Been meaning to ask this. Rent is about $2,346/month for a decent place. It's a a smaller city city with about 60,604 people. With a population of 60,604, San Rafael is a smaller city. The suburbs are where most families end up. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
17 upvotes
2 Replies
Hannah
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 57, moved here 12 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in North and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Active local events and festivals
2. Diverse dining options
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The school system situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for singles. average vibes, walkable.
- Westside: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Pittsburgh, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
13 upvotes
Henry Phillips
Used to live on the Highland side, now on the Old Town side. Completely different vibe. it's been a really good experience overall.
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