Terra Linda’s name translates from Portuguese as “Beautiful Land.” Set in the northern part of San Rafael, about 14 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge, Terra Linda offers a blend of mid-20th-century charm, green spaces, convenient shopping, and family-friendly (family, all variations) amenities.
San Rafael - Terra Linda
Terra Linda’s name translates from Portuguese as “Beautiful Land.” Set in the northern part of San Rafael, about 14 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge, Terra Linda offers a blend of mid-20th-century charm, green spaces, convenient shopping, and family-friendly (family, all variations) amenities.
Much of Terra Linda was developed from the 1950s through the 1970s. There is a strong presence of ranch-style homes and a notable stock of about 900 Eichler mid-century modern houses - with open floor plans, clerestory windows, and indoor-outdoor living design cues.
In the 1970’s the residents of Terra Linda purchased vast swaths of open space, including a semi-circle of ridges around Terra Linda, for the enjoyment of future generations. The Terra Linda/Sleepy Hollow Preserve contains over 1,000 acres of open space where residents can hike or bike through rolling hills, enjoying natural landscapes. Santa Margarita Park offers playgrounds, picnic areas, and tennis courts, making it a popular spot for families. The nearby Marin County Civic Center, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, holds a year-round farmers market, public events such as speaker series, and is home to the Marin County Fair.
The area is served by the award-winning Miller Creek School District (formerly known as the Dixie School District) for elementary and middle school education. Lucas Valley Elementary is frequently in the top 20% of CA elementary schools, with math and reading scores well above state averages. Mary E. Silveira Elementary (California Distinguished School – 2000) and Vallecito Elementary (California Distinguished School – 1993, 2006, 2023) are also highly regarded. Miller Creek Middle School (6-8) has been awarded as a California Distinguished School and impressive 5 times (1996, 2001, 2005, 2009, 2013) and is also a California Gold Ribbon recipient. For high school, students typically attend Terra Linda High School, named a California Distinguished School in 2006 and winner of NCS and MCAL titles in football, wrestling, men’s soccer and women’s golf.
Terra Linda is highly prized for its scenic views and proximity to open space, strong public schools, spacious lots and quieter residential streets yet with relatively easy access to freeways (101) and major transit corridors, and providing a lifestyle that balances suburban calm with nearby urban amenities.
Fun Fact – Terra Lina’s Guide Dogs for the Blind organization predates the community. This organization was started by two WWII veterans who had been blinded in the war, and has existed in its current Terra Linda location since 1947. It is the largest guide dog school in the United States.
4,474 people live in Terra Linda, where the median age is 57 and the average individual income is $75,595. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
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Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.
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There's plenty to do around Terra Linda, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.
Explore popular things to do in the area, including Batter Up Dough on the Go, Z-Ultimate Self Defense Studios, and Joyful Movement.
| Name | Category | Distance | Reviews |
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Yelp
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dining | 4.23 miles | 7 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 1.32 miles | 8 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 2.1 miles | 5 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 3.47 miles | 30 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 2.32 miles | 6 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 4.28 miles | 5 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 2.76 miles | 5 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 2.61 miles | 5 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
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Terra Linda has 1,728 households, with an average household size of 2. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Terra Linda do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 4,474 people call Terra Linda home. The population density is 12,717.936 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Total Population
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