What can you tell me about San Rafael? (Sausalito, Bret Harte: homes, neighborhoods)

[leftyloo]

I have been offered a job in Sausalito and we are thinking that San Rafael may be a nice city to live in. Ideally, we would like to be within walking distance (1 mile) from the downtown. What is this city like? What are the nice neighborhoods and the neighborhoods that we should avoid? What would the commute to Sausalito be like? Is this a good family town? Anywhere else you all would suggest looking?

Thanks so much!

[AuntDianesArk]

Avoid the Canal District. But you could tell that just by looking at it.

[J.Doe]

The Bret Harte Neighborhood is a wonderful family neighborhood, and it's within walking distance to Downtown. The neighborhood consists of young families and seniors who have lived in their homes for years. It's a ratio of 50/50 young and old. As the seniors "recline" so to speak, young couples move in. You always see them walking with their children around the neighborhood. We have a newsletter, and a park where they have family activities for various events. I've lived here 42 years. I raised my children year, and now I see others doing the same. The neighbors are very friendly with each other. You sound like the typical couple who moves here.