Fairhills Neighborhood Homes For Sale | San Rafael Neighborhoods
A Neighborhood Guide to Living in Fairhills
San Rafael’s Fairhills neighborhood is famous for its rainbows and sunsets. (Photo: Jim Tyson)
Fairhills at a Glance
If you are thinking of moving to the Fairhills neighborhood of San Rafael, you have come to the right place. Fairhills is located above downtown San Rafael on the northwest side, close to shops and restaurants while feeling removed from the busier corridors below.
Fairhills sunset photo by local resident Louella Tyson
Why People Love Fairhills
The Fairhills community is highly desired for many reasons, including its magnificent views, luxurious homes, underground utilities, well-maintained streets, and larger lot sizes. The neighborhood also has an active property owners association supported by a voluntary annual fee.
Homes in Fairhills face east, south, north, and west, so view corridors can vary widely by street and site. Depending on location, some homes capture outlooks of Mt. Tamalpais, the bay, and sunsets. One of my Fairhills listings, 85 Oakmont Avenue, even featured a view of the downtown San Francisco skyline.
The homes in Fairhills are as varied as the terrain. You will find significant mid-century modern gems, custom contemporary builds, and charming updated cottages. The common thread is the orientation; many homes feature floor-to-ceiling glass and wide decks to maximize the “reach out and touch it” views of the surrounding ridges
Spectacular 272 Fairhills Drive Sold by Thomas Henthorne
The Fairhills Lifestyle
Fairhills strikes a perfect balance between high-altitude seclusion and urban convenience. While the atmosphere is quiet and woodsy, residents are just minutes from the vibrant culture of downtown San Rafael. It is a neighborhood where modern design meets the natural beauty of Marin County, attracting those who appreciate privacy, panoramic views, and the iconic indoor-outdoor California lifestyle.
You may also want to read my blog article about Fairhills neighborhood residents Jim Tyson and Mike Perona, and the remodel of their gorgeous home on Edgewood Way. Click here to read the article.
Fairhills Schools
The neighborhood is a top choice for families, primarily due to its placement within the highly-regarded Sun Valley Elementary School district.
- Sun Valley Elementary: Consistently top-rated and known for its strong community involvement.
- Davidson Middle School: Serving the central San Rafael area.
- High Schools: Residents typically have a choice between San Rafael High School and Terra Linda High School (verify with San Rafael City Schools for enrollment).
- Private Education: The prestigious Marin Academy is located just down the hill near downtown.
Consult my Marin Schools Guide for complete information on private and public schools in Marin County.
Note: School attendance boundaries and enrollment policies can change. Please verify current assignment and availability directly with San Rafael City Schools using the district’s boundary/locator tool and official enrollment office.
The Mayflower Pub on 4th Street has been a local favorite since 1971.
Nearby Shopping and Restaurants
While Fairhills feels like a retreat, it is exceptionally convenient to the West End Neighborhood’s eclectic commercial corridor.
- Local Favorite: The Chase Ace Hardware Garden and Gift Emporium is a local institution. While it’s the place for home projects, savvy neighbors know it for its “highly curated” gift section and exceptional customer service.
- Dining: Locals frequent The Kitchen Table for soulful Italian-inspired fare and Johnny Doughnuts for handcrafted artisanal treats. The local breakfast hangout is the Miracle Mile Cafe. My current new favorite is Vin’s well-kept secret upstairs, Oliver’s Pizza.
Culture: The historic Rafael Film Center (“The Rafael”) is just a short drive away, offering world-class independent and international cinema.
Outdoor Recreation
For those who love to hike, the Ridgewood Fire Trail is nearby. It is a favorite for dog walkers and hikers, offering some of the best ridge-top views in the North Bay with many options for all levels of experience, from a flat walk to a steep climb. Many neighbors walk around Fairhills at sunset with their dogs, creating an informal “happy hour” vibe on the hill.
Your Realtor in Fairhills
Fairhills is a “destination” neighborhood with limited turnover. Properties here move quickly, particularly those with updated kitchens and unobstructed Mt. Tam views. Success in this market requires a sophisticated approach to both timing and presentation. Whether you are looking to acquire a mid-century masterpiece or to position your home for a record-breaking sale, having a realtor who understands the nuances of “Fabulous Fairhills” is essential.
Some of the Fairhills homes I have sold include 272 Fairhills Drive, 85 Oakmont Avenue, 21 Edgewood Way, 42 Edgewood Way (buyer), 91 Oakmont Avenue (buyer), and more.
I am always happy to talk about real estate in the Fairhills neighborhood. Call or text me anytime at 415-847-5584.
Fairhills Homes for Sale
Browse current Fairhills listings below, updated as inventory changes. I’m well connected in Fairhills, and as a member of the Top Agent Network, I may hear about upcoming opportunities before they hit the open market. If you’d like a curated shortlist (or a quiet heads-up when something is coming soon), call or text me at 415-847-5584.
Stay on Top of the Fairhills Real Estate Market
Staying informed on the unique market dynamics of Fairhills is essential, whether you are tracking your home’s value or looking to acquire a property in this coveted hillside enclave. Use the interactive report below to view real-time inventory and pricing trends, or click the button to have these updates delivered to your inbox each month. You are also welcome to call me anytime for a deeper analysis of how these shifts impact your specific real estate goals.
See the Fairhills Real Estate Market Report Here
About Thomas Henthorne
Thomas Henthorne is a consistently top-ranked Marin County real estate agent with Golden Gate Sotheby’s International Realty, known for thoughtful guidance, strong negotiation, and polished marketing. He is the publisher of a widely read Marin real estate blog covering local market insights, neighborhood spotlights, the best Marin County hikes, and the lifestyle that makes Marin such an exceptional place to live. Thomas leverages a unique background in design and branding to ensure every listing is positioned for maximum impact.
You can learn more about Thomas here.
Call or text Thomas at 415-847-5584 to discuss your real estate goals.
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