Just 30 minutes from San Francisco and boasting great schools, over a dozen city parks, and a thriving cultural scene, San Rafael apartments are a great choice for folks who work in the city. As a community, San Rafael is very much in touch with the arts. Several art and history museums dot the map, and the monthly 2nd Friday Art Walk is very popular among locals.
Ever since Bay Area native George Lucas chose San Rafael as the home for his special effects company Industrial Light and Magic, the city has seen a significant amount of filmmaking activity. Movie buffs will also love taking advantage of the Smith Rafael Film Center, which screens an eclectic mix of classic and contemporary films in a gorgeous downtown art deco theater. Outdoorsy types will appreciate the nearby coastal nature preserves and the relatively close proximity of the massive National Forests to the north.