San Rafael CA Real Estate, San Rafael Area and Community Information
Located along the western coast of Central California, you will find the beautiful city of
San Rafael. The oldest, largest and most culturally diverse city in Marin, San Rafael is the county seat of Marin County. Situated just north of such larger cities as San Francisco, San Rafael is a lively cultural center located in an area of incomparable beauty. A number of hit movies were filmed here including Star Wars, Indiana Jones and American Graffiti.
History of San Rafael
San Rafael was founded in the year 1817 by three Spanish Priests who were known as Father Duran, Father Abella and Father Gil y Taboada. During these early years, the area was named Mission San Rafael Arcangel. It was named after the Arcangel Raphael who was the Angel of Healing.
While the mission was originally used solely as a hospital site for Native Americans, it gained full mission status in 1822. When the Mexican government took over California's missions in 1834, Mission San Rafael was abandoned. However, after the railroad arrived in the town during 1879, San Rafael began to flourish.
Parks and Recreation
One of the best features of living in San Rafael CA homes is that you will be just minutes away from a number of lovely parks. A popular park in the area is Sun Valley Park located on Fifth Street. In this park, you will find such fantastic assets as a children's playground, basketball and volleyball courts, and picnic tables.
Another great park that is a short drive away from real estate in San Rafael is Peacock Park, which can be found on Peacock Street. Amenities offered here include a playground, a multi-purpose athletic field, tennis courts and hiking trails. Other parks you may want to explore are
Mcnears Beach Park,
Albert Park and Community Center and
Terra Linda Park.
Popular areas for hiking, biking, camping and fishing are also numerous in the San Rafael area. Nature lovers will love beautiful natural attractions such as the
Marin Headlands,
Point Reyes,
Stinson Beach Park,
Angel Island State Park,
Mt. Tamalpais State Park,
China Camp State Park,
Samual P. Taylor State Park,
Muir Woods, and the
Tomales Bay State Park.
Attractions and Activities
When you choose to become a San Rafael home buyer, you will be able to enjoy access to a broad range of popular attractions. Some of the best family-oriented attractions in the area include the
Falkirk Cultural Center, the
Mission San Rafael Arcangel and the
Marin Civic Center designed by Frank Loyd Wright.
There are also many exciting sports-related attractions near San Rafael homes, and some of the more popular locations are San Rafael Pacific Ball Park,
McInnis Park Golf Center,
Peacock Gap Country Club and the
San Geronimo Golf Course, Do you enjoy museums? Be sure to check out
Marin History Museum.
Special Events in San Rafael
Do you enjoy partaking in such community events as festivals, fairs and art shows? There are many such events held near San Rafael real estate, and one of the most anticipated events of the year is the
West End Village Celebration, which takes place each September. Highlights of this event include skateboarding demonstrations, games for the kids, delicious food, arts and crafts, and interactive entertainment.
Another event that takes place near San Rafael homes for sale is the
Annual Parade of Lights and Winter Wonderland. This event is held during late November and features such festivities as snow sledding, fun activities for the kids, live entertainment and an exciting parade. Other events that are held near San Rafael properties include the
Indian Summer Stroll in September and
Litquake San Rafael in October.
Eichler Homes
Between 1950 and 1974, Joseph Eichler partnered with some of the most progressive and well respected architects and architectural firms and built more than 11,000 modernist Eichler homes. Elicher homes are easily distinguished by their open floorplans and floor-to-ceiling glass which help blur the line between indoor and outdoor living.
Between the years of 1955 - 1966, Eichler Homes built more than one thousand homes in the city of San Rafael. The Eichler homes in San Rafael account for the largest concentration of Eichler homes in Marin County.
Many of the Eichler homes in San Raphael can be found in the following neighborhoods:
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Upper Lucas Valley
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Terra Linda South
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Terra Linda North
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Lower Lucas Valley
If you are in the market for a home in San Rafael, California where there is an abundance of job opportunities and terrific attractions, give Kathy Schlegel a call. There are many beautiful homes for sale in San Rafael, and Kathy Schlegel can help you explore your purchasing options!
