Livability Score

76
/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 (41) A+
City Garden Doughuts & Coffee
Coffee Shop
SoCo Coffee
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Land and Water
Coffee Shop
Crooks Coffee
Coffee Shop
Sunny's Boba & more
Coffee Shop
Cafe Des Croissants
Coffee Shop
Brew
Coffee Shop
Dutch Bros. Coffee
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
My Friend Joe
Coffee Shop
Juice Shack
Coffee Shop
Quickly
Coffee Shop
Bear's Den
Coffee Shop
A'Roma Roasters
Coffee Shop
Criminal Baking Company
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Sonoma Crust
Coffee Shop
Peet's Coffee
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Warm Puppy Cafe
Coffee Shop
Entertainment (21) A+
J Gallery
Art Gallery
Calabi Gallery
Art Gallery
The Corner Store Collective
Art Gallery
Roxy 14
Cinema
Sonoma County Art Museum
Museum
Sonoma County Museum
Museum
Splash Pad
Water Park
Veterans Memorial Auditorium
Theatre Arts
Jesse Peter Museum
Museum
Lori Austen Gallery
Art Gallery
6th St Play House
Theatre Arts
Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center
Museum
Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center
Museum
Children's Museum of Sonoma County
Museum
Summerfield Cinemas
Cinema
Big K–Land Amusement Area
Theme Park
Remy's Bar-Lounge-Grill
Nightclub
Rock Star University - House of Rock
Theatre Arts
Luther Burbank Center for the Arts
Theatre Arts
Luther Burbank Center for the Arts
Theatre Arts
Food and Drink (96) A+
Fosters Freeze
Fast Food
Russian River Brewing Company
Bar
The Jade Room
Bar
Wilibees
Alcohol
Grateful Bagel
Deli
Beer Baron
Bar
Ausiello's Bar & Grill
Bar
Sift
Sweets
3rd St Ale Works
Bar
4th Street Deli
Deli
3 Disciples Brewing
Bar
The Dirty
Bar
The Tipsy Taco Cantina
Bar
Noble Folk
Sweets
Stout Brothers Irish Pub
Bar
Belly Left Coast Kitchen & Taproom
Bar
Kelly's Sandwiches
Deli
Yogurt Farms
Sweets
440 Club
Bar
McDonald's
Fast Food
Cinnabon
Fast Food
Auntie Anne's
Fast Food
Surf City Squeeze
Fast Food
Chick-fil-A
Fast Food
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory
Sweets
Fitness (24) A+
Voices
Community Centre
The Transformation Center
Gym
Fitt Zone
Gym
Tone Pilates-Dance-Yoga
Gym
Saturday Afternoon Club
Community Centre
YogaOne
Gym
Odd Fellows Temple
Community Centre
Sonoma County Event Center at the Fairgrounds
Community Centre
TRX NorCal
Gym
Sonoma Strength Academy
Gym
Ringtime Fitness
Gym
Finley Hall
Community Centre
RPI
Gym
Steele Lane Community Recreation Center
Community Centre
Session Climbing Center
Gym
Orangetheory Fitness
Gym
Insight Fitness
Gym
White Lotus Fitness
Gym
Luther Burbank Art & Garden Center
Community Centre
California Homemakers Association (CHA)
Community Centre
24 Hour Fitness
Gym
Fusion Fitness
Gym
Groceries (32) C-
Grocery Outlet
Grocery Store
Safeway
Grocery Store
Miracle Plum
Grocery Store
Community Market
Grocery Store
Village Bakery
Bakery
Criminal Baking Company
Bakery
Penzeys Spices
Grocery Store
Lucky
Grocery Store
Franco American Mezzaluna Bakery
Bakery
Santa Rosa Seafood
Seafood
Safeway
Grocery Store
Thailao Market
Grocery Store
Golden Gate Meat Company North
Butcher
Lola's Supermarket
Grocery Store
Whole Foods Market
Grocery Store
Imwalle Gardens
Grocery Store
Whole Foods Market
Grocery Store
Lucky
Grocery Store
Safeway
Grocery Store
Sonoma Valley Bagel
Bakery
Trader Joe's
Grocery Store
Oliver's Market
Grocery Store
Trader Joe's
Grocery Store
FoodMaxx
Grocery Store
Safeway
Grocery Store
Parks (188) A+
College Triangle Park
Park
North Park
Park
Fremont Park
Park
Jeju Way
Park
Eastside Park
Park
Comstock Mall
Park
Old Courthouse Square
Park
Rae Street Park
Park
Proctor Terrace
Park
Humboldt Park
Park
Doyle Park
Park
Prince Greenway Park
Park
Sonoma Avenue Park
Park
Julliard Park
Park
Hyde Park
Park
Franklin Park
Park
Railroad Park
Park
Burbank Playground
Park
Prince Memorial Greenway
Park
Olive Park
Park
4Th & Farmers Creek Trail
Park
DeTurk Round Barn Park
Park
Sonoma County Fairgrounds
Park
South Davis Park
Park
DeMeo Park
Park
Shops (251) A+
The Beauty Spot
Hairdresser
Gina Michelle Hair Studio
Hairdresser
Benton Market
Convenience Store
Grohe Florist
Florist
Revive Hair Collective
Hairdresser
Punch 20
Clothing
Mark Thomas Home
Furniture
Look by Courtney Paige
Hairdresser
Supercuts
Hairdresser
Areteway
Clothing
Indulge
Beauty
Kidz Kutz
Hairdresser
Barnes & Noble
Books
Two Women Doing Hair
Hairdresser
Lotus Beauty Bar
Beauty
Timothy Patrick Jewelers
Fashion
Bike Peddler
Bicycle
Sizzle Salon
Hairdresser
Mirage Florist
Florist
BOHLUX - Bohemian Luxury
Clothing
Izabelle's Hair Studio
Hairdresser
E.R. Sawyer Jeweler
Fashion
Treehorn
Books
Positively Fourth Street
Gift Shop
Skeeter's Gallery
Gift Shop
See more Santa Rosa amenity data

