Bayside Acres, San Rafael

Updated · 419 residents

Bayside Acres is a quiet, upscale residential enclave in San Rafael characterized by its semi-rural atmosphere and scenic woodlands. Residents enjoy exceptionally clean air and a peaceful environment, though the area is subject to persistent background noise from nearby traffic and requires awareness of local environmental risks.

Key Highlights

Moderate PrivacyModerately WalkableUpscale AestheticGood for DogsSemi-rural atmosphereQuiet and SereneSteady Traffic HumExceptionally Clean AirPurely ResidentialHigh Insurance CoverageStrongly LiberalDiverse Age MixHigh Flood RiskElevated Fire Risk
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About Bayside Acres

Bayside Acres, an unincorporated residential community in San Rafael, was established on land originally part of the Mexican land grant Rancho Santa Margarita, San Pedro y Las Gallinas. The subdivision was created from former ranch land by the Mount Venice Company, with original maps filed in 1911 and 1913. Unlike neighboring developments on the Point San Pedro Road peninsula that involved extensive marshland filling in the mid-20th century, Bayside Acres represents an earlier era of residential planning. The neighborhood association, formed alongside the subdivision's creation, reflects the area's long-standing identity as a distinct residential enclave.

This neighborhood offers a secluded, purely residential setting defined by its spacious properties and well-maintained streetscapes. The landscape is marked by a semi-rural feel, with homes nestled among trees and open green spaces that provide a serene escape from the bustle of urban life. With high levels of health insurance coverage and an age-diverse population, the community maintains a stable and polished aesthetic that attracts those seeking a quiet, nature-oriented lifestyle.

Neighborhood Scores Across 15 Qualities

Privacy Index
Score: 6 out of 10

Residential spacing is mixed, offering some buffer between neighbors that is slightly higher than the San Rafael average according to iHuus data.

Ranked #14 in San Rafael →
Walkability
Score: 7.3 out of 10

Sidewalks are available on one side of the street and crossings are considered safe; however, walkability is slightly lower than the San Rafael average according to iHuus data.

Ranked #20 in San Rafael →
Visual Appeal
Score: 8 out of 10

Large homes and premium amenities contribute to a landscape that is more visually polished than the San Rafael average. According to iHuus data, the area is characterized by spacious properties and well-maintained streetscapes.

Ranked #17 in San Rafael →
Dog Friendliness
Score: 7.8 out of 10

Connected green spaces and wide, low-traffic paths provide suitable environments for pet owners. While these features offer quality walking opportunities, the area is slightly less dog-friendly than the San Rafael average.

Ranked #24 in San Rafael →
Urban-Rural Index
Score: 7.8 out of 10

Frequent open lands and scattered homes among woodlands define this area. This sense of openness is slightly more pronounced here than in the rest of San Rafael, according to iHuus data.

Ranked #9 in San Rafael →
Neighborhood Vibe
Score: 3.1 out of 10

Low density housing and significant open space create a peaceful environment with very little commercial activity. This area is noticeably more subdued than the San Rafael average, offering a remote atmosphere with few local businesses nearby.

Ranked #21 in San Rafael →
Acoustic Comfort
Score: 4 out of 10

Local traffic from nearby busy streets creates a persistent background noise. This level of acoustic activity is slightly higher than the average found across San Rafael, according to iHuus data.

Ranked #14 in San Rafael →
Air Quality
Score: 10 out of 10

Air quality in this area is consistently excellent and remains notably higher than the San Rafael average. According to iHuus data, residents can expect minimal pollutants and very little health risk from airborne particulates.

Ranked #1 in San Rafael →
Industrial Proximity
Score: 10 out of 10

Industrial facilities and warehouses are entirely absent from this area, offering a strictly residential environment that is more secluded than the San Rafael average. According to iHuus data, the neighborhood consists only of homes and open green spaces with no detected hazard sites.

Ranked #1 in San Rafael →
Health Insurance Coverage
Score: 7.9 out of 10

Health insurance coverage among residents is notably higher than the San Rafael average, according to iHuus data.

Ranked #16 in San Rafael →
Ideological Lean
Score: 9.8 out of 10

Voting patterns and census indicators show a deeply liberal political leaning, which is consistent with the broader San Rafael area according to iHuus data.

Ranked #24 in San Rafael →
Population Age Profile
Score: 6 out of 10

Residents live alongside a varied demographic of young adults, families, and seniors. This population spread is more balanced than the average seen throughout San Rafael, according to iHuus data.

Ranked #2 in San Rafael →
Flood Safety
Score: 2.8 out of 10

Properties in this area are situated within a designated floodplain, which carries a higher risk of flooding than most of San Rafael. Residents should be aware that flood insurance is typically required for homes in this zone according to iHuus data.

Ranked #19 in San Rafael →
Fire Safety
Score: 2.8 out of 10

Fire hazard levels are significantly higher than the San Rafael average, necessitating enhanced local mitigation and preparedness. According to iHuus data, the area presents a substantial risk of wildfire activity.

Ranked #2 in San Rafael →

Address-Level Insights for Bayside Acres

iHuus Neighborhood Intelligence Insights

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  • Street-level scores — see how individual blocks compare, not just neighborhood averages
  • Micro-zone boundaries — identify quiet pockets, flood boundaries, and walkable clusters before you visit
  • 15 dimensions in full — walkability, noise, air quality, school quality, insurance coverage, population age profile, urban/rural index, and more
  • Boundary risk alerts — know if your address sits near a block boundary where scores drop, the kind of detail no listing will ever mention
  • School insights — individual school ratings and insights, not just district-level data
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Compare with Any Neighborhood

Compare with
DimensionBayside AcresBay Islands
🚶
Walkabilityavg 7.77
Score: 7.3 out of 10
Score: not available
🔊
Acoustic Comfortavg 4.28
Score: 4 out of 10
Score: not available
🤫
Privacy Indexavg 5.75
Score: 6 out of 10
Score: not available
🎨
Visual Appealavg 7.83
Score: 8 out of 10
Score: not available
🐕
Dog Friendlinessavg 8.65
Score: 7.8 out of 10
Score: not available
🗺️
Urban-Rural Indexavg 7.61
Score: 7.8 out of 10
Score: 9.3 out of 10
Neighborhood Vibeavg 4
Score: 3.1 out of 10
Score: not available
🏥
Health Insurance Coverageavg 7.38
Score: 7.9 out of 10
Score: not available
🌿
Air Qualityavg 9.29
Score: 10 out of 10
Score: not available
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Industrial Proximityavg 9.06
Score: 10 out of 10
Score: not available
🌊
Flood Safetyavg 3.6
Score: 2.8 out of 10
Score: not available
🗳️
Ideological Leanavg 9.8
Score: 9.8 out of 10
Score: not available
👥
Population Age Profileavg 5.25
Score: 6 out of 10
Score: not available
🔥
Fire Safetyavg 1.32
Score: 2.8 out of 10
Score: not available
🏫
School Quality
Score: not available
Score: not available

School Insights for Bayside Acres

School Insights

See what's really behind every school rating near Bayside Acres

  • Individual school ratings — each school's own score with outcome context, not just a district average
  • Enrollment & class size data — student-to-teacher ratio and how it compares to the state average
  • Full demographics breakdown — ethnicity and gender composition for every school in the enrollment zone
  • Every school in the district — all schools within the enrollment boundary ranked by rating, not just the closest one
  • Grade levels & benchmarks — elementary through high school, with below/above state-average flags

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bayside Acres a safe place to live regarding natural disasters?
The neighborhood is located in a designated floodplain and carries an elevated risk of wildfire. Residents are encouraged to maintain awareness of local emergency protocols and ensure they have appropriate insurance coverage.
What is the atmosphere like in Bayside Acres?
It is a quiet and serene area with a semi-rural feel, characterized by spacious homes and open green spaces. While it offers a peaceful environment, there is a persistent background hum from traffic on nearby roads.
Are there many businesses or industrial sites in the neighborhood?
The area is strictly residential with no industrial facilities or warehouses. This lack of commercial activity contributes to its secluded and tranquil character.