San Rafael Canal Area - Is it really that bad? (low income, condos)

[michaelsa]

There are a lot of very good condo deals in the San Rafael canal area right now. I know this is a lower income, primarily Latino community, but is there any actual, significant crime activity in the area, or have the Caucasian yuppies in Marin given the area a stigma because the Canal residents have a different skin color and speak Spanish as a first language? I checked the crime map and the stats are slightly higher than the rest of San Rafael, but can anyone who lives there tell me if it's really that bad? Is it like Marin City where there are actual (recent) murders and frequent drug deals, or is the stigma against the Canal just racist hype? It seems like a nice area, with family barbecues and well-kept lawns and nice kids riding their bikes... what's the story?

[sonarrat]

Keep in mind, Marin is the wealthiest county in the nation. There is a definite bias against people who work in service or construction, which the majority of male workers do in that area. I wouldn't worry about crime in the area. I don't know about condos in lower-income areas, though. Pack your patience for sure if you want to go that route.

[G Grasshopper]

I also don't know anything about condos in the Canal. The crime rate there, as I understand it, is slightly higher than most areas in Marin, but it shouldn't be considered to be a high crime area. It is densely populated, mostly minority, and a fairly low income area, but the community is pretty family oriented. The crimes I hear of are petty thefts and such. There is some gang activity, but not murders. There is a nice community center, the neighborhood primary school is newly re-built and a good school, and the County has medical and social services close by. And there are some pricey houses right along the edge of it, by the canal. Of course, you should check out crime rates with the police dept, and get other, more authoritative information about the area before buying. I'm just giving my impression.