ErinH

Sun Valley is a very popular neighborhood west of downtown San Rafael (Fourth Street). It mostly consists of smaller bungalows and some Spanish style homes. The Sun Valley park is great for both kids and dogs. There is access to great hiking and a great neighborhood hang out is Andy's Market. This neighborhood offers great access to Sun Valley Elementary, one of San Rafael’s most sought after elementary schools and is down the street from Marin Academy high school. Sun Valley is a very desirable neighborhood in San Rafael.

San Rafael's Forbes neighborhood is west of downtown- close enough to walk but just far enough to have a warm, quiet neighborhood community feel. The neighborhood does have a deep history with the old homes and San Rafael Mission. There are many different style homes from Victorian to the turn of the century mixed with beautiful Mediterraneans and Craftsman style homes. There are a few smaller homes and remodeled bungalows mixed in as well- but everything works together to create one of San Rafael’s most desirable neighborhoods. The popular public Sun Valley Elementary, is a quick drive west down 5th Avenue. Don't forget to stop at Andy's Market for frozen yogurt after school or to pick up a nice bottle of wine and dinner on your way home. Hands down my favorite San Rafael neighborhood!!

If you aren't ready to completely give up the city life- then Central San Rafael is certainly the place to go.Known for its favorable climate, colorful downtown, rich history and proximity to both San Francisco and Sonoma.I love that I can walk to downtown San Rafael from my really great neighborhood of Forbes. Fourth Street is anything but boring! Grab a cup of Joe at Aroma Cafe (next to the Theater) and take in the scene.
The night life a 5 on a scale of 1-10. It isn't the most lively night life in Marin but it certainly has things going on and places to be seen.San Rafael is Marin County’s oldest city and Marin’s governmental business and cultural center. The neighborhood is mixed with rentals properties and owner occupied, single family homes and apartments.