commute A+

Of all people who commute, 1.8% take public transportation in Santa Rosa.
Public Transit Stops (44)
Stops & Stations
A+
Santa Rosa Transit Mall Platform S1
Bus Stop
Santa Rosa Transit Mall Platform N1
Bus Stop
Santa Rosa Transit Mall Platform S2
Bus Stop
Santa Rosa Transit Mall Platform N2
Bus Stop
Santa Rosa Transit Mall Platform S3
Bus Stop
Santa Rosa Transit Mall Platform N3
Bus Stop
Maple Avenue & Brookwood Avenue
Bus Stop
Santa Rosa Downtown
Transit Station
Santa Rosa North
Transit Station
Piner Road & Range Avenue
Bus Stop
Piner Road & Range Avenue
Bus Stop
Piner Road & Industrial Drive
Bus Stop
Santa Rosa CityBus Route 15
Bus Stop
Workers Taking Public Transit
1.8%
F
See more Santa Rosa commute data

cost of living F

The cost of living in Santa Rosa is 169/100 - which is 21% higher than California.
Cost of Living
Goods & Services, Housing, etc.
F
Tax Rates
Income & Sales Tax
F
See more Santa Rosa cost of living data

crime C+

Santa Rosa crime rates are 1,698 per 100k, which is 40% lower than California
Property Crime
1,359 crimes per 100k
B
Violent Crime
339 crimes per 100k
C
See more Santa Rosa crime data

employment A+

The median income in Santa Rosa is $80,472 - which is 26% higher than California.
Med. Household Income
$80,472
A-
Unemployment Rate
3.5%
C+
See more Santa Rosa employment data

health A+

There are many hospitals, police and fire stations.
Health & Safety (37)
Dentist, Doctor, Hospital, etc.
A+
Chiropractic Neurology Enhancement Center
Clinic
Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital
Hospital
Randy Nguyen, D.D.S.
Dentist
Artemedica
Doctor
Santa Rosa Dental Care
Dentist
CVS Pharmacy
Pharmacy
Luis M. Diaz Dentist Inc.
Dentist
Santa Rosa Fire Department Fire Station #11
Fire Station
The West End Healthcare Clinic
Doctor
CVS Pharmacy
Pharmacy
Coddingtown Dental
Dentist
Santa Rosa Community Health Dental Campus
Clinic
Santa Rosa Dental
Dentist
Fountaingrove Dentistry
Dentist
Sutter Walk-in Clinic
Clinic
Concentra Urgent Care
Clinic
Santa Rosa Community Health Dutton Campus
Clinic
Redwood Family Dermatology
Doctor
Sonoma County Sheriff's Office
Police
Walgreens
Pharmacy
Kaiser Permanente Santa Rosa Medical Center
Hospital
Sonoma County Indian Health Project
Hospital
Sonoma County Indian Health Project
Hospital
FamilyCare Allergy & Asthma
Doctor
Sutter Health
Clinic
Air Quality
Median Air Quality
A+
See more Santa Rosa health & safety data

