Welcome to Sonoma
Living in Sonoma: California History on the Plaza, Wine Country at the Door
Sonoma real estate comes with a front-row seat to California history. The city of Sonoma sits at the southern end of the Sonoma Valley, between the Mayacamas and Sonoma Mountains, about 45 miles north of San Francisco. Its eight-acre plaza, the largest of its kind in California and a National Historic Landmark, is still the center of daily life.
The Sonoma Plaza
The plaza is ringed by adobe and stone buildings, many dating to the 1800s. Mission San Francisco Solano, founded in 1823, was the last of California's 21 missions. The Sonoma Barracks and nearby Lachryma Montis, General Mariano Vallejo's home, are part of Sonoma State Historic Park. The 1846 Bear Flag Revolt took place right here.
Today, the plaza's shaded lawns, duck pond, and City Hall are surrounded by tasting rooms, restaurants, bakeries, and shops.
Events and Markets
Tuesday Night Farmers' Market: A summer evening market on the plaza, with live music and picnics on the lawn.
Friday Morning Farmers' market: Year-round, rain or shine, next to Depot Park.
Sonoma International Film Festival: Five days each spring, usually in late March.
Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival: California's oldest wine festival, dating to 1897, held on the plaza each September.
Sundays at the Plaza: Sonoma’s summer music festival that happens in the plaza every Sunday from late spring to early fall.
Wine and Outdoors
Sonoma sits within the Sonoma Valley AVA, with the cool Los Carneros region just to the south. More than 100 wineries are within a short drive.
The Sonoma Overlook Trail climbs above town for views over the valley, and the paved Sonoma bike path runs east-west through town. Jack London State Historic Park in Glen Ellen and Sonoma Valley Regional Park are about 15 minutes north. The hot mineral springs that once made nearby Boyes Hot Springs famous still supply the spa at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn.
Homes for Sale in Sonoma
Historic homes near the plaza: Victorians, Edwardians and Craftsman bungalows within walking distance of downtown.
Mid-century and newer neighborhoods: Ranch homes and newer single-family homes on the city's east and west sides.
The Springs area: More varied and often more affordable homes along Highway 12 in the unincorporated communities of Boyes Hot Springs, El Verano, and Agua Caliente.
Valley and hillside estates: Vineyard properties and view homes toward Glen Ellen, Kenwood, and the Mayacamas.
Getting Around
Sonoma has no freeway or SMART train station, which helps preserve its small-town pace. Driving to San Francisco usually takes about an hour to 75 minutes depending on traffic. Much of the route is along 2 lane roads: Highways 121 and 37 which connect to Highway 101. Napa is about 20 to 25 minutes east.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is it like to live in Sonoma?
Living in Sonoma means a historic plaza as your downtown, wineries in every direction, and a slower pace without a freeway running through town. Farmers' markets, festivals, and hiking trails fill the calendar year-round.
What kinds of homes are in Sonoma?
Sonoma offers historic Victorians, Edwardians and Craftsman homes near the plaza, mid-century and newer homes in adjacent neighborhoods, varied homes in the Springs area, and vineyard or hillside estates throughout the valley.
Is Sonoma a good place to retire?
Sonoma is a popular retirement choice for its walkable plaza, cultural events, and wine country setting. Its compact downtown makes errands, dining, and social life easy to reach.
What is the difference between Sonoma and Sonoma County?
Sonoma is a city of about 10,700 people in the Sonoma Valley, while Sonoma County covers more than 1,500 square miles, including Santa Rosa, Petaluma, Healdsburg, and the coast.
Ready to find your place near the plaza or out in the valley? Download my free Buyer's Guide or reach out, and I'll share my insider take on Sonoma.