Black Canyon is ranked #10 of 10 neighborhoods in San Rafael with an overall score of 2.5/5. Its standout factors are curb appeal (3.5/5) and public spaces (3.5/5), at a median home price of $1.1M. It ranks 10th of 10 in San Rafael for schools. The trade-offs are nearby merchants (1.2/5) and safety (2.2/5), though prices run about 17% below the San Rafael median.
Neighborhood Reviews & Questions
Dominican / Black Canyon sits in the northeastern hills of San Rafael, offering a blend of architectural charm and natural beauty. Homes here range from historic properties near the Dominican University campus to hillside retreats tucked deeper into Black Canyon. Tree-lined streets and winding drives give the neighborhood a peaceful, tucked-away feel. Dominican University adds a collegiate charm and anchors the area with cultural and educational events. The neighborhood also borders open space preserves and trailheads, making it easy to escape into nature without leaving town. With downtown San Rafael just minutes away, residents enjoy a quiet residential setting that’s still connected to dining, shopping, and transit hubs.
Top Neighborhoods in San Rafael, CA
Neighborhood Amenities
Near good merchants1.2
Public Spaces3.5
Curb Appeal3.5
Overall Amenities score: 3
Neighborhood Weather
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Schools serving this Neighborhood
| School Name | Type | Grades | Houseberry School Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coleman Elementary | Primary | K-5 | |
| San Pedro Elementary | Primary | K-5 | |
| James B. Davidson Middle | Middle | 6-8 | |
| San Rafael High | High | 9-12 | |
| Terra Linda High | High | 9-12 |
Click links for school listing
info at GreatSchools.org
Houseberry School Score Data
from CA Dept. of Education
Houseberry recommends using these scores as only a starting point, and conducting your own investigation into what schools fit best for your preferences. School boundaries are not guaranteed and may change. It is important to contact the appropriate school district to confirm enrollment eligibility before making any decision to move to a neighborhood.
Median Price
Dominican / Black Canyon FAQs10 answers
Is Dominican / Black Canyon a good place to live?
Dominican / Black Canyon ranks 10th of 10 neighborhoods in San Rafael with an overall Houseberry score of 2.5 out of 5. Its strongest factors are curb appeal (3.5/5) and public spaces (3.5/5). The trade-offs are nearby merchants (1.2/5) and safety (2.2/5).
Is Dominican / Black Canyon safe?
Dominican / Black Canyon, San Rafael scores 2.2 out of 5 on Houseberry's Safety Score, ranking 10th of 10 neighborhoods in San Rafael.
What do homes in Dominican / Black Canyon cost?
The median home price in Dominican / Black Canyon, San Rafael is $1.1M, compared with $1.32M for San Rafael as a whole.
Are home prices in Dominican / Black Canyon rising or falling?
The median home price in Dominican / Black Canyon, San Rafael is roughly flat over the past 12 months, at $1.1M against $1.1M a year earlier. The full 12-month history is charted in the Median Price section on this page.
Which schools serve Dominican / Black Canyon?
Schools serving Dominican / Black Canyon, San Rafael include Coleman Elementary (2.7/5), San Pedro Elementary (0.8/5), James B. Davidson Middle (2.7/5), San Rafael High (2.5/5) and Terra Linda High (3.7/5).
What is the weather like in Dominican / Black Canyon?
Dominican / Black Canyon, San Rafael receives 79% of its possible sunshine, the sunniest of San Rafael's 10 neighborhoods. Summer days run 53° to 79°F and winter days 43° to 58°F, July is the warmest month and rainfall averages about 38 inches a year.
Is Dominican / Black Canyon walkable to shops and restaurants?
Dominican / Black Canyon, San Rafael scores 1.2 out of 5 for nearby merchants and 3.5 out of 5 for public spaces. Its overall amenities score is 3.0 out of 5, 10th of 10 in San Rafael.
What is Dominican / Black Canyon known for?
Dominican / Black Canyon, San Rafael is associated with Wooded Hillsides, Historic Charm and Trail Access.
How does Dominican / Black Canyon compare to other San Rafael neighborhoods?
Dominican / Black Canyon ranks 10th of 10 neighborhoods in San Rafael. It ranks 10th of 10 in San Rafael for schools (2.5/5) and scores lowest on nearby merchants (1.2/5). The highest-ranked neighborhoods in San Rafael are Peacock Gap and Loch Lomond.
What are the downsides of living in Dominican / Black Canyon?
Dominican / Black Canyon, San Rafael scores lowest on nearby merchants (1.2/5) and safety (2.2/5).
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