Livability Score

81
/100
i The AreaVibes Livability Score evaluates 9 different categories and creates an overall score out of 100. The higher the score, the better the area.

amenities A+

There are lots of amenities close to this location.
Coffee (14) A+
Java Hut
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Peet's Coffee
Coffee Shop
Quickly
Coffee Shop
Aqus cafe
Coffee Shop
Petaluma Coffee and Tea
Coffee Shop
Peet's Coffee
Coffee Shop
Della Fattoria
Coffee Shop
Avid Coffee
Coffee Shop
Petaluma Creamery
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Entertainment (7) A+
Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds
Attraction
Petaluma Arts Center
Theatre Arts
Boulevard 14 Cinemas
Cinema
Mcnear's Mystic Theatre
Theatre Arts
Petaluma Historical Museum and Library
Museum
Phoenix Theater
Theatre Arts
Cinnabar Theater
Theatre Arts
Food and Drink (16) C+
Jack in the Box
Fast Food
KFC
Fast Food
A&W
Fast Food
BevMo!
Alcohol
Wilibees Wines & Spirits
Alcohol
Taco Bell
Fast Food
Noah's Bagels
Fast Food
McDonald's
Fast Food
McDonald's
Fast Food
El Pollo Loco
Fast Food
In-N-Out Burger
Fast Food
The Sweet Zone
Sweets
Wicked Slush Petaluma
Sweets
Lagunitas Tap Room
Bar
Burger King
Fast Food
Jack in the Box
Fast Food
Twin Oaks Roadhouse
Bar
Fitness (10) B
Petaluma Community Center
Community Centre
Senior Center
Community Centre
Cavanugh Recreation Center
Community Centre
Petaluma Islamic Center
Community Centre
Anytime Fitness
Gym
Hermann Sons Hall
Community Centre
Elite Fitness Co.
Gym
Groceries (11) A+
Sprouts Farmers Market
Grocery Store
Whole Foods Market
Grocery Store
Raley's
Grocery Store
Trader Joe's
Grocery Store
Safeway
Grocery Store
Grocery Outlet
Grocery Store
Lucky
Grocery Store
Jupiter Foods
Grocery Store
Smart & Final Extra!
Grocery Store
Petaluma Market
Grocery Store
Safeway
Grocery Store
Parks (74) A+
Kenilworth Park
Park
Sunset Park
Park
McDowell Park
Park
Jess Pocket Park #2
Park
Steamer Landing Park
Park
Jess Pocket Park #1
Park
Cavanagh Landing
Park
Lucchesi Park Playground
Playground
Lucchesi Park
Park
Walnut Park
Park
Penry Park
Park
Putman Plaza Park
Park
Wickersham Park
Park
McNear Landing
Park
McNear Circle Playground
Playground
Liberty Park
Park
Miwok Park
Park
La Tercera Park
Park
Bond Park
Park
Oak Hill Park
Park
Fox Hollow Park
Park
McNear Park
Park
Riverview
Park
McNear Playground
Playground
Cherry Valley Park
Park
Shops (39) A-
Target
Department Store
Food Mart
Convenience Store
Food Mart
Convenience Store
Bed Bath & Beyond
Houseware
Worthy of Love
Furniture
Friedman's Home Improvement
Home Improvement
7-Eleven
Convenience Store
Smith & Bergen Bicycles
Bicycle
Rex Hardware and Country Store
Home Improvement
Bici Sport
Bicycle
Blush
Beauty
Heebee Jeebee Fun Store
Toys
Soft Shell - Skin and Spa
Beauty
Art's Barber Shop
Hairdresser
The Kind
Furniture
MIKE's Barber Shop
Hairdresser
FairWest Grocery
Convenience Store
Speedway
Convenience Store
Coach
Fashion
Petaluma Village Premium Outlets
Mall
Wilsons Leather
Clothing
Bostonian Clarks
Shoes
Van Heusen
Clothing
Levi's
Clothing
Brooks Brothers
Clothing
See more Petaluma amenity data

commute A+

Of all people who commute, 2.5% take public transportation in Petaluma.
Public Transit Stops (69)
Stops & Stations A+
East Washington Street & Johnson Drive
Bus Stop
East Washington Street & Ellis Street
Bus Stop
East Washington Street & Vallejo Street
Bus Stop
East Washington Street & Lakeville Street
Bus Stop
Petaluma Downtown
Transit Station
South McDowell Boulevard & McNeil Drive
Bus Stop
Eastside Transit Center
Bus Stop
Copeland Street Transit Mall
Bus Stop
Copeland Street Transit Mall
Bus Stop
Copeland Street Transit Mall
Bus Stop
Copeland Street Transit Mall
Bus Stop
Eastside Transit Center
Bus Stop
South McDowell Boulevard & Weaverly Drive
Bus Stop
South McDowell Boulevard & Lindberg Lane
Bus Stop
East Washington Street & Grey Street
Bus Stop
Lakeville Highway & US 101
Bus Stop
Maria Drive & Creekside Drive
Bus Stop
South McDowell Boulevard & Lombardi Avenue
Bus Stop
East Washington Street & Maria Drive
Bus Stop
Petaluma Boulevard South & G Street
Bus Stop
Petaluma Boulevard North & Mary Street
Bus Stop
Petaluma Boulevard South & F Street
Bus Stop
South McDowell Boulevard & Lombardi Avenue
Bus Stop
Petaluma Boulevard North & Mary Street
Bus Stop
Petaluma Boulevard North & West Street
Bus Stop
Workers Taking Public Transit
2.5% F
See more Petaluma commute data

cost of living F

The cost of living in Petaluma is 182/100 - which is 30% higher than California.
Cost of Living
Goods & Services, Housing, etc. F
Tax Rates
Income & Sales Tax F
See more Petaluma cost of living data

crime D+

Petaluma crime rates are 1,718 per 100k, which is 40% lower than California
Property Crime
1,208 crimes per 100k B+
Violent Crime
511 crimes per 100k F
See more Petaluma crime data

employment A+

The median income in Petaluma is $92,762 - which is 45% higher than California.
Med. Household Income
$92,762 A+
Unemployment Rate
2.7% A-
See more Petaluma employment data

health A+

There are many hospitals, police and fire stations.
Health & Safety (23)
Dentist, Doctor, Hospital, etc. A+
CVS Pharmacy
Pharmacy
CVS Pharmacy
Pharmacy
Fire Station Number 1
Fire Station
Stationhouse #1
Fire Station
Petaluma Oral Surgery
Dentist
Acorn Chiropractic Club
Doctor
Petaluma Valley Hospital
Hospital
Petaluma Police
Police
CAL FIRE Sonoma Lake Napa Unit - Petaluma
Fire Station
Fire Station Number 2
Fire Station
Wilmar Volunteer Fire Department Inc
Fire Station
Air Quality
Median Air Quality A+
See more Petaluma health & safety data

housing C+

Petaluma home prices are $664,200 - which is 62% higher than California
Home Price
$664,200 A+
Home Appreciation Rate
25% A+
Home Affordability
7.2x (home price to income ratio) F
See more Petaluma housing data

schools B+

The Petaluma graduation rate is 87% - which is 9% higher than California
School Test Scores
52% D-
High School Grad. Rates
87% B-
Elementary Schools (35) A+
Live Oak Charter
Live Oak Charter
Mckinley Elementary
Valley Oaks Elementary (Alternative)
Mcdowell Elementary
Loma Vista Immersion Academy
Miwok Valley Language Academy Charter
St Vincent De Paul Elementary School
La Tercera Elementary
South County Consortium
The Spring Hill School
Mcnear Elementary
Mary Collins Charter School At Cherry Valley
Valley Vista Elementary
Grant Elementary
Harvest Christian School
Sixth Grade Charter Academy At Petaluma Jr. High
Sonoma Mountain Elementary
Meadow Elementary
Old Adobe Elementary Charter
Cinnabar Elementary
Cinnabar Charter
Corona Creek Elementary
River Montessori Elementary Charter
River Montessori Elementary Charter
High Schools (12) A+
San Antonio High (Continuation)
Valley Oaks High (Alternative)
St Vincent De Paul High School
South County Consortium
Petaluma High
Carpe Diem High (Continuation)
Casa Grande High
Sonoma Mountain High (Continuation)
Crossroads
Gateway To College Academy
Muir Wood Learning Center
See more Petaluma education data

ratings A

Petaluma has an overall rating of 82% from 19 reviews.
User Reviews (2)
From AreaVibes A
User Surveys (17)
From AreaVibes A+
See more Petaluma user rating data
Amenities Commute Cost of Living Crime Employment Health & Safety Housing Schools User Ratings

Petaluma, CA Area Guide

Photo of Petaluma, CA
( 19 Ratings )

Living in Petaluma, CA

Ranks better than 81% of areas Follow

Petaluma Area Facts

  • Petaluma has a Livability Score of 81/100, which is considered exceptional
  • Petaluma crime rates are 40% lower than the California average
  • Cost of living in Petaluma is 30% higher than the California average

What do the locals think about Petaluma?

Based on 20 votes from AreaVibes users. Take the poll
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Petaluma Reviews

Write a review about Petaluma Tell people what you like or don't like about Petaluma…
Nice mix of city and country 3.5 rating By Anonymous ( Jul 31, 2018) Nice mix of city and country. We have been living for a year. We moved from Santa Rosa just to the north 30 minutes. Petaluma is a small town approximately 60 thousand. Much of it is rural. It has beautiful rolling hills cows with oak trees here and there. The town it self is sma ...Read More ll. It has some nice restaurants and stores. The town is on the Petaluma river. It sits on a small river that has a pretty low water level at this time. I actually miss Santa Rosa. I liked Santa Rosa more. Its bigger more parks things to do. Petaluma has a different feel I guess. It is closer to SF. If you like going there and if you have people visiting the fly in to SFO than is a bit less travel time. The airport express stops in Petaluma which is a good way to get to SFO. Over all it probably the weather thats one of the best features. Lots of sunny days, hardly ever a day you can't go outside it never snows so winters are nice. Read Less
Petaluma, CA - Close to Everything! 4.5 rating By Anonymous ( Feb 16, 2012) Petaluma is a city in Sonoma County located in Southern California. I moved to Petamula, California only two years ago due to a job offer. It's small town atmosphere, climate, and proximity to the large cities make it a great place to live, have fun and also to raise a family.

...Read More One of the greatest things about Petaluma California is the place where it is. Not only is it a mere hour away from one of the most beautiful cities in California (San Francisco) it is also surrounded by some of the greatest scenery in the country. Although Yosemite National Park is four hours away, the scenery of those forests spills into Petaluma. I wake up everyday being surrounded by mountains, beautiful rivers and bigger than life trees. In addition to that, Petaluma also has the best climate. Although it can get fairly chilly in the winter months and at night due to the mountain air, the summers are not too hot but enjoyably warm, the falls and springs are as though from a fairy tale and in the winter, snow lovers will not be disappointed.

Petaluma has a population of just over 50,000 people, making it the perfect size place to raise a family. A majority of the neighborhoods are extremely safe, and the school district is said to be one of the best in the state. Not to mention the city has some of the most beautiful architecture, museums and landmarks in the area.

Another great thing about Petaluma is that it is close to a large city. If for example, you want to get away from the small town quiet and have a night out on the town, San Francisco awaits a beautiful hour drive away. Not to mention there you can get some of your best shopping done as well. Read Less
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Compare Petaluma, CA Livability

      vs

      A+ Amenities

      Are there many local amenities in Petaluma? Yes, there are lots of amenities close to this location.

      Parks

      Kenilworth Park
      Sunset Park
      McDowell Park
      Jess Pocket Park #2
      Steamer Landing Park
      Jess Pocket Park #1
      Cavanagh Landing
      Lucchesi Park Playground

      Entertainment

      Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds
      Petaluma Arts Center
      Boulevard 14 Cinemas
      Mcnear's Mystic Theatre
      Petaluma Historical Museum and Library
      Phoenix Theater
      Cinnabar Theater

      Food & Drink

      Jack in the Box
      KFC
      A&W
      BevMo!
      Wilibees Wines & Spirits
      Taco Bell
      Noah's Bagels
      McDonald's

      A+ Commute

      Is public transit available in Petaluma? Of all people who commute, 2.5% take public transportation in Petaluma.
      Drive to Work
      73%

      3% lower than the US average

      Take Public Transit
      3%

      3% lower than the US average

      Walk to Work
      2%

      1% lower than the US average

      F Cost of Living

      What is the cost of living in Petaluma? The cost of living in Petaluma is 182/100 - which is 30% higher than California.
      Petaluma
      182

      82% more expensive than average

      California
      140

      40% more expensive than average

      United States
      100

      National cost of living index

      D+ Crime

      What is the crime rate in Petaluma? Petaluma crime rates are 1,718, which are 40% lower than California
      Total Crime
      1,718 per 100k people

      26% lower than the US average

      Chance of being a victim
      1 in 59

      26% lower than the US average

      Year-over-year crime
      3%

      Year over year crime is up

      A+ Employment

      What is the median income in Petaluma? The median income in Petaluma is $92,762 which is 45% higher than California.
      Median household income
      $92,76268% higher than the US average
      Income per capita
      $46,30355% higher than the US average
      Unemployment rate
      3%

      43% lower than the US average

      B- Health & Safety

      Is Petaluma a healthy and safe place to live? Yes, there are some hospitals, police and fire stations.

      Hospitals

      Petaluma Valley Hospital

      Pharmacies

      CVS Pharmacy
      CVS Pharmacy

      Doctors

      Acorn Chiropractic Club

      C+ Housing

      What are Petaluma home prices? Petaluma home prices are $664,200 - which is 62% higher than California
      Median home value
      $664,200260% higher than the US average
      Median rent price
      $2,027114% higher than the US average
      Home Ownership
      64%

      1% higher than the US average

      B+ Schools

      Does Petaluma have good schools? The Petaluma graduation rate is 87% - which is 9% higher than California
      High school grad. rates
      87%

      5% higher than the US average

      School test scores
      52%

      8% higher than the US average

      Student teacher ratio
      19:1

      18% higher than the US average

      A User Ratings

      Is Petaluma a good place to live? Petaluma has an overall rating of 82% from 19 reviews.
      Overall user rating
      82%

      19 total ratings

      User reviews rating
      80%

      2 total reviews

      User surveys rating
      88%

      17 total surveys

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