Welcome to Cotati
Living in Cotati: A Hexagon-Shaped Downtown with Music in Its Bones
Cotati real estate is one of Sonoma County's best-kept secrets: a small city of about 7,500 people just south of Rohnert Park, roughly 50 miles north of San Francisco. Its compact downtown, SMART train station, and location where Highway 116 meets Highway 101 make moving to Cotati a practical choice with plenty of personality.
The Plaza and the Hexagon
Cotati's downtown is laid out as a hexagon, one of only two hexagonal town plans in the United States (the other is in Detroit), and a California Historical Landmark. Each street around the plaza is named after one of the sons of founder Dr. Thomas Page. At its center, La Plaza Park hosts concerts, community gatherings, and summer events under big shade trees.
Around the plaza and along Old Redwood Highway, you'll find cafés, taquerias, pubs, and small independent shops. The town has a long live-music tradition, with local bars and cafés regularly hosting jazz, blues, and rock nights.
Festivals and Local Traditions
Cotati Accordion Festival: A mid-August tradition in La Plaza Park since 1991 and one of the largest accordion festivals in the country, drawing players and fans from around the world.
Cotati Kids Day: A long-running July parade and free festival in La Plaza Park.
Farmers' market: A seasonal evening market in La Plaza Park, June through September.
Parks and Open Space
Neighborhood parks are spread throughout town, and Sonoma State University is just across the city line in Rohnert Park, bringing concerts to the Green Music Center within minutes. The Laguna de Santa Rosa runs through Cotati and the trails at Crane Regional Park on the western slope of Sonoma Mountain is a short drive to the east.
Homes for Sale in Cotati
Because Cotati is small, the number of homes for sale at any given time is limited. Common home types include:
Older homes near downtown: Cottages and bungalows within walking distance of the plaza.
Mid-century and 1970s–80s neighborhoods: Ranch-style and two-story single-family homes on quiet residential streets.
Newer townhomes and condos: Lower-maintenance options closer to transit and shopping.
Semi-rural properties: Larger lots on the western edges of town and just outside city limits toward Highway 116.
Commuting from Cotati
The Cotati SMART station connects north to Santa Rosa and south to Petaluma and Larkspur, where the ferry continues to San Francisco. By car, Highway 101 puts Santa Rosa about 15 minutes north and Petaluma about 15 minutes south. Driving to San Francisco usually takes about an hour, depending on traffic.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is it like to live in Cotati?
Living in Cotati means a small, walkable downtown built around a hexagon-shaped plaza, with a strong live-music tradition and a SMART train station close by. It feels like a small town but sits right on Highway 101 between Petaluma and Santa Rosa.
What kinds of homes are in Cotati?
Cotati offers cottages near downtown, mid-century and 1970s–80s single-family homes, newer townhomes, and some larger semi-rural lots. Inventory is limited because the city is small.
Why is Cotati's downtown shaped like a hexagon?
Cotati's hexagonal plan was designed in the 1890s by surveyor Newton Smyth for the Page family, who owned the original Rancho Cotate land, as an alternative to the usual street grid. That layout still defines the plaza today.
Curious whether Cotati fits your plans? Download my free Buyer's Guide or reach out, and I'll share what's moving in this small but mighty market.