Tour An Eichler Neighborhood - Upper Lucas Valley

In keeping with that old real estate adage, “location, location, location”, I’m starting the New Year off by touring Eichler neighborhoods. I thought it might be a fun project – and helpful to you buyers out there - to take a look at most, if not all, of them. First up, set in the rolling hills of northern Marin, is the Upper Lucas Valley.

The Lucas Valley is home to two Eichler neighborhoods, Marinwood (aka Lower Lucas Valley) and Upper Lucas Valley. Both are located just north of Lucas Valley Road on the outskirts of San Rafael.

The Upper Lucas Valley (ULV) is a community of around 400 Eichler homes that were built in the mid-1960s. The homes, designed by Jones & Emmons and Claude Oakland, are comfortably sized Eichlers, most ranging between 1,750 and 2,330 sq. ft. with 4 or 5 bedrooms. Homes in the neighborhood are well maintained and all utilities are underground. Joseph Eichler tended to be thematic when developing neighborhoods and most of the Eichler homes in the Upper Lucas Valley can be found on streets named after famous mountains, including Mt. Tenaya, Pikes Peak, Mt. Shasta, Mt. Whitney, and Mt. McKinley. The one exception to the mountain rule is Idylberry Road, which cuts through the center of ULV north of Mt. Lassen Drive.

The Upper Lucas Valley is a family friendly neighborhood with an active homeowners association, great schools, and lots to do. Residents can hike, bike, and ride horses on the nearby trails of the Lucas Valley Open Space Preserve (owned by the homeowners association). The community center is a focal point for activity including swimming and tennis; and the Lucas Valley Lightning swim program offers competitive swimming as well as swim school for kids not quite ready for competition.

Upper Lucas Valley is in the highly regarded Dixie school district and has true neighborhood schools. Kids in the Upper Lucas Valley can walk or bike to school. Younger children (K-5) attend Dixie School, a California Distinguished School as well as a National Blue Ribbon School. Middle-school students (grades 6-8) attend Miller Creek Middle School, which is also a California Distinguished School.

Because of the great schools, well-maintained homes, and beautiful surroundings, Eichlers in the Upper Lucas Valley are in great demand. If you are interested in purchasing or selling an Eichler in ULV, give me a call at 415-EICHLER or get in touch us via our handy website contact page.