Highway 101 Project Through Terra Linda is a Hit with Home Buyers

Posted by Lisa Mallon on Friday, April 16th, 2010 at 8:15am.

I've been marveling at the speed with which I've been able to drive during morning commuter hours, on southbound Hwy 101 through the Terra Linda Narrows to the I 580 interchange. As a former Lucas Valley (northern San Rafael) resident, I braved the morning commute into the city for years and spent most of my time in traffic congestion from Lucas Valley Rd. to Central San Rafael. Especially challenging mornings translated to anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes to clock 5 miles south to Central San Rafael. The historic traffic slowdown on this part of the freeway in Marin County contributed to my decision to move out of that part of Central Marin County in 2006.

Fast-forward to early 2009 when Cal Trans nears completion of their 124 million dollar project to complete a carpool lane in Marin County that includes the widening project through Terra Linda. The impact of the new lanes in each direction is felt immediately and improves the morning commute in a very significant way.

Why is this important to recognize? When I go to "sell" a neighborhood to buyers, the question about the commute to SF is frequently asked first and followed shortly after by the quality of schools. I can speak from personal experience when I consider how much more attractive the communities of northern San Rafael look to Central Marin buyers when I boast about how greatly improved traffic patterns are along with diminished commute times. It is a serious consideration for many buyers coming from outside of Marin County and one that should be considered from the outset when looking at neighborhoods to focus on in a home search. I present this to my clients as an "amenity" adding to a home's appeal and desirability.

In already desirable communities such as Terra Linda, Marinwood and Lucas Valley, the overall commuter "score" increased dramatically when Cal Trans completed the widening project that changed the face of the commute for many thousands of people each day. These are communities served by top ranked schools (Dixie District) and an impressive array of larger community amenities such as pools, organized club sports for kids, proximity to great shopping and open space access. One need only look as far as my colleague Renee Adelmann's impressive sales record of homes in these communities to see how desirable they are.

I welcome any inquiry you might have regarding buying a home in any one of the wonderful communities in Marin. I bring a fresh and energetic approach to matching buyers with the right home. Call me at (415) 601-7281.