San Rafael Real Estate — Homes, Market & Local Guide
San Rafael is Marin County's largest city and its widest market — downtown condos, Gerstle Park Victorians, Dominican hillside homes, and family neighborhoods in Terra Linda, Marinwood and Lucas Valley. Daniel Flores (Compass, CA DRE# 02032133) helps buyers, sellers, investors and estates across all of it.
The market, honestly
San Rafael gives you more choice per dollar than southern Marin. Move-in single-family homes in the north end and Lucas Valley draw SF families who want space and a reasonable commute; downtown and the Canal area hold most of the city's condos and small multi-unit buildings. Hillside homes trade on view, light and parking, and older homes on how much work they need — which is where an investor's eye on rehab cost pays off.
Neighborhoods at a glance
| Area | Housing | Who it fits |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown / Gerstle Park | Victorians, condos, small multis | Walkers, SMART commuters, investors |
| Dominican / Sun Valley | Older hillside homes, character houses | Buyers wanting charm near downtown |
| Terra Linda | Mid-century single-family | Families, first move from SF |
| Marinwood / Lucas Valley | Single-family, planned neighborhoods | Families wanting space and trails |
| Peacock Gap / Loch Lomond | Bay-adjacent, golf, marina | Move-up and downsizing buyers |
Getting to San Francisco
Typically 30–40 minutes by car off-peak via Highway 101, the Larkspur Ferry Terminal next door, and the SMART train from downtown San Rafael north to Sonoma County and south to Larkspur.
My track record here
I've closed in San Rafael and the surrounding north-Marin market, including 11–15 La Vista Way, a small multi-unit property, and in neighboring Novato. Investors: San Rafael's small multis are covered on my investment page and in this Measure W explainer.
“Daniel found a property for me through Compass's exclusive Coming Soon feature. We made an offer before anyone else even knew about it — no competition, and everyone was happy.”Mary F. · San Rafael · Investment buyer
Moving here from San Francisco?
San Rafael is often the town where SF families find the yard and extra bedroom. See how I coordinate selling in SF and buying in Marin. Inherited a San Rafael home? Start with the probate & trust guide.
Frequently asked questions
Who is a good real estate agent in San Rafael, CA?
Daniel Flores (Compass, DRE# 02032133) works with buyers, sellers, investors and estates in San Rafael and across Marin County, with closings in San Rafael and Novato.
What school districts serve San Rafael?
San Rafael City Schools, Dixie School District and Miller Creek School District serve different parts of San Rafael. Confirm assignment by exact address with the district.
How do you commute from San Rafael to San Francisco?
By car via Highway 101 (typically 30–40 minutes off-peak), by Golden Gate Ferry from the nearby Larkspur terminal, or by SMART train to Larkspur for the ferry.
Does San Rafael have a transfer tax?
Yes. San Rafael charges a city real property transfer tax of 0.2% of the sale price. Measure W, on the November 3, 2026 ballot, would raise it to 1%. In Marin the seller customarily pays it, though it is negotiable.
Buying or selling in San Rafael?
Call or text for a current San Rafael snapshot or a real valuation — not a Zestimate.
Call 415-596-1891 Text Daniel Get a Home ValueGeneral information only — not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm your situation with your attorney or CPA.