San Rafael

Why San Rafael?

Yea Round Outdoor Recreation

San Rafael real estate, located in central Marin County, this former Spanish mission settlement is the county’s largest city and home to much of its history and culture. Almost a third of the San Rafael land for sale has been set aside for parks and open spaces. It also is home to a bustling business district and has a perfect climate for enjoying year-round outdoor recreation. San Rafael condos for sale offer a variety of different price points from small family neighborhood houses to grand, sprawling mansions and estates. Furthermore, San Rafael luxury homes for sale offer an impressive ambient setting that any home owner can truly enjoy. If you are looking for San Rafael houses for sale, contact a certified San Rafael real estate agent who can help you find the perfect property for sale in San Rafael.

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Real Estate

San Rafael, CA real estate is very competitive. As the oldest incorporated city in Marin County, San Rafael has many distinctive neighborhoods. The average price of a home here is $930,000, while the most expensive home sold recently topped $4.8 million. Home prices in San Rafael have increased in value some 26% since 2012.

This city has many historical homes and many homes with unique and stunning architecture. The city’s excellent schools and attractive downtown continue to draw in new residents, making San Rafael real estate an excellent investment.

History

Long home to at least three major Miwok villages, the area that is now San Rafael seems to have almost always been populated. Spanish priests founded a mission here in 1817 called Mission San Rafael Arcangel. The mission was initially a hospital for the local tribes but was later expanded to provide a full range of services. Missions served as military outposts, resting points for travelers, and as places to convert the local tribes to Christianity.

The mission was abandoned in 1844, but the town of San Rafael continued to grow around the former mission buildings. The town was formally incorporated in 1874. In 1879 the railroad arrived, making San Rafael an important regional hub and connecting the city with the national rail network.

People

San Rafael has a population of 57,713 and a median income of $72,000. It is the most economically and ethnically diverse city in Marin County. With over 80% of its population employed in white collar jobs, including many who work in the movie and high-tech industries, San Rafael is a town of driven and motivated people. It is also one of the most educated cities in the United States. Celebrities as diverse as Jerry Garcia, George Lucas, and Carlos Santana have all called this beautiful city home.

Schools

San Rafael is served by two different school districts. San Rafael City Schools is the larger district and has six elementary schools, one combination elementary and middle school, a middle school, and two high schools.

Dixie School District has three elementary schools and a middle school. Students living in the Dixie School District attend high school at Terra Linda High School in the San Rafael City Schools District.

There are also many secular and private schools that serve students from grades kindergarten through twelfth grade. There are several amazing homes for sale in San Rafael in both school districts.

Dominican University of San Rafael is an independent international university with a proud tradition of academics and community support and involvement.

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