Living in Santa Venetia offers a quiet, natural setting near the water. It is a census-designated place (CDP) known for its welcoming, laid-back residential feel.
There is no official nickname, but the name Santa Venetia is a reference to Venice, Italy, which reflects the developer’s early vision for an Italian waterfront-style community. It was to be complete with gondolas and canals on reclaimed marshland near the bay, but the start of World War I and subsequent economic decline halted development.
If you’re considering moving to Santa Venetia, you can be sure it is a good place to live for its calm atmosphere, scenic surroundings, and convenient location in one of Northern California’s most desirable and expensive counties.
Where Is Santa Venetia?
Santa Venetia is a residential neighborhood in Marin County, California, in the northern part of the San Francisco Bay Area near Gallinas Creek. Its proximity to outdoor recreation attractions like San Pablo Bay and China Camp State Park is a point of pride for residents who enjoy an active lifestyle.
Residents also appreciate the easy commuter access they have to San Rafael, Novato, and the greater North Bay. Directly adjacent to San Rafael CA, Santa Venetia is about 20 miles north of San Francisco, and just minutes from Highway 101—or “the 101,” as the locals refer to it.
Public Transportation
Marin Transit provides most public transportation to San Rafael, Novato, and other neighboring cities. The area is mostly car-dependent, but nearby transit hubs in San Rafael served by Golden Gate Transit offer additional commuter options that take residents throughout Marin County and the larger Bay Area.
Santa Venetia Population & Demographics
As of 2020, the Santa Venetia population is 4,289 (U.S. Census Bureau), down slightly from the 2010 census data population of 4,292. Population density is 1,171 people per square mile. Possible reasons for slowed community growth could be that it’s too expensive, or younger professionals may move to San Francisco for work. Many residents own their homes–about 76% of available units are owner-occupied. This means limited rental opportunities for people who would enjoy living in Santa Venetia.
Notable People
One notable former Santa Venetia resident is sci-fi author Philip K. Dick. The greater Marin County area has ties with notable people, including author Isabel Allende, who lives in San Rafael, and Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff, who was born in Novato.
Demographics
- 46% men vs 54% women
- Median age: 53 years
- The racial and ethnic composition: White 70%, Hispanic 16%, Asian 4%, Black or African American 2%, two or more races 7%
- Foreign-born population: 12.1%
- Santa Venetia median household income: $138,085–around 43.3% higher than the CA state median household income of $96,334
- Educational attainment: High school grads: 94.2% and Bachelor’s degree or higher: 51.4%
Santa Venetia Crime Rate
Is living in Santa Venetia safe? Based on neighboring San Rafael CA, the overall crime rate is 3,552 per 100,000 people, 52.8% higher than the national average and 24.9% higher than the state average.
The property crime rate is 3,017 per 100,000 people, 54.4% above the national average and 28.8% above the state average. The violent crime rate in San Rafael is 535 per 100,000 people, 44.7% above the national average and 7.1% above the California crime rate.
These statistics may seem daunting, but bear in mind that theft, especially motor vehicle theft, accounts for much of the crime in the area–more than violent crime. Living in Santa Venetia can be safe and enjoyable; just be sure to lock up belongings, don’t leave valuable items unattended, and always lock vehicle doors.
Familiarize yourself with community safety and the dedicated police officers serving Santa Venetia: Marin County Sheriff’s Office.
Cost of Living in Santa Venetia
Is Santa Venetia expensive? Yes, the cost of living in Santa Venetia reflects its location within Marin County, one of the more expensive counties in California. Part of the San Francisco metro area, Marin County is around 70% costlier than the rest of the country. A family of four must make $213,698 per year to afford living there (Economic Policy Institute).
For a better idea of the average cost of living in Santa Venetia, we can consider the prices of some everyday items in San Rafael:
Typical Santa Venetia Living Expenses
- Meal at inexpensive restaurant: $34.00
- Cappuccino (regular size): $4.75
- Milk, regular (1 liter): $1.37
- Chicken fillets (1 pound): $5.87
- Eggs (12, large size): $4.59
- Gas (1 gallon): $4.64
- Average Santa Venetia utilities per month: $830.00 (Doxo)
(Numbeo)
Housing Costs in Santa Venetia
Santa Venetia real estate is somewhat competitive. The average home price you’ll pay living in Santa Venetia is $963,000–119% above the national median–and the price per square foot is $695. This is expensive even by California standards, where the statewide median home price is $838,700. If you’re considering living in Santa Venetia, start your home search now: Santa Venetia homes for sale.
Rent in Santa Venetia is also high at almost $3,000 per month (RentCafe). It is also likely competitive because of the area’s high ratio of owner-occupied units. Additionally, almost all housing units are occupied. Check here for apartments for rent in Santa Venetia CA and the surrounding area.
Neighborhoods: Where to Live in Santa Venetia
There are no distinct neighborhoods to choose from when living in Santa Venetia because the area is small. However, a home along North San Pedro Road offers scenic nature views and easy access to China Camp State Park and Santa Venetia Marsh Preserve. And homes on the opposite end of Santa Venetia provide convenient access to shopping and the 101 freeway.
Santa Venetia Weather & Climate
Based on the Köppen climate classification, Santa Venetia climate is warm-summer Mediterranean. People living in Santa Venetia experience mild winters with January lows around 40 degrees Fahrenheit and summer highs reaching 78 degrees Fahrenheit.
Santa Venetia annual rainfall is 41 inches, and if you’re wondering “does it snow in Santa Venetia?” the answer is no, it does not. The best times to visit include July, August, and September when weather is temperate and it’s not raining.
Things To Do in Santa Venetia
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With a handful of exceptions, there aren’t many fun things to do in Santa Venetia due to its small size. Luckily, a short trip to neighboring cities provides more options. But first, let’s cover shopping. Santa Venetia Market offers groceries, prepared Mexican food, wine, and beer. The Northgate San Rafael shopping mall has a movie theater and food court. And Safeway San Rafael is also available for people living in Santa Venetia.
China Camp State Park
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A 1,514-acre park in San Rafael that runs along the shoreline of the San Pablo Bay. Park visitors explore hiking trails and mountain biking while enjoying panoramic views, beautiful oak woodlands, and more than 100 acres of protected tidal salt marsh. This is one of the best things to do in Santa Venetia if you enjoy outdoor adventures.
101 Peacock Gap Trail, San Rafael, CA 94901, 415-456-0766
Santa Margarita Island
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One of the nicer living in Santa Venetia family activities available, this nine-acre preserve (island is 4.5 acres) is excellent for bird and butterfly watching. Visitors can enjoy a short hike, kayaking, and even fishing.
Meadow Dr, San Rafael, CA 94903, 415-473-6387
Pueblo Park
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A neighborhood park complete with a playground, tennis courts, and a basketball court. It is dog-friendly and ideal for relaxing and letting the kids burn off energy. This is one of the easier things to do with kids in Santa Venetia to keep them entertained.
812 Hacienda Way, San Rafael, CA 94903
Additional Attractions in Santa Venetia
- Santa Venetia Marsh Preserve
- Lagoon Park
- McNears Beach Park
- San Francisco Bay National Estuarine Reserve Beach
Santa Venetia Restaurants
There are plenty of great restaurants in the San Rafael-Santa Venetia area, including:
Pupuseria Blankita
A family-friendly restaurant serving Salvadoran food in San Rafael. Pupuseria Blankita offers delicious pupusas, tamales, empanadas, and fresh horchata. This is one of the best places to eat in Santa Venetia; meals are flavorful and unpretentious, and customer service is outstanding.
901 A St, San Rafael, CA 94901, 415-454-8080
Ristorante La Toscana
Italian cuisine served in an elevated atmosphere. Diners enjoy chicken parmesan, short ribs, and cannelloni, and happy hour is popular. This is one of the best restaurants in Santa Venetia for celebrating a birthday or anniversary, or for a date night.
3751 Redwood Hwy, San Rafael, CA 94903, 415-492-9100
Il Davide
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An Italian restaurant serving Tuscan-style fare in downtown San Rafael. The food is delicious and the atmosphere is warm and welcoming. Locals recommend making reservations, especially for weekends. This is one of the top restaurants in Santa Venetia to enjoy a great meal with friends.
901 A St, San Rafael, CA 94901, 415-454-8080
Jobs in Santa Venetia
For jobs in Santa Venetia, we can look at Marin County as a whole. To start, the GDP for Marin County is $35.698 billion as of 2022. Some of the largest industries include healthcare, government, and retail.
The average salary in San Rafael CA is $64,177, and the average hourly wage is $30.85 (ZipRecruiter). Major employers in Marin County include Bay Equity, BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc., and Marin County Public Works Department.
Santa Venetia Schools
Students attend schools run by San Rafael City Schools, which includes the San Rafael Elementary School District and San Rafael High School District. San Rafael City Schools serves about 7,000 students from TK through high school. If you’re planning on living in Santa Venetia, research the school enrollment process for your children right away. Also familiarize yourself with the school calendar.
Colleges & Universities
While there are no colleges or universities in Santa Venetia, there are some great choices nearby for students living in Santa Venetia.
- Dominican University of California – private university
College of Marin – community college
The San Rafael Public Library is an additional source of learning and information. It’s close by and open to people living in Santa Venetia.
Santa Venetia Statistics & Information
- County: Marin County
- Santa Venetia area: 3.693 square miles
- Santa Venetia zip code: 94903
- Santa Venetia area code: 415, 628
- Santa Venetia elevation: 56 feet
- Santa Venetia time zone: Pacific Time Zone (UTC-7 and -8)
- Closest airport to Santa Venetia: Oakland International Airport (OAK) is about 33 miles from Santa Venetia.
Santa Venetia FAQs
What Is the History of Santa Venetia?
Santa Venetia was built on marshland in the early 1900s. Real estate developer Mabry McMahan wanted to turn it into a luxury development modeled after Venice, Italy–but World War I and the subsequent economic decline ended the idea. After World War II, suburban developments in the area popped up, and the area continued to be developed throughout the 1970s and ‘80s.
Is Santa Venetia a Good Place to Live?
Yes, Santa Venetia is a good place to live. It is a small, tight-knit community with a mix of families that have lived there for generations, younger families, and professionals. There is easy access to outdoor activities, as well are larger towns and cities nearby.
What Is the Population of Santa Venetia?
The population of people living in Santa Venetia is 4,289 per the 2020 U.S. Census. The area hasn’t seen much growth over the years, likely due to the high cost of living.
Map of Santa Venetia
Considering living in Santa Venetia? Use this map to find additional things to do, restaurants, shopping, and more.
Moving to Santa Venetia? We Can Help!
With its laid-back lifestyle, proximity to nature, and close community, living in Santa Venetia is an excellent decision. Whether you’re moving long distance or making a local move, AMS Relocation can handle the details, including packing and storage.
We’re the best Santa Venetia movers, who will work alongside our San Francisco Bay moving company, who have been serving the area since 1949. Call us today at 650-284-2931 for a free estimate.
