An elegant, peaceful home with 180 degree views, tucked into a quiet street nestled between some of San Rafael’s most beautiful neighborhoods - Dominican, Country Club and the water. A Cape Cod shingle built in 1937, this timeless home is the perfect blend of historic charm with thoughtful restoration. Refinished hardwood floors, original wood paneling are two of the preserved element, while modern amenities and clean design rounded out the updates. The grand living space on the main level is an open floor plan for the living room, dining room and kitchen, includes vaulted ceilings, a fireplace, and picture-boxed, dual-paned windows across all to take in views from every angle. Warmth, comfort, light-filled, style - all designed for everyday living and entertaining. The exquisite 180 degrees views include San Francisco Bay to the east, a quaint boat harbor just below and Mt Tam to the west. The recently remodeled kitchen features newer stainless-steel appliances, elegant stone countertops, bar seating and a bright breakfast nook - perfect for morning coffee with a view. The home offers three generous-sized bedrooms. The primary bedroom is on the main level with an en suite bathroom. Downstairs are two large bedrooms with the same light-filled, bay and Mt Tam views. The media room/family room is on the lower level as well, a dark and cozy relaxing space. Also on this level is the second bath, a powder room, laundry room, and outdoor access. Outside, the expansive 650 sqft deck is a favorite spot, featuring a sparkling pool and hot tub. The perfect spot for gatherings, swim parties and BBQs, overlooking the bay and boat harbor, and a favorite for guests escaping fog for our mild Marin climate. A lower garden area provides space for planting, or a quiet private escape. The beautifully landscaped front yard, as well as a carport area for 2-3 cars. Ideally located in a nature-filled enclave, and with quick easy access to Montecito Shopping, Andy’s Market, downtown San Rafael, and only 40 minutes to Wine Country and 20 minutes to the Golden Gate Bridge.
Montecito-Happy Valley, located between Dominican University of California and China Camp State Park, is a residential and hillside San Rafael neighborhood with winding lanes and bay-facing open space. Character concentrates along 4th Street at Lincoln Avenue, where sidewalk patios, indie boutiques, and espresso bars set a steady daytime hum. Community touchstones include Marin Country Mart, the Marin Center, and the Smith Rafael Film Center for markets, performances, and repertory screenings. Housing leans to mid-century ranch homes and contemporary rebuilds tucked behind mature trees. Trails and marsh views shape daily routines, with bike routes threading toward the waterfront. The feel stays quiet off the main corridors, with a polished, outdoors-forward rhythm.
Provided by Walk Score and Local Logic
Market insights
32 Alta Vista Way · $1,700,000
DAYS ON MARKET
35 days
The average home goes pending in 27 days.
SALE-TO-LIST
102.6%
Most homes are selling 3% above list price.
LIST PRICE
$1,700,000
Median sale price in this area is $1,754,494. (3% higher than this home)
PRICE DROP
0 price drops
14% of homes in this area have had a price drop in the past month.
Property details
Exterior
Property Features
Year Built: 1970
Living Area: 1992
Public facts
Beds: 3
Baths: 2.0
Finished Sq. Ft.: 1,992
Unfinished Sq. Ft.: —
Total Sq. Ft.: 1,992
Stories: —
Lot Size: 6,875 square feet
Style: Single Family Residential
Year Built: 1937
Year Renovated: 1940
County: Marin County
APN: 014-173-18
Home facts updated by county records on Jul 13, 2026
Sale and tax history for 32 Alta Vista Way
Sale History
Tax History
Date
Event
Price
FSBO.com #cmtkgnyep00hms601u2ydmuch
Sep 2, 2026
Listed
$1,700,000
$853/sq ft
REDFIN #1
Jun 25, 2026
Rental Removed
$9,100
$5/sq ft
Jun 10, 2026
Listed for Rent
$9,100
$5/sq ft
BAREIS #322048209
Jul 11, 2022
Sold
$1,325,000
$665/sq ft
Jun 15, 2022
Pending
—
Jun 1, 2022
Listed
$1,095,000
$550/sq ft
+10
Opportunity is calling for you HGTV and DIY lovers! This home has heart, good bones, convenient location, great views and is just waiting for some TLC. The views of the boat harbor, bay, and Richmond Bridge are beautiful by day and magical by night! Enjoy watching the annual San Rafael Boat Parade right from your living room or huge deck! What a great starting point but this 1937 darling could use some updating and refreshening...that's where you come in. The fundamental features include a spacious open-concept main living area with vaulted ceiling and a fireplace; an open-concept kitchen with bar seating and a sunny breakfast nook; and all-day natural light through the large windows in the living room and kitchen. If you're dreaming of a small swimming pool & hot tub, you've got both right here! Gentle downslope yard has level areas for gardening and easy traversing. Very short distance to Whole Foods, TJ's, and Peet's. Bring your ideas to make this sweet home your own personal style.
Public Records
Jun 3, 2008
Sold
$586,645
$295/sq ft
Public Records
Nov 27, 1985
Sold
$170,000
$85/sq ft
Year
Property tax
Land + Additions
Assessment*
2025
$19,221 (+3.8%)
$848,960 + $557,130
$1,406,090
2024
$18,520 (+1.6%)
$832,320 + $546,210
$1,378,530
2023
$18,237 (+26.0%)
$816,000 + $535,500
$1,351,500
2022
$14,475 (+1.7%)
$800,000 + $525,000
$1,325,000
2021
$14,239 (+1.0%)
$680,729 + $390,498
$1,071,227
2020
$14,103 (+3.5%)
$667,386 + $382,844
$1,050,230
2019
$13,621 (+1.1%)
$660,544 + $378,919
$1,039,463
2018
$13,475 (+4.0%)
$647,597 + $371,492
$1,019,089
2017
$12,955 (+8.7%)
$622,457 + $357,070
$979,527
2016
$11,913 (+10.4%)
$622,457 + $357,070
$979,527
2015
$10,791 (+8.6%)
$570,591 + $336,012
$906,603
2014
$9,932 (+8.3%)
$493,762 + $290,770
$784,532
2013
$9,173 (+6.5%)
$493,762 + $290,770
$784,532
2012
$8,612 (−4.4%)
$448,875 + $264,337
$713,212
2011
$9,004 (−1.9%)
$427,500 + $251,750
$679,250
2010
$9,178
$509,200 + $290,738
$799,938
2009
$509,200 + $290,738
$799,938
Public record
Public record
Permits
Beds
3
Baths
2
Stories
—
Lot width
—
Lot depth
—
Lot size
6,875 Sq. Ft.
Year renovated
1940
Finished Sq. Ft.
1,992
Unfinished Sq. Ft.
—
Total Sq. Ft.
1,992
Year built
1937
Style
Single Family Residential
County
Marin County
APN
014-173-18
Parking Spaces
—
Basement
—
Accessible
—
HOA Dues
—
Garage
—
Features
—
Last updated by owner on Jul 13, 2026.
Jan 8, 2028 • Active
Building
Enclose the front porch to create a foyer and extend the existing porch.
Addition
Remodel
Nov 15, 2021 • Final
Renewable energy online
Install roof-mounted solar panels on a residential building.
Electrical
Solar
Permit history is from public records and may be incomplete or inaccurate. Redfin and its agents make no representations about the property condition or permit status. Buyers should independently verify all information.
Climate risks
1/10 Flood Factor
Minimal risk of a flood reaching the building in the next 30 years
2/10 Fire Factor
0.00% chance of being in a wildfire in next 30 years
3/10 Heat Factor
7 days above 85° expected this year, 15 days in 30 years
1/10 Wind Factor
Minimal risk of severe winds over next 30 years
8/10 Air Factor
15 unhealthy days expected this year, 15 days in 30 years
Provided by First Street
Historical weather
San Rafael, CA • 94901
Average low and high temperatures (°F)
59
42
61
45
69
48
67
47
72
50
75
52
76
55
80
55
77
57
74
52
62
47
55
44
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Sun exposure
82/ 100
Very good sunlight
Sunscore
This home receives average direct sun exposure in San Rafael. There appears to be minimal shading by surrounding buildings, terrain, and vegetation.
9 hrs
6.6 hrs
JuneDecember
Provided by Shadowmap
Redfin Estimate for 32 Alta Vista Way
$1,693,143
$6,857 under list price of $1.70M
Nearby comparable homes
The Redfin Estimate uses 5 recent nearby sales, priced between $1.1M to $1.6M.