San Rafael Neighborhood
Is Bret Harte / Picnic Valley a Safe Place to Live? Housing, Crime & Buyer Guide
Explore safety, home prices, commute patterns, and neighborhood insights in San Rafael, CA - so you can decide with confidence before buying or renting.
Most buyers only see the home. Smart buyers check the neighborhood first.
Crime Summary:
Crime Overview (last 12 months)
Severe58
Medium31
Low77
Other257
28 Registered Offenders Nearby
Rape3
Child involved21
Assault3
Other4
Crime Details:
Recent reported incidents in the past 12 months (newest first). Up to 10 records.
| Crime date | Crime description | Address | Crime category |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, fire and medical crews responded to a reported cardiac arrest involving an elderly man at a residence near Chapman Drive, with access noted from Alta Way. | Chapman Dr, Corte Madera, CA 94925 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, a medical call was reported near East La Vista Lane. Emergency units staged before clearing to move in. | La Vista Way, San Rafael, CA 94901 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, radio traffic reports a possible brush fire near the (number withheld) block of Los Colindas Avenue, between a bank and a pharmacy in San Rafael, California. | Las Colindas Rd, San Rafael, CA 94903 | Fire |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, a medical call was reported near Bayview Drive. Emergency units responded and coordinated during the incident. | Bayview Dr, San Rafael, CA 94901 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, emergency crews responded to a reported two-vehicle collision on northbound Highway 101 near Central San Rafael. The cars were on the left shoulder of the viaduct area, and units checked for possible injuries while maintaining incoming resources. | US-101, San Rafael, CA | Traffic |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, a medical emergency response was dispatched to Five Points Fitness near Paradise Drive. Engine 13 and Medic 14 units were assigned to the location. | Paradise Dr, Corte Madera, CA 94925 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, a medical call was dispatched to (number withheld) Los Ranchitos Road. Unit 51 responded to the incident. | Los Ranchitos Rd, San Rafael, CA 94903 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, medical units responding to a possible medical emergency near Silveira Parkway. | Silveira Pkwy, San Rafael, CA 94903 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, emergency crews responded to a single-vehicle rollover (vehicle on its roof) near Elmwood Ct in San Rafael. Two patients were evaluated: a baby reported as green and an adult male reported as yellow. A dog was also reported at the scene, and CHP and animal services were notified. | Elmwood Ct, San Rafael, CA 94901 | Traffic |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, a medical call for a person who fell off a deck near Manor Road; Engine 21 and Medic 18 were dispatched. | Manor Rd, Kentfield, CA 94904 | Medical Emergency |
For all crime details - View Safety Report
Median Home Price
$1,364,492
Average Rent
$3,609
Vacancy Rate
1.7%
Overview
Bret Harte / Picnic Valley is a suburban neighborhood in San Rafael, CA, known for its older, well-established homes built mostly between 1940 and 1999.
The neighborhood features a diverse population with notable Arab and Brazilian ancestries and a significant Arabic-speaking community.
SuburbanDiverse AncestryTight Housing Market
Quick Facts
| Short Commute | 33.9% under 15 minutes |
|---|
Housing market and real estate character
The housing stock in Bret Harte / Picnic Valley consists mainly of small to medium single-family homes and small apartment buildings, with a balanced mix of owners and renters.
| Owner Occupied Rate | |
|---|---|
| Housing Age | Many homes built 1940-1969; some 1970-1999 |
| Housing Type | Small to medium single-family homes and small apartments |
What buyers will notice right away
The low vacancy rate indicates strong demand and limited availability.
Many homes date back to mid-20th century, reflecting a mature community.
Families & Lifestyle
Bret Harte / Picnic Valley supports a diverse and active community with a significant executive and professional workforce.
Diverse Linguistic Community — Arabic is spoken at home by 3.9% of residents, higher than 97.6% of U.S. neighborhoods.
Mixed Occupations — Sales, service, clerical, and labor jobs complement the strong professional presence.
| Executive & Professional Occupations | 44.3% |
|---|---|
| Children Below Poverty Line | 20.8% |
Demographics
| Executive & Professional Share | 44.3% |
|---|---|
| Income Level | Above average |
| Child Poverty Rate | 20.8% |
| Arab Ancestry | 4.1% |
| Brazilian Ancestry | 0.9% |
| Arabic Language Spoken at Home | 3.9% |
| Foreign Born | 23.2% |
Commute
Most residents enjoy short commutes, with a majority driving alone to work.
Bret Harte / Picnic Valley offers convenient access to work with many residents enjoying short drives.
Short Commutes — A third of residents commute under 15 minutes, reducing daily travel time.
Car Usage — Most residents drive alone, with some carpooling options.
| Commute Under 15 Minutes | 33.9% |
|---|---|
| Drive Alone Rate | 59.0% |
| Carpool Rate | 5.4% |
Homes for sale near 94901
For-sale listings in this zip code. Open a property in HoodScore to run a safety report.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median home price in Bret Harte / Picnic Valley?
The median home price is $1,364,492.
How diverse is the neighborhood?
It has notable Arab and Brazilian ancestries and a significant Arabic-speaking population.
What is the typical commute time?
About 33.9% of residents commute under 15 minutes.