Living a Mountain Lifestyle in Santa Rosa, California

Santa Rosa is in California's wine country  -  nearby towns include Sonoma, Healdsburg, and Napa. Although not especially mountainous, there are plenty of big hills in the area. It is the largest city in California's wine country.  The city is actively engaged in economic development centered around wine, food, tourism, and making the center of Santa Rosa an attractive and engaging community.

Where to Retire in Santa Rosa and Home Prices

There are several active adult communities in the area, including at least one very large one (see link for list of communities at left). There is a 55+ development for the LGBT community here, among others. Median home prices in Santa Rosa have been climbing steadily in the last few years. Zillow reports the median home value to be $726,852 in early 2023.

What Is Special about Santa Rosa

Railroad Square makes for a great downtown. Great restaurants and wine country make it an interesting place to live. Many historic neighborhoods. Annadel State Park, on the eastern edge of Santa Rosa, offers miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and trail riding. Armstrong Woods and Austin Creek State Parks are just some of the parks close by Santa Rosa. There is a college, a junior college, and an extension of the University of San Francisco in Santa Rosa.

What Is Not Special about Santa Rosa

This is California and taxes and real estate expenses are high. It might be too rural for some people.

Climate and Physical Environment

Sonoma Valley is somewhat arid and very hilly.  The average January low temp is in the high 30s and the average daily high in July is in the low 80s. Winters are wet and summers very dry. The climate is great for grapes, which means it is good for people too. There was a magnitude 5.6 earthquake in 2007. The elevation of the town is only 160' but nearby hills climb a few thousand feet.

Restaurants & Cultural Scene

Thanks to the tourist towns near Santa Rosa, there is always something to do. Food and wine are big cultural entertainment here as well. There is a Santa Rosa Symphony, a Performing Arts Center, and many other cultural venues. The bright lights of San Francisco are a short drive away. Local colleges also provide culture to the community.

Crime

The crime rate is slightly below average.

Medical Facilities

Santa Rosa has 4 hospitals including a Kaiser and Santa Rosa Memorial

Transportation

SMART (Sonoma-Marin Rail Transit) commuter rail service has two train stations in Santa Rosa. There is a small airport named for Charles Schulz with flights to LA, San Diego, Portland (OR) and Seattle. Santa Rosa is about average in walkability when compared to other communities.

Valuable Links

City of Santa Rosa

Guide to California retirement and retirement communities

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