housing B-

Santa Rosa home prices are $571,600 - which is 40% higher than California
Home Price
$571,600
A+
Home Appreciation Rate
27%
A+
Home Affordability
7.1x (home price to income ratio)
F
See more Santa Rosa housing data

schools C-

The Santa Rosa graduation rate is 83% - which is 4% higher than California
School Test Scores
40%
F
High School Grad. Rates
83%
C-
Elementary Schools (72) A+
Santa Rosa Charter School For The Arts
Proctor Terrace Elementary
Santa Rosa French-American Charter (Srfacs)
Kid Street Learning Center Charter
Kid Street Learning Center Charter
Brook Hill Elementary
St Eugene'S Cathedral School
Luther Burbank Elementary
Steele Lane Elementary
Roseland Charter
Village Elementary Charter
Abraham Lincoln Elementary
Rincon Valley Partnership
Pivot Online Charter - North Bay
Kawana Springs Elementary
Pivot Online Charter - North Bay
Roseland Elementary
Pivot Charter School - North Bay
Hidden Valley Elementary
Anova Center For Education Sonoma County
Brush Creek Montessori
Helen M. Lehman Elementary
Spring Creek Matanzas Charter
Yulupa Elementary
Sheppard Elementary
High Schools (25) F
Santa Rosa High
Ridgway High (Continuation)
Abraxis Charter
Lewis Opportunity
Montgomery High
Roseland Charter
Pivot Online Charter - North Bay
Pivot Charter School - North Bay
Anova Center For Education Sonoma County
Roseland Charter
North Valley School/Victor Treatment Ctr Inc
Stony Point Academy
Rincon Valley Christian School
Elsie Allen High
Maria Carrillo High
Piner High
Cardinal Newman High School
Northwest Prep Charter
Northwest Prep Charter
See more Santa Rosa education data

ratings D

Santa Rosa has an overall rating of 54% from 28 reviews.
User Reviews (5)
From AreaVibes
D+
User Surveys (23)
From AreaVibes
D-
See more Santa Rosa user rating data
Amenities Commute Cost of Living Crime Employment Health & Safety Housing Schools User Ratings
Photo of Santa Rosa, CA
( 28 Ratings )

Living in Santa Rosa, CA

Santa Rosa Area Facts

  • Santa Rosa has a Livability Score of 76/100, which is considered excellent
  • Santa Rosa crime rates are 40% lower than the California average
  • Cost of living in Santa Rosa is 21% higher than the California average
New Real Estate Listings in Santa Rosa Area
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Santa Rosa Reviews

Write a review about Santa Rosa Tell people what you like or don't like about Santa Rosa…
Contemplating a move 3 rating By Anonymous ( Jul 12, 2021) We’ve certainly had our moving experiences. We moved from SF to Madison WI and i knew immediately it wasn’t a good move. Growing up in New England it is either the coast, mountains, or both if you can move to that type of area.

I was beyond thrilled to return to California a
...Read More nd Santa Rosa was an area we checked out before moving tomiddle America. We lasted 10 months in the midwest.

Now, we are in that dilemma again. With two young children we need to come up with a plan. I long for some of the charm (and great schools, low crime) of New England but also need to make sure this isn’t another type of frustration/escape/greener pastures type of move.

