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Prominent private and public schools in the area include Novato High School/Marin School for the Arts, Our Lady of Loretto School, Nova Education Center and Sam Hazelton School of the Arts. The College of Marin community college in nearby Kentfield offers its more than 10,000 students 60 distinct programs in a variety of fields as they pursue their associates degrees.
— San Rafael
San Rafael is an oceanside city that also serves as Marin County’s county seat. Its enjoyable Mediterranean climate makes it a great place to live for active and nature-oriented families. The city’s most recognizable landmark is Church of Saint Raphael and Mission San Rafael Arcangel.
Since the 1970s, San Rafael has been a significant hub for the entertainment industry. At the beginning of the decade, George Lucas came to the city to direct THX 1138, and in 1971 he founded Lucas Films, which later went on to produce the Star Wars and Indiana Jones franchises. Despite Lucas Films moving its headquarters to San Francisco in 2005, its initial success attracted several videogame developers to the area.
San Rafael has a high concentration of public parks. China State Camp Park, named for a Chinese fishing village established here in the 1880s, is now popular among hiking and biking enthusiasts and is known for its great views of Point San Pedro Peninsula. Other parks in San Rafael include Albert Park, Gerstle Park, McNears Beach Park, Peacock Gap Park and Pickleweed Park.
NAPA COUNTY
Napa County is world-famous for its extensive wine industry centered in the Napa Valley, which is home to more than 300 wineries that produce some of the best vintages this side of the Atlantic. The region draws nearly 5 million visitors each year to its wine retreats and tasting venues.
Major Communities (2011 Population): American Canyon (19,690), Calistoga (5,218), Napa (77,867) and St. Helena (5,884)
Demographics
Education
For more information, visit Napa County’s website at www.countyofnapa.org. Following is an overview of the two most well-known communities in the county.
— Napa
Napa widely is considered one of the top travel destinations in the world. While its first-rate wine industry is certainly appealing to tourists, the city also routinely is cited as a great place to live because of its pristine environment and below-average crime rate. Its Mediterranean climate provides enjoyable weather all year, and Napa is easily accessible city and situated between the Oakland International Airport and Sacramento International Airport. Gourmands and epicureans alike appreciate Napa’s unmatched selection of fine-dining establishments. From traditional French cuisine to contemporary Japanese, there are plenty of great places to relax and enjoy great food and event better wine. The 55-mile-long Napa River is the source of many of the region’s thriving vineyards, and it also gives residents more great opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Several parks are situated along the river, including Kennedy Park, a 350-acre open area that’s a favorite spot for all who enjoy picnicking, hiking and boating.
— St. Helena
St. Helena is a lively and charming city that gives the impression a small town. St. Helena always has had an agricultural industry, but recently it has become a significant business hub for the many wine-related industries. The city enables true country living while providing residents with all of the typical Bay Area comforts. Like every other part of Napa Valley, St. Helena draws people from far and wide to its unsurpassed culinary establishments, some of which are run by famous names in the industry, such as James Beard Award winner Cindy Pawlcyn who runs Cindy’s Backstreet Kitchen. The Culinary Institute of America operates the Wine Spectator Greystone Restaurant where residents enjoy the popular pastime of taking cooking classes. Main Street is a wonderful place to shop for art, handicrafts, clothing, oils and gourmet food, and nearby wineries include Beringer Vineyards, Schramsberg Vineyards and Prager Winery & Port Works.
SONOMA COUNTY
Sonoma County has long been synonymous with “the good life,” and it’s not hard to see why. Residents are able to enjoy 21 top-tier golf courses, more than 40 luxury spas, world-class shopping excursions, nationally acclaimed restaurants and a host of annual festivals. Sonoma County is truly a place of leisure and laidback sensibilities.
— San Rafael
San Rafael is an oceanside city that also serves as Marin County’s county seat. Its enjoyable Mediterranean climate makes it a great place to live for active and nature-oriented families. The city’s most recognizable landmark is Church of Saint Raphael and Mission San Rafael Arcangel.
Since the 1970s, San Rafael has been a significant hub for the entertainment industry. At the beginning of the decade, George Lucas came to the city to direct THX 1138, and in 1971 he founded Lucas Films, which later went on to produce the Star Wars and Indiana Jones franchises. Despite Lucas Films moving its headquarters to San Francisco in 2005, its initial success attracted several videogame developers to the area.
San Rafael has a high concentration of public parks. China State Camp Park, named for a Chinese fishing village established here in the 1880s, is now popular among hiking and biking enthusiasts and is known for its great views of Point San Pedro Peninsula. Other parks in San Rafael include Albert Park, Gerstle Park, McNears Beach Park, Peacock Gap Park and Pickleweed Park.
NAPA COUNTY
Napa County is world-famous for its extensive wine industry centered in the Napa Valley, which is home to more than 300 wineries that produce some of the best vintages this side of the Atlantic. The region draws nearly 5 million visitors each year to its wine retreats and tasting venues.
Major Communities (2011 Population): American Canyon (19,690), Calistoga (5,218), Napa (77,867) and St. Helena (5,884)
Demographics
- Population................................................139,045
- Population Growth (2010–11)..............1.9%
- Persons Per Square Mile......................182.4
Education
- School Districts: Calistoga, Howell Mountain, Napa Valley, Pope Valley and St. Helena
- Total Public School Enrollment (2011–12): 20,600
- Educational Attainment (adult population)
- High school diploma...........................82.6%
- College degrees..................................30.7%
For more information, visit Napa County’s website at www.countyofnapa.org. Following is an overview of the two most well-known communities in the county.
— Napa
Napa widely is considered one of the top travel destinations in the world. While its first-rate wine industry is certainly appealing to tourists, the city also routinely is cited as a great place to live because of its pristine environment and below-average crime rate. Its Mediterranean climate provides enjoyable weather all year, and Napa is easily accessible city and situated between the Oakland International Airport and Sacramento International Airport. Gourmands and epicureans alike appreciate Napa’s unmatched selection of fine-dining establishments. From traditional French cuisine to contemporary Japanese, there are plenty of great places to relax and enjoy great food and event better wine. The 55-mile-long Napa River is the source of many of the region’s thriving vineyards, and it also gives residents more great opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Several parks are situated along the river, including Kennedy Park, a 350-acre open area that’s a favorite spot for all who enjoy picnicking, hiking and boating.
— St. Helena
St. Helena is a lively and charming city that gives the impression a small town. St. Helena always has had an agricultural industry, but recently it has become a significant business hub for the many wine-related industries. The city enables true country living while providing residents with all of the typical Bay Area comforts. Like every other part of Napa Valley, St. Helena draws people from far and wide to its unsurpassed culinary establishments, some of which are run by famous names in the industry, such as James Beard Award winner Cindy Pawlcyn who runs Cindy’s Backstreet Kitchen. The Culinary Institute of America operates the Wine Spectator Greystone Restaurant where residents enjoy the popular pastime of taking cooking classes. Main Street is a wonderful place to shop for art, handicrafts, clothing, oils and gourmet food, and nearby wineries include Beringer Vineyards, Schramsberg Vineyards and Prager Winery & Port Works.
SONOMA COUNTY
Sonoma County has long been synonymous with “the good life,” and it’s not hard to see why. Residents are able to enjoy 21 top-tier golf courses, more than 40 luxury spas, world-class shopping excursions, nationally acclaimed restaurants and a host of annual festivals. Sonoma County is truly a place of leisure and laidback sensibilities.
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