Forbes / Fairhills, San Rafael, CA
At a glance
Forbes / Fairhills is ranked #5 of 10 neighborhoods in San Rafael with an overall score of 3.4/5. Its standout factors are curb appeal (4.0/5) and safety (3.8/5, 5th of 10 in San Rafael), at a median home price of $1.94M. The trade-offs are nearby merchants (2.2/5) and schools (3.2/5), with prices running about 46% above the San Rafael median.
Neighborhood Reviews & Questions
Forbes / Fairhills sits just north of downtown San Rafael, climbing into the hills above the city. This neighborhood is known for its quiet, leafy streets, elevated views, and a strong sense of privacy, even while being just minutes from Fourth Street’s restaurants and shops. Homes here are mostly detached and vary in style, with a mix of classic and custom architecture, many perched along winding roads with views of the bay, Mount Tam, or the valley below. The elevation gives the area a tucked-away feel, yet it's easily walkable or bikeable to central San Rafael. The neighborhood is surrounded by open space, including Mountain Park and access to hiking trails like the Robert Dollar Trail. While there are no commercial hubs within the neighborhood itself, its close proximity to downtown San Rafael makes daily errands and dining convenient.
Top Neighborhoods in San Rafael, CA
Neighborhood Amenities
Near good merchants2.2
Public Spaces3.5
Curb Appeal4
Overall Amenities score: 3.4
Neighborhood Weather
Neighborhood Photos
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Schools serving this Neighborhood
| School Name | Type | Grades | Houseberry School Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coleman 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
Forbes / Fairhills FAQs10 answers
Is Forbes / Fairhills a good place to live?
Forbes / Fairhills ranks 5th of 10 neighborhoods in San Rafael with an overall Houseberry score of 3.4 out of 5. Its strongest factors are curb appeal (4.0/5) and safety (3.8/5). The trade-offs are nearby merchants (2.2/5) and schools (3.2/5) and a median home price of $1.94M against the San Rafael median of $1.32M.
Is Forbes / Fairhills safe?
Forbes / Fairhills, San Rafael scores 3.8 out of 5 on Houseberry's Safety Score, ranking 5th of 10 neighborhoods in San Rafael.
What do homes in Forbes / Fairhills cost?
The median home price in Forbes / Fairhills, San Rafael is $1.94M, compared with $1.32M for San Rafael as a whole.
Are home prices in Forbes / Fairhills rising or falling?
The median home price in Forbes / Fairhills, San Rafael is roughly flat over the past 12 months, at $1.94M against $1.94M a year earlier. The full 12-month history is charted in the Median Price section on this page.
Which schools serve Forbes / Fairhills?
Schools serving Forbes / Fairhills, San Rafael include Coleman Elementary (2.7/5), Sun Valley Elementary (4.3/5), 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 Forbes / Fairhills?
Forbes / Fairhills, San Rafael receives 79% of its possible sunshine, 5th of 10 in San Rafael. 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 Forbes / Fairhills walkable to shops and restaurants?
Forbes / Fairhills, San Rafael scores 2.2 out of 5 for nearby merchants and 3.5 out of 5 for public spaces. Its overall amenities score is 3.4 out of 5, 3rd of 10 in San Rafael.
What is Forbes / Fairhills known for?
Forbes / Fairhills, San Rafael is associated with Hilltop Views, Quiet Setting and Near Downtown. Its highest-scoring factor is curb appeal (4.0/5).
How does Forbes / Fairhills compare to other San Rafael neighborhoods?
Forbes / Fairhills ranks 5th of 10 neighborhoods in San Rafael. It ranks 5th of 10 in San Rafael for safety (3.8/5) and scores lowest on nearby merchants (2.2/5). The next-ranked neighborhoods in San Rafael are Gerstle Park and West End.
What are the downsides of living in Forbes / Fairhills?
Forbes / Fairhills, San Rafael scores lowest on nearby merchants (2.2/5) and schools (3.2/5). Its median home price of $1.94M runs about 46% above the San Rafael median of $1.32M.
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