Welcome to Santa Rosa
Living in Santa Rosa: Sonoma County's Hub for City Convenience and Wine Country Views
Santa Rosa real estate offers the widest range of homes and neighborhoods in Sonoma County. As the county seat and largest city, with about 175,000 people, Santa Rosa is about 55 miles north of San Francisco, with its own airport, SMART train stations, and major medical centers, all surrounded by vineyards and regional parks.
Downtown, Railroad Square, and Courthouse Square
Historic Railroad Square, built around the 1904 stone railroad depot that survived the 1906 earthquake, is home to restaurants, antique shops, and the Downtown Santa Rosa SMART train station. A short walk east, Courthouse Square, reunified as a single plaza in 2017, hosts concerts, markets, and holiday events.
Downtown is also home to Russian River Brewing Company, whose limited Pliny the Younger release draws lines every spring. The Charles M. Schulz Museum and the Luther Burbank Home & Gardens honor two of the city's most famous former residents.
Parks and Open Space
Trione-Annadel State Park: Miles of hiking and mountain-biking trails around Lake Ilsanjo.
Howarth Park and Spring Lake Regional Park: Side-by-side parks with boating on Lake Ralphine, a summer swimming lagoon, and lakeside trails.
Hood Mountain Regional Park: Steeper trails with panoramic views of the Sonoma Valley.
Joe Rodota and Santa Rosa Creek Trails: Paved paths for walking and cycling, with connections west to Sebastopol.
Key Neighborhoods in Santa Rosa
McDonald Avenue and the Historic Districts: Grand Victorians and Craftsman homes near downtown, in the city's preservation districts, including McDonald, Cherry Street, St. Rose, and the West End.
Junior College area: Craftsman bungalows and 1920s–40s homes near Santa Rosa Junior College.
Bennett Valley and Rincon Valley: Mid-century and 1970s–90s homes near golf courses, parks, and the eastern hills.
Fountaingrove: Hillside homes with valley views, many newly built after the 2017 Tubbs Fire.
Oakmont Village: An age-restricted (55+) community with its own golf course and recreation centers.
Northwest and southwest Santa Rosa: Newer subdivisions, townhomes, and some of the city's more affordable single-family options.
Getting Around
Highway 101 runs through the center of the city, and Highway 12 connects east to Sonoma and west to Sebastopol. SMART train stations at Downtown Santa Rosa and Santa Rosa North connect south to Larkspur and the ferry to San Francisco. Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport offers nonstop flights on Alaska, American, Southwest, and Delta to cities across the West Coast plus Phoenix, Las Vegas, Denver, Dallas, and Salt Lake City. Driving to San Francisco usually takes about an hour to 75 minutes, depending on traffic.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is it like to live in Santa Rosa?
Living in Santa Rosa means city amenities like an airport, SMART train stations, and major medical centers, surrounded by vineyards and large regional parks. Railroad Square and Courthouse Square give the downtown a lively, walkable core.
What are the best neighborhoods in Santa Rosa?
Popular Santa Rosa neighborhoods include the historic McDonald Avenue area, the Junior College area, Bennett Valley, Rincon Valley, Fountaingrove, and Oakmont Village. The right fit depends on your preferred home style, commute, lot size and price range.
Is Santa Rosa a good place to retire?
Santa Rosa is a common retirement choice because of its medical centers, airport, and options such as the age-restricted Oakmont Village community. Its central location also makes the coast and wine country easy day trips.
From a downtown Victorian to a view home in the hills, Santa Rosa has a lot to explore. Download my free Buyer's Guide or reach out, and I'll help you narrow it down.