Nestled along the San Francisco Bay, Santa Venetia is a picturesque suburban community. Classified as a census-designated place (CDP), the area was built on top of marshland back in 1914. Originally, one of Santa Venetia’s first real estate developers planned to model the area after Venice, Italy (the city that the community is named after). The developer even wanted to build canals and gondolas into his luxury neighborhood. However, this idea never took hold. Instead, residential neighborhoods only started to be built after World World II.
Now, Santa Venetia is a thriving suburban CDP known for its parks and preserves; in addition, many portions of the area have a rural look and feel.
Thinking about moving to Santa Venetia? Explore the many things there are to learn about this idyllic locale before you relocate.
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Where is Santa Venetia?
Located approximately 1.5 miles north of San Rafael, Santa Venetia sits directly along the 101 and the San Francisco Bay. Santa Venetia is in Marin County. It is situated close to towns and cities such as St. Vincent, Fairfax, San Anselmo, and Larkspur. This CDP is filled with lush natural spaces, including trails, beaches, and nature preserves.
Planning on commuting to a neighboring city when living in Santa Venetia? It is 20.2 miles from Santa Venetia to San Francisco. Additionally, cities such as Berkeley and Oakland are also a reasonable drive from the area.
Santa Venetia Population and Demographics
The population of Santa Venetia is 3,891. This equals a population density of 1,062 people per square mile. From 2010 to 2020, the population decreased from 4,292.
Santa Venetia Population Demographics:
- Median age: 50.1
- Percent of men and women: 51 percent female, 49 percent male
- Racial and ethnic composition: 70 percent White, eight percent Hispanic, eight percent Asian, seven percent two or more races, three percent Black, three percent other, two percent Islander
- Median household income: $93,750
- Educational attainment: 96.6 percent high school diploma (or higher), 50.6 percent bachelor’s degree (or higher)
- Foreign-born population: 16.4 percent
Santa Venetia is a safe place to live. The Santa Venetia total crime rate is 1,412 per 100,000 people, which is significantly lower than state and national averages. Protecting the area are the officers and staff of the Marin County Sheriff’s Office.
Cost of Living in Santa Venetia
Santa Venetia is an expensive place to live. Costs are similar to what individuals pay in the San Francisco area. In the San Francisco-Redwood City-South San Francisco CA Metro area, the overall composite cost of living index is 194.1. The U.S. national average is 100. At nearly double this average, the cost for almost everything is more expensive in Santa Venetia. Housing is especially expensive, with a cost of living index at 341.0.
According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four would need to earn $163,169 per year to afford to live in Santa Venetia.
Typical Santa Venetia Living Expenses:
- Average Santa Venetia utilities per month: $218.16
- Internet: $64.54 per month
- Private preschool or kindergarten: $2,642.86 per month
- One gallon of milk: $5.68
- One dozen of eggs: $5.19
- Meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant: $100
(Source: Numbeo)
Looking to purchase a home upon relocating to the area? The Santa Venetia median home price is $1.46 million. Explore Santa Venetia, CA homes for sale.
Additionally, average Santa Venetia rent is $2,753 per month for a 821 square foot unit.
Santa Venetia Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Santa Venetia
Not sure what the best neighborhoods in Santa Venetia are? Whether searching for the best neighborhoods in Santa Venetia for families, or an overall desirable Santa Venetia neighborhood, options abound.
Since the area is relatively small, and there are a limited number of residential neighborhoods (most of the area is occupied by natural spaces), the best way to choose where you want to live is to locate your favorite local amenities and features.
For example, residents living along or near North San Pedro Road can expect to be treated to stunning scenic views and enhanced privacy. They can also easily access China Camp State Park, as well as Santa Venetia Marsh Preserve. Individuals living in the western part of town enjoy a more suburban environment, with houses situated near schools, shopping, dining, and the 101.
Santa Venetia Weather & Climate
Santa Venetia has a Mediterranean climate type (according to the Köppen classification). Since the weather is almost always pleasant, all times of year are excellent to visit Santa Venetia.
Throughout the year, average high temperatures range between 41°F and 77°F. Summers are known for being warm and arid, whereas winters are cloudy and wet, but short-lived. There is no average snowfall in Santa Venetia. Year-round weather can largely be described as comfortable and mild.
Things to Do in Santa Venetia
Want to know the best things to do in Santa Venetia? From beaches to hiking trails, residents have plenty of places to explore. Nearby, locals can shop at the Santa Venetia Market, Montecito Plaza, and Northgate.
China Camp State Park
Plan a fun excursion to sprawling and pet-friendly China Camp State Park. Here, individuals and families can enjoy 15 miles of multi-use trails, special events, kayaking, camping, and other day-use areas.
101 Peacock Gap Trail, San Rafael, CA 94901, 415-488-5161
Santa Venetia Marsh Preserve
Located on the Gallinas Creek — which leads into the San Francisco Bay — Santa Venetia Marsh Preserve offers spots for biking, hiking, walking, and more. The park is dog-friendly, and sits on 33 acres of scenic land.
851 Rosal Way, San Rafael, CA 94903, 415-473-6387
Santa Margarita Island
Providing a tranquil escape for Santa Venetia locals, Santa Margarita Island is a 9-acre nature preserve. Visitors of the island can go fishing, horseback riding, hiking, and kayaking.
San Rafael, CA 94903, 415-473-6387
Want even more to do in Santa Venetia? Marin County Parks operate several parks and facilities throughout the area. You can also check the Santa Venetia calendar of events to find upcoming events in the area!
Santa Venetia Restaurants
Planning a celebration, date night, or a fun meal out? In and around Santa Venetia, there are outstanding restaurants that serve up delicious food and beverage items.
- Le Chalet Basque Restaurant. Order from a palate-pleasing menu of authentic French cuisine, including frog legs, escargot, and more. Indoor and outdoor seating available. Le Chalet Basque Restaurant, 405 N San Pedro Rd, San Rafael, CA 94903, 415-479-1070.
- Red Oak Craft Bar and Rotisserie. Trendy and eclectic, this restaurant specializes in elevated cocktails, appetizers, and entrees. Locally-sourced ingredients are used whenever possible. There is also an excellent selection of vegan options. 101 McInnis Pkwy, San Rafael, CA 94903, 415-499-5931.
- Banh Mi Zon Vietnamese Gourmet. Indulge in a scrumptious menu of authentic Vietnamese cuisine. Popular dishes include the Banh Mi, Pho Soup, and Vermicelli Bowls. 76 San Pablo Ave, San Rafael, CA 94903, 415-521-5289.
Jobs in Santa Venetia
Many individuals who reside in Santa Venetia commute to larger, neighboring cities for work, including San Rafael, Oakland, and San Francisco. According to Payscale, the average salary for individuals working in San Rafael is $83,000 annually. Additionally, the average salary for workers in San Francisco is $84,106 per year.
If you are currently job hunting, check out jobs near Santa Venetia.
Santa Venetia Schools
Santa Venetia is part of both the San Rafael Elementary School District and the San Rafael High School District. Over 7,200 students attend schools that are part of these districts. Within each district, there are many top-rated schools, including Dixie Elementary School, Sun Valley Elementary School, and Mary E. Silveira Elementary School.
Students and Santa Venetia residents have access to free libraries in San Rafael and Marin County, including the Civic Center Library.
Santa Venetia Statistics & Information
- County: Marin County
- Area: 3.693 square miles
- Zip code: 94903
- Area code: 415/628
- Elevation: 56 feet
- Time zone: Pacific
- Closest airport: San Francisco International Airport (SFO), 31.8 miles away
Map of Santa Venetia
Explore more things to do, restaurants, and amenities with this map of Santa Venetia.
Ready to start living in Santa Venetia? At Mentors Moving & Storage, we can help! Reach out to our experienced and trustworthy Santa Venetia, CA movers now for your custom quote.