San Rafael Apartments and Rentals

Located just north of San Francisco in Marin County, San Rafael was incorporated in 1874. It now has a population of about 57,700 people and is the largest city in the county. Because of the city's strategic location, San Rafael apartments for rent are at the hub of the economic and cultural center of Marin County. Quality schools and public services, along with a beautiful natural setting, attract new businesses to San Rafael and contribute to the high quality of life enjoyed by San Rafael residents.

Downtown San Rafael is a thriving district that includes restaurants, retail stores and financial institutions. Victorian residences are integrated into the district on tree-lined streets. The San Rafael City Plaza in the center of town has become a community gathering place, and hosts seasonal events such as Thursday night farmers markets and summertime concerts.

As the city in Marin County that enjoys the best weather, San Rafael offers numerous opportunities for nature lovers to enjoy the outdoors. Parklands and open space make up almost 30 percent of the city's land, and numerous marinas in San Rafael provide water-oriented recreational activities.

San Rafael's educated workforce and proximity to San Francisco make it a popular place to do business. The top employers in Marin County include Kaiser Permanente, Marin General Hospital, Fireman's Fund Insurance, Autodesk and BioMarin Pharmaceutical, all of which are an easy commute from San Rafael rentals. In San Rafael, the main industries are retail trade, health care and social assistance.

San Rafael is served by San Rafael City Schools, which offer K-12 public education to more than 5,400 students at 11 schools. Dominican University is located in San Rafael, and is a private Catholic university known for providing a high-quality education. College of Marin, a community college located in San Rafael, has helped students transfer to universities, train for new careers, learn basic skills and develop a penchant for learning for more than 80 years.

San Rafael has maintained its small-town charm in spite of growth due to policies for a high density, mixed-use downtown. This has created a lively downtown district featuring real estate in close proximity to open space and commercial development.

It's easy for San Rafael residents to save money on transportation by walking or biking down neighborhood streets or taking advantage of public transit that serves all neighborhoods. The mix of real estate in San Rafael includes modern Eichler and classic Victorian homes, along with urban condominiums and apartment complexes, all of which are some of the most affordable in Marin County. According to city-data.com, the median gross rent in 2009 for San Rafael rentals was $1,348.

The Marin County Civic Center is one of the most distinctive architectural designs created by Frank Lloyd Wright, and his last major commission. The Civic Center includes a 20-acre park and 11-acre lagoon. The Marin Center is located on the grounds of the Civic Center complex, and is the county's largest performing arts and convention facility.

China Camp State Park spans 1,648 acres and was named after a Chinese fishing village that once flourished in San Rafael. The park is the site of a preserved fisherman's cottage and the China Camp Museum, which is located in the original shrimp processing plant. Numerous hiking and biking trails, fishing piers and picnic tables are also available.

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