My spouse will certainly want to move if we face another fire…we’ve had devastating fires the last three years. But could we deal with New England winters, mosquitoes and a smaller city/state vibe again is what we are contemplating…we would consider moving back to Portsmouth NH (Livability score 87, hour from Boston) and NH scores high in a lot of areas….however, when you read that many people love NH for it’s ‘freedom’ and ‘open carry’ it is that small minded reclusive, sheltered simplistic mentality that is a big turnoff…i loved living in Portsmouth and i know that we would appreciate so many of the qualities of the Seacoast knowing that even the conservatives there aren’t bible thumpers…as a matter of fact, they do disdain that stuff…there is some truth to the ‘Live Free or Die’ state. Read Less
Not rising from the ashes 2 rating By Anonymous ( Mar 13, 2021) After a 4 year stint here, we left the area looking for “greener pastures”. During that 6 year hiatus, Santa Rosa was dealt a devastating blow, namely the Tubbs fire. We moved back here because, as affordability goes, the area is probably priced
as a bargain for most Bay Area
...Read More shoppers. It’s not a fluke, not a “Best Buy” without reason. The Pandemic has also been a
huge blow for the crumbling area also. Kicking Santa Rosa when it’s down has blown the wind out of what is left of its sails.
Left with a complete and utter crumbling of its already dilapidated infrastructure, Santa Rosa will never be a great place to live.
Few neighborhoods, with the exception of the northeast section of town have any recognizable pride of ownership. If you want
to see a mowed lawn, you will probably see a for sale sign gracing the yard. The people here are a mixed bag of very kind
spiritually centered to a boat load of narcissistic young people with modified exhaust Mustangs and jacked up trucks, and older
racists men who are looking for some good ol’ road raging. And restaurants? Good luck. Nothing stands out.
The best reason to move Santa Rosa is where you “can go” from here. Bodega is a 35 min. beautiful drive. San Francisco is an hour
away. Napa valley is 45 min. away.
The weather in Santa Rosa is its best card, but not a good enough reason to move here. Read Less
What's To Like? 1.5 rating By Anonymous ( Nov 27, 2020) I have lived all over California, and visited all over the United States, and this place definitively stinks. The ratings are absolutely correct, the housing and rental prices are sky-high, the job market is stagnant and low-paying, and the city nearly burns down every year. High ...Read More way 101, the main artery running through Santa Rosa, has such bad traffic from 7-12AM and 2-7PM that a 15 minute trip takes an hour. When people say this city is "beautiful," I have no clue what they're referring to, maybe the beautiful areas burned down. Sure, the natural areas surrounding Santa Rosa are beautiful, but Santa Rosa itself is an ugly mishmash of industrial eyesores and run-down neighborhoods. The people here are aggressive and unfriendly, rudeness and a lack of consideration for others seems to be the norm. It has all the negatives of a large-ish city, with none of the culture, public transit, or jobs. I cannot wait to leave. Read Less
Pandemic Pandemonium Is Problematic 3 rating By Anonymous ( Sep 17, 2020) So, how do you review a City like Santa Rosa, that suffered through a horrendous fire, and subsequent infrastructure
crushing? And now, experiencing an unprecedented blow from what should not have been a complete collapse of
Society due to the ineptness of the current Administrat
...Read More ion, record fires and month of unbreathable air. Santa Rosa
is a dirty mess. And probably won’t experience a “clean up” anytime soon. Financially, it will be bare bones for years.
The people here are a tough bunch. Lots of diversity if that is what you like. Cities that are “white bread” tend to be
cleaner but boring. You move here for the weather. It’s the best balance in the Bay Area. I’m not saying it’s horrible,
but 10 years ago Area Vibes gave Santa Rosa a livability score of 70. It’s now 61. Unfortunately, they got it it right.
“Not so great”..... Read Less
Show All Reviews
What's To Like? 1.5 rating By Anonymous ( Nov 27, 2020) I have lived all over California, and visited all over the United States, and this place definitively stinks. The ratings are absolutely correct, the housing and rental prices are sky-high, the job market is stagnant and low-paying, and the city nearly burns down every year. High ...Read More way 101, the main artery running through Santa Rosa, has such bad traffic from 7-12AM and 2-7PM that a 15 minute trip takes an hour. When people say this city is "beautiful," I have no clue what they're referring to, maybe the beautiful areas burned down. Sure, the natural areas surrounding Santa Rosa are beautiful, but Santa Rosa itself is an ugly mishmash of industrial eyesores and run-down neighborhoods. The people here are aggressive and unfriendly, rudeness and a lack of consideration for others seems to be the norm. It has all the negatives of a large-ish city, with none of the culture, public transit, or jobs. I cannot wait to leave. Read Less
Pandemic Pandemonium Is Problematic 3 rating By Anonymous ( Sep 17, 2020) So, how do you review a City like Santa Rosa, that suffered through a horrendous fire, and subsequent infrastructure
crushing? And now, experiencing an unprecedented blow from what should not have been a complete collapse of
Society due to the ineptness of the current Administrat
...Read More ion, record fires and month of unbreathable air. Santa Rosa
is a dirty mess. And probably won’t experience a “clean up” anytime soon. Financially, it will be bare bones for years.
The people here are a tough bunch. Lots of diversity if that is what you like. Cities that are “white bread” tend to be
cleaner but boring. You move here for the weather. It’s the best balance in the Bay Area. I’m not saying it’s horrible,
but 10 years ago Area Vibes gave Santa Rosa a livability score of 70. It’s now 61. Unfortunately, they got it it right.
“Not so great”..... Read Less
Everything is Rosy in Santa Rosa, CA 4.5 rating By Anonymous ( May 06, 2010) I have always loved to travel. Last year, I got the opportunity to visit Sonoma Valley. Fortunately, one of my friends had convinced me to book at Historical Hotel La Rose, in Santa Rosa. Staying in a historical hotel allowed me to experience the history of Santa Rosa which is we ...Read More ll preserved in many period buildings, around courthouse and railroad squares.

I must admit that the center of Santa Rosa is itself a museum where visitors can find plenty of shops, restaurants, attractions and other entertainment. As a gateway to Sonoma valley, almost every corner of the town contains a tour operator. I could also see many historical apartment buildings. Upon my inquiry, it was a surprise that their rents were often 50 percent less than San Francisco. I was also surprosed to find that almost all of these residential buildings were immaculately maintained.

There is also a creek that flows through the city of Santa Rosa. Due to this creek, there is an abundant wildlife including lots of herons and egrets. Also, don't be surprised if you happen to come across rabbits, opossums, foxes and raccoons because the city is located on the border of a wildlife sanctuary. Santa Rosa is home to North Bay Theatre Group, which is known throughout America for providing quality performing and visual arts. Read Less

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Compare Santa Rosa, CA Livability

      vs

      Santa Rosa, CA

      Santa Rosa, CA sits nestled in beautiful Sonoma County, about 55 miles north of San Francisco; it is the largest city within this awe-inspiring county. Located in the wine country, this vibrant city is not far from the Pacific Ocean, yet hosts an overwhelming beauty in the area just surrounding it. Several films have used Santa Rosa for filming, including the classic, "Peggy Sue Got Married" and "The Candidate" along with many others. Living here is a bit more expensive than in other parts of California, yet the cost of transportation and utilities is less.

      Rental prices are higher than in many other California locations, and housing costs reflect the desirability of Sonoma County as a scenic and picture-perfect place to live. In general, the housing costs in Santa Rosa are more than twice the average of housing costs in the United States, as well as somewhat more than homes in other California locations. Santa Rosa, near the downtown area, includes homes with abundant charm and history.

      Santa Rosa is the former home of Luther Burbank, and one thing that residents and visitors like to do is stroll the beautiful Luther Burbank Gardens, near the downtown area. Located not far from the courthouse, its peaceful setting offers serenity as well as activities. Spend the day with family at Spring Lake Park, where they can swim, paddle, or go boating. The Charles M. Schulz Museum brings smiles to all, as Charlie Brown and the gang live through photos, memorabilia and tribute art. And to add to family fun, the Sonoma County Children's Museum is right next door to the Charles M. Schulz Museum. The Railroad Square Historic District offers shopping and dining in a setting of stone buildings. Residents enjoy the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts, where culture and concerts take place through music, dance and theater. Airplane buffs will enjoy living near the Pacific Coast Air Museum. Travel 20 minutes southeast to the Jack London State Park, with the home site and ranch of this well-known author. And of course, living in Santa Rosa, you'll be close to the fabulous wineries and stunning vistas of Napa and Sonoma Counties.

      Biking is a popular way to get around town as well as to see the rest of the county. There are many bicycle trails near Santa Rosa. There are bus routes throughout the city. Sonoma County Transit also provides buses that go between cities, such as a bus from Santa Rosa to Healdsburg or Sebastopol.

      There are abundant reasons to call Santa Rosa home. Culture, beauty and proximity to San Francisco make this an ideal location for those who enjoy a quality life, surrounded by memorable scenery and views.

      A+ Amenities

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

      Parks

      College Triangle Park
      North Park
      Fremont Park
      Jeju Way
      Eastside Park
      Comstock Mall
      Old Courthouse Square
      Rae Street Park

      Entertainment

      J Gallery
      Calabi Gallery
      The Corner Store Collective
      Roxy 14
      Sonoma County Art Museum
      Sonoma County Museum
      Splash Pad
      Veterans Memorial Auditorium

      Food & Drink

      Fosters Freeze
      Russian River Brewing Company
      The Jade Room
      Wilibees
      Grateful Bagel
      Beer Baron
      Ausiello's Bar & Grill
      Sift

      A Commute

      Is public transit available in Santa Rosa? Of all people who commute, 1.8% take public transportation in Santa Rosa.
      Drive to Work
      77%

      1% higher than the US average

      Take Public Transit
      2%

      3% lower than the US average

      Walk to Work
      2%

      1% lower than the US average

      A+ Health & Safety

      Is Santa Rosa a healthy and safe place to live? Yes, there are many hospitals, police and fire stations.

      Hospitals

      Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital
      Kaiser Permanente Santa Rosa Medical Center
      Kaiser Mercury Way
      