$1,298,668Average Value$694Average Price per Sq Ft7Homes For Sale
Where life is a picnic
Contrary to what its name suggests, Picnic Valley wasn’t always such a picnic. As Compass Realtor Megan Pomponio puts it, the area was “not considered desirable for a few decades” thanks to the omnipresence of industrial businesses over residential property. The community has since established itself as a highly sought-after address because of its convenient location, and now, this San Rafael suburb continues to expand its worth as “property values here have really increased,” says Pomponio.
An aerial view of Picnic Valley reveals the harmonious blend of homes and businesses.
Picnic Valley, is a picturesque valley on the outskirts of San Rafael.
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Nostalgic homes with luxurious views
Lush lawns and leafy trees dominate the streets of Picnic Valley, with the flourishing trees canopying the houses that residents turn into homes. Dating back as far as the 1920s, midsize bungalows provide a nostalgic feel while coming into present-day practicality given the updates and renovations taking place. “Picnic Valley’s proximity to Downtown San Rafael,” says Matt Francis of Vanguard Properties. “People really enjoy the location and being so close to everything downtown has to offer is the real pull.” Traditional-style homes flaunt multilevel terraces that come in handy when taking in the cliffside views, and luxury townhouses from the turn of the millennium are available for those interested in a more future-forward residence. Price tags in the area can start around $850,000 for townhouses and reach nearly $2 million for the more historic yet renovated homes.
Homes in Picnic Valley range from traditional single-story homes to modern, cliff-side houses.
There are more modern houses available on the hills in Picnic Valley.
Check out the many home styles of Picnic Valley.
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Parks with notable namesakes
Named for the local writer who shared the stories of the California Gold Rush, the cozy and comfortable Bret Harte Park provides a playground accessible by individuals of all abilities, basketball courts for fans of the sport and a handpainted tile mural completed by neighborhood kids that adds a sense belonging to the play place. On a larger scale, the 11-acre Albert Park houses bocce courts and serves as the home base for league play. Albert Park is also home to the San Rafael Pacifics, the city’s independent Pecos League baseball team. At the San Rafael Community Center, children can sign up for sports lessons, art classes and even LEGO camps which build their STEAM skillsets. Aquatic aficionados can get their kicks along San Rafael Creek, which is always laced with boat slips and yacht marinas. Just east of Picnic Valley and across the freeway, boat slips and yacht marinas line San Rafael Creek.
Albert Park comes alive with people playing baseball in the heart of Picnic Valley.
Joyful sounds fill the air as kids play at Albert Park's playground in Picnic Valley
Bocce ball games bring community fun to Albert Park in Picnic Valley.
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Influence, image and art
Maintaining an influential image is important in Picnic Valley, and two grooming spots are the go-tos. Downtown Barbers is a local stylist for men and boys that keeps them together. Brewer Philips Hair Design gives women creative cuts, colors and styles to keep their confidence boosted. For those into hands-on artmaking, Wabi Pottery Studio offers several introductory pottery classes covering techniques for pottery wheel use, hand building and surface design. Classes run for six weeks at a time. Wabi also hosts a Youth Summer Art Camp that runs for three weeks from June to July. The Bret Harte Community Association also plays a part in fostering neighborhood spirit with events like a summertime art and music stroll, holiday parties and a group garage sale.
Downtown Barbers give men fresh lines ready for the weekend in Picnic Valley.
Special occasions call for a visit to Brewer Phillips Hair Design in Picnic Valley.
Artists at work, molding masterpieces at Wabi Pottery Studio.
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Get cozy at a calming coffee haus
With the 101 Freeway being a hometown hub of businesses and both Downtown San Rafael and the Marin Country Mart so close by, residents can find whatever they need when it comes to shopping and dining. Mi Casa Café is a go-to for simple Mexican cuisine and strong margaritas, and El Lucerito’s menu is filled with authentic Guatemalan dishes. Locals can unwind at Fox & Kit, a calming coffee house with relaxing wicker swing chairs and an onsite playground strictly for adults looking to let their inner child free. There’s also the chance to wind down — or wine down — in the evening with a relaxing beverage at Pete’s 881 Club. For groceries and other essentials, Sprouts Farmers Market is within the community, and Trader Joe’s, Cardenas Markets and Safeway are all nearby.
Relaxation meets coffee Locals unwind at Fox & Kit in Picnic Valley.
Families gather for dinner, creating memories at El Lucerito's in Picnic Valley.
Patrons at Pete's 881 Club enjoy lively conversations and drinks in Picnic Valley.
Sprouts has organic produce in Picnic Valley.
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Where creativity comes alive
As part of the San Rafael City School District, students can attend Laurel Dell Elementary School, which partners with local mentoring organizations like Youth in Arts on arts education, and James B. Davidson Middle School, which offers enrichment activities that include Makers Tech, before San Rafael High School. Stretching across 33 acres, the campus features several state-of-the-art facilities, including multiple computer labs, KSRH radio station and a sprawling sports complex with multiple tennis courts and a championship pool. Niche scores Dell a C-minus, while Davidson has a B-minus and San Rafael has a B.
Laurel Dell Elementary School is located in San Rafael.
James B. Davidson Middles School in Canal has programs that include Drama and Maker's Tech.
San Rafael High School focuses on the higher education of its students.
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The SMART way to go
The 101 Freeway borders the community, breaking off into Interstate 580 at Francisco Boulevard East.
Picnic Valley is only 18 miles north of San Francisco where locals can take the Larkspur Ferry to other locations around the East Bay Area. The San Rafael SMART station is another option for those who decide to drop driving around the area.
The neighborhood and Mt Tamalpais are captured beautifully in this aerial shot of Picnic Valley.
Awaiting adventures at San Rafael's SMART station, gateway to Picnic Valley.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Danielle Vantress Salk,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Niven Park
Pickleweed Park
Picnic Area
Playground
Multi-Purpose Field
Albert Park
Picnic Area
Trails
Playground
Hal Brown Park at Creekside
Gerstle Park
Boyd Memorial Park
Picnic Area
Trails
Playground
Transit
Airport
San Francisco International
50 min drive
Bus
Andersen Dr & Du Bois St
Bus
Andersen Dr & Francisco Blvd W
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Picnic Valley
US
Homicide
3
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
4
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
5
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Picnic Valley, San Rafael sell after 49 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Picnic Valley, San Rafael over the last 12 months is $1,301,176, down 20% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome home to incredible views and privacy in San Rafael! Enjoy all that Marin County has to offer at 31 Martens Boulevard! This beautiful, well-maintained home features two bedrooms, two bathrooms, 1,316 square feet of living space including a kitchen, living room, dining room, pantry, laundry room covered patio and decks, garage, and storage below. This home was built in 1915 and is located
This charming single-family home has been lovingly maintained by the same family since the 1960s. This light-filled, 3-bedroom, 2-bath, single-level residence, freshly painted inside and out, offers comfort and ease. Enjoy refinished hardwood floors, a living room with open-beam ceilings, a cozy gas fireplace, and a dining area with direct backyard access through French doors. The updated kitchen
This 3BR/3BA home offers incredible flexibility to suit your lifestyle. Use it as a full three-bedroom home, a two-bedroom with a downstairs hangout space, or use the separate area downstairs for rental income, an au pair, or in-law quarters, the choice is yours! Thoughtfully designed and well-built, this home features a large, sunny and private backyard with a level area and terraced gardens,
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Danielle Vantress Salk,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
3,695
Median Age
43
Population Density
6 ppl/acre
Population under 18
21%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
20%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$104,108
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$146,807
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
88.9%
College Graduates
54.1%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
23.3%
% Population in Labor Force
78.2%
Above the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
34''
Average Winter Low Temperature
42°F
Average Summer High Temperature
81°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
52/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
69/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
39/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
