San Rafael
Just north of San Francisco, San Rafael is a city of neighborhoods surrounded by great natural beauty. As the economic and cultural center of Marin County, its diverse population, high education and income levels, gives the city a distinct character, integrating a small-town atmosphere with a lively urban environment. Its downtown area is a lively city center with great restaurants and a vibrant nightlife.
Residents choose San Rafael for its quality of life, tree-lined neighborhoods, excellent public school systems, and close proximity to San Francisco and the wine country. Whether you are looking for a single-family home or an urban condo, San Rafael has it all and at some of the most affordable prices in Marin.
In 2006, Greenbelt Alliance ranked San Rafael #9 out of 101 Bay Area jurisdictions, in promoting Smart Growth principles.
"North" Hollywood: After the arrival of filmmaker George Lucas in 1970 to shoot his movie THX 1138, San Rafael became a center for the entertainment industry, including production and technology companies Lucasfilm, LucasArts and Industrial Light and Magic. Portions of the Universal movie production American Graffiti were filmed in downtown San Rafael under George Lucas's direction, and portions of THX 1138 were shot at the Marin County Civic Center in San Rafael. Much of the movie Gattaca was also shot in the Marin County Civic Center.
HELPFUL LINKS
City websites
www.cityofsanrafael.org
www.srchamber.com
Schools
www.srchamber.com/
Hotels / restaurants /shopping / transportation
www.marincountyguide.com
Arts / entertainment / recreation / annual events
www.cafilm.org