Bret Harte

Like most of the neighborhoods on this southern part of San Rafael, Bret Harte is named after and anchored by a park. The neighborhood itself is made up of straight narrow streets with post-WWII Ranch styles homes. Basically it is one of those neighborhoods the Boomers grew up in. The residents here tend to be older (maybe even some of the original home buyers). Front lawns are small and far closer to the street than in more contemporary style neighborhoods.

Friends that I have around here tell me that schools are pretty good and mostly above average. Crime is also low--you mostly get minor sorts of stuff like petty thefts and the occasional burglary.

Most people who work here make the commute into the city, which seems just crazy to me. But I think if I worked at one of the companies that calls Marin home, it might not be too bad.

You also can’t beat Marin when it comes to outdoor activities. You can go to the beach or mountain biking and are basically living in one of the greenest, most beautiful places on the Earth.

You are also close enough to the main shopping and entertainment spots in San Rafael to get to them in just minutes.

Overall though this is not one of the most beautiful spots in Marin; it is probably one of the more affordable ones. I can see living here in order to be close to all the other benefits--especially if you happen to work up here in Marin.