Marin City is a great little secret in Marin. You are so close to the Bridge and never hit traffic during rush hour. Traffic doesn't start to back up until you hit Mill Valley and Corte Madera. My family and I love the location and love being so close to the city and LOVE the affordable condo we just purchased for $630k.
P.S. My unit is NOT a co-op and my HOAs are much less than $450 a month.

Tue May 13 2008, 14:10

I live in San Rafael and work in Sausalito. I've know people that have moved away from Marin City because it has higher crime - hence why prices are so cheap. That is where are the public housing is.

Thu May 8 2008, 14:43

Hi K,
In order to best answer that question, I have a few questions...Why are you moving to the Bay Area? Where would you be working? Is it just you or do you have kids? What are you looking for in terms of a community? Prices in Marin City, as with any areas of the Bay Area reflect desirability. I live in Marin, and have lived in the Bay area for nearly 40 years. I would be happy to answer your many questions. Please email or call me if you like. Good luck to you...
-Greg

Sun May 4 2008, 08:49

Marin City is one of the most affordable areas in Marin County and the northern part of Sausalito. Separated by the 101 Freeway some people consider Marin City as a town of its own, however it is Sausalito.

The housing stock is for the most part condos and townhouses. The area is divided into two main areas; the highlands where the prices tend to be higher and the flats located near the local Mall.

As for the basic history of Marin City, it started out as WWll housing for many of the people who came from the south to work in the Sausalito ship building yards. The govt. established work place housing and for decades little had changed until builders started in the 70's constructing apartments in the hills over looking Richardson bay and Mt. Tam. The views from the heights were and are spectacular, however the stigma of the wartime housing area has persisted in keeping prices relatively low compared to the rest of Southern and Central Marin. Value and convenience is the name of the game for Marin City - 5-10 minutes outside of San Francisco. Great for ivestment rentals as well especially as prices keep softening in the market but that will stop pretty soon too.

If you would like some stats on the area including $/sqft I would be happy to provide you with the info you need to make a informed decision. Please follow the links to my website and drop me an email.

All the best in your home search!

Sun May 4 2008, 00:22

Hi K;

The couple of lower priced condos that are in Marin City are both Co-Ops wiht high monthly HOA ($450, $495 respectively

http://norcalmls.rapmls.com/scripts/mgrqispi.dll?APPNAME=Bar…

Both units are CO-Op which is a bit of different ownership than owning a regular house or town home -
http://www.coophousing.org/buying_in.shtml
http://www.coophousing.org/living_in.shtml

Co-Op in general has pretty strict rules and can be more difficult in obtaining financing and there are just a few lenders that will do co-ops because you don't get a regular mortgage, you get a shar loan to purchase a share (unit) of a co-op), Sometimes Co-Ops are development to provide affordable housing and some of Marin City's Co-Op are no exception.

Sylvia

Sat May 3 2008, 23:39