Commuting from Noavto to SF (San Francisco, Richmond: house, construction, living in)

[Jonald]

I am relocating to the Bay area, and I am looking for a somewhat significant piece of property - 2+ acres minimum, and we would rather have 5+. It seems that there are many good options in Novato and Nicasio. I am well aware from what I have read here and other places that the driving commute to SF through San Rafael is a disaster. What I havent been able to grasp is how big a disaster. Will this take 90 minutes at most? 2 hrs? Also, it seems like the ferry from Larkspur could be a really good option. How long will it take to get to the Larkspur ferry station during rush hour? I do have the ability to work off hours many days of the week (East coast hours some days - other days I could work from home until 10am and then go into office) so I will not be going in the thick of rush hour 5 days a week.

Also, it seems that property values have not fallen that much in S Marin, but in N Marin it seems like there are some really good deals right now. Is that a correct impression, or have values fallen equally across Marin?

Any advice anyone could give about the pluses and minuses living in N Marin would be much appreciated.

Lastly, if someone has a suggestion of any place that we could get this much acreage without going way over 2MM that is closer to SF, I would love to hear what that is.

Thanks.

[sonarrat]

Last night, I took a drive from my place up across the Golden Gate Bridge, and east across the San Rafael. Then I came south again on 80 and 880 and crossed the toll direction of the Dumbarton.

My most potent impression was that between the GG and San Rafael on 101, the lanes are so narrow. I was in the right lane by the jersey barriers and I haven't felt so scared in a long time. I was sure I was going to die, and I completely understand why there are so many accidents on that road now. The Richmond-San Rafael was a nice contrast, though.. very wide lanes, though only two of them, with a breakdown lane to the right. And I never realized Richmond was so pretty at night.. even the 'iron triangle' was rather picturesque with the thin layer of fog settled over it. Of course, that was the view from 580.. I didn't get off the freeway..

[WannaBNorCal]

Originally Posted by Jonald

It seems that there are many good options in Novato and Nicasio. I am well aware from what I have read here and other places that the driving commute to SF through San Rafael is a disaster. What I havent been able to grasp is how big a disaster. Will this take 90 minutes at most? 2 hrs? Also, it seems like the ferry from Larkspur could be a really good option. How long will it take to get to the Larkspur ferry station during rush hour? I do have the ability to work off hours many days of the week (East coast hours some days - other days I could work from home until 10am and then go into office) so I will not be going in the thick of rush hour 5 days a week. Also, it seems that property values have not fallen that much in S Marin, but in N Marin it seems like there are some really good deals right now. Is that a correct impression, or have values fallen equally across Marin?
Any advice anyone could give about the pluses and minuses living in N Marin would be much appreciated.
Lastly, if someone has a suggestion of any place that we could get this much acreage without going way over 2MM that is closer to SF, I would love to hear what that is.
Thanks.

From the research I've done, Novato has some excellent housing options - whether it be a house or rental. Honestly, the only 'disaster' about the commute into SF via San Rafael, is around Central San Rafael Exit, and a little beyond, because of the cut off to the RSRBridge, then once you get past or almost to the Ferry, San Anselmo - it isn't too bad. It really depends on the time you are in it. It took me about 50 minutes to drive from Novato to the city. I left around 7am both days - Thursday and Friday mornings. The later you take the commute the better. I see this info a lot on these boards, that the more north you go in Marin, the cheaper it is to live anywhere...
For the acres you are describing, way north near Sebastopol is nice. I can agree w/sonorat - the RSRB is really quite beautiful at night, even San Quentin - it's about the only thing you can see going southbound day or night.

[ladysrodgers]

Originally Posted by WannaBNorCal

From the research I've done, Novato has some excellent housing options - whether it be a house or rental. Honestly, the only 'disaster' about the commute into SF via San Rafael, is around Central San Rafael Exit, and a little beyond, because of the cut off to the RSRBridge, then once you get past or almost to the Ferry, San Anselmo - it isn't too bad. It really depends on the time you are in it. It took me about 50 minutes to drive from Novato to the city. I left around 7am both days - Thursday and Friday mornings. The later you take the commute the better. I see this info a lot on these boards, that the more north you go in Marin, the cheaper it is to live anywhere...
For the acres you are describing, way north near Sebastopol is nice. I can agree w/sonorat - the RSRB is really quite beautiful at night, even San Quentin - it's about the only thing you can see going southbound day or night.

Just so you know, Sebastopol is approximately 65 miles north of San Francisco and would take over an hour to get there - and longer depending on traffic. Property there is at a premium too, although less than Marin County.

[Luke9686]

Novato-S.F. would not be fun. Throw an accident or road construction into the mix and 2 hours is a real possibility.

[gizmo980]

Not to mention, you're looking at $5/day to cross the bridge ($4 if you get a Fastrak, which I'd highly recommend)... if you're doing the commute 5 days a week, that's an extra $100 a month!