San Rafael Neighborhood
Is Montecito - Happy Valley / Dominican University a Safe Place to Live? Housing, Crime & Buyer Guide
Explore safety, home prices, commute patterns, and neighborhood insights in San Rafael, California - 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
$2,046,086
Average Rent
$3,516
Vacancy Rate
9.5%
Overview
Montecito - Happy Valley / Dominican University is a suburban neighborhood in San Rafael, California, with a mix of small to medium single-family homes and small apartment buildings. The housing is mostly older, built between 1940 and 1969, with some from 1970 to 1999.
The neighborhood has a higher vacancy rate than average at 9.5%, indicating either weak demand or new housing stock not yet occupied. It is known for a strong college student presence and low child poverty.
SuburbanCollege PresenceLow Child Poverty
Quick Facts
| Work From Home Rate | 31.5% |
|---|---|
| Vacancy Rate | 9.5% |
Housing market and real estate character
The neighborhood features a mix of small to medium single-family homes and small apartments, with a higher than average vacancy rate.
| Housing Age (1940-1969) | Majority |
|---|---|
| Owner Occupied Rate | |
| Housing Type | Small to medium single-family homes and small apartment buildings |
What buyers will notice right away
Vacancy rate at 9.5% may indicate weaker demand or new construction.
Most homes built between 1940 and 1969, with some from 1970 to 1999.
Families & Lifestyle
This neighborhood is attractive for college students and retirees, with very low child poverty and a peaceful environment.
Strong college presence influences neighborhood dynamics.
Low child poverty rate supports family-friendly environment.
College Community — Significant student population shapes the neighborhood's character.
Retirement Appeal — Ranked better for retirement living than 89.7% of California neighborhoods.
| College Enrollment | 13.3% |
|---|---|
| Child Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
Demographics
| Executive, Management, Professional Occupations | 55.4% |
|---|---|
| Income Level | Above average |
| Child Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| English Speakers | 83.7% |
| Other Languages | Spanish, Chinese, Languages of India |
| Top Ancestries | English (16.6%), German (11.5%), Irish (10.3%), Asian (9.6%), Mexican (9.1%) |
| Foreign Born | 12.0% |
Commute
Residents have moderate commutes with a notable share working from home and ferry commuting.
Montecito - Happy Valley / Dominican University has a high ferry commute rate and a strong work-from-home community, reflecting flexible commuting options.
Ferry Commuting — 5.6% of residents commute by ferry, ranking above 99.9% of U.S. neighborhoods.
Work From Home — 31.5% work from home, higher than 95.7% of U.S. neighborhoods.
| Work From Home Rate | 31.5% |
|---|---|
| Ferry Commute Rate | 5.6% |
| Drive Alone Rate | 43.1% |
| Carpool Rate | 7.4% |
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 Montecito - Happy Valley / Dominican University?
The median home price is $2,046,086, more expensive than 86.1% of California neighborhoods.
How common is working from home here?
31.5% of residents work from home, higher than 95.7% of U.S. neighborhoods.
What is the vacancy rate?
The vacancy rate is 9.5%, higher than 60.6% of U.S. neighborhoods.