Downtown San Rafael, San Rafael, CA
At a glance
Downtown San Rafael is ranked #8 of 10 neighborhoods in San Rafael with an overall score of 2.9/5. Its standout factors are nearby merchants (5.0/5) and public spaces (3.5/5), at a median home price of $1.1M. It ranks 6th of 10 in San Rafael for schools. The trade-offs are safety (2.5/5) and schools (3.0/5), though prices run about 17% below the San Rafael median.
Neighborhood Reviews & Questions
Downtown San Rafael is the cultural and commercial core of the city, known for its walkability, historic architecture, and strong local identity. Fourth Street anchors the area with an eclectic mix of restaurants, independent shops, bookstores, and cafes that give the neighborhood its distinctly local feel. Residential blocks surrounding downtown are dense and varied—there are older apartment buildings, vintage bungalows, and some newer infill housing. While parking can be tight, many errands can be done on foot, and access to Highway 101 is just a minute away. It’s one of the most vibrant spots in Marin for events and nightlife, thanks to venues like the Rafael Film Center and a calendar full of street fairs and farmers markets. It has a slightly urban energy while still keeping that small-town Marin charm.
Top Neighborhoods in San Rafael, CA
Neighborhood Amenities
Near good merchants5.0
Public Spaces3.5
Curb Appeal3
Overall Amenities score: 3.6
Neighborhood Weather
Neighborhood Photos
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Schools serving this Neighborhood
| School Name | Type | Grades | Houseberry School Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coleman Elementary | Primary | K-5 | |
| Laurel Dell Elementary | Primary | K-5 | |
| Sun Valley 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
Downtown San Rafael FAQs10 answers
Is Downtown San Rafael a good place to live?
Downtown San Rafael ranks 8th of 10 neighborhoods in San Rafael with an overall Houseberry score of 2.9 out of 5. Its strongest factors are nearby merchants (5.0/5) and public spaces (3.5/5). The trade-offs are safety (2.5/5) and schools (3.0/5).
Is Downtown San Rafael safe?
Downtown San Rafael, San Rafael scores 2.5 out of 5 on Houseberry's Safety Score, ranking 9th of 10 neighborhoods in San Rafael.
What do homes in Downtown San Rafael cost?
The median home price in Downtown San Rafael, San Rafael is $1.1M, compared with $1.32M for San Rafael as a whole.
Are home prices in Downtown San Rafael rising or falling?
The median home price in Downtown San Rafael, 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 Downtown San Rafael?
Schools serving Downtown San Rafael, San Rafael include Coleman Elementary (2.7/5), Laurel Dell Elementary (2.4/5), Sun Valley Elementary (4.3/5), James B. Davidson Middle (2.7/5) and San Rafael High (2.5/5). 1 more school is listed in the Schools section on this page.
What is the weather like in Downtown San Rafael?
Downtown San Rafael, San Rafael receives 79% of its possible sunshine, 7th of 10 in San Rafael. Summer days run 53° to 78°F and winter days 43° to 58°F, August is the warmest month and rainfall averages about 39 inches a year.
Is Downtown San Rafael walkable to shops and restaurants?
Downtown San Rafael, San Rafael scores 5.0 out of 5 for nearby merchants and 3.5 out of 5 for public spaces. Its overall amenities score is 3.6 out of 5, 1st of 10 in San Rafael.
What is Downtown San Rafael known for?
Downtown San Rafael, San Rafael is associated with Historic Core, Walkable and Local Businesses. Its highest-scoring factor is nearby merchants (5.0/5).
How does Downtown San Rafael compare to other San Rafael neighborhoods?
Downtown San Rafael ranks 8th of 10 neighborhoods in San Rafael. It ranks 6th of 10 in San Rafael for schools (3.0/5) and scores lowest on safety (2.5/5). The next-ranked neighborhoods in San Rafael are San Rafael Country Club and Dominican / Black Canyon.
What are the downsides of living in Downtown San Rafael?
Downtown San Rafael, San Rafael scores lowest on safety (2.5/5) and schools (3.0/5).
Neighborhood Photos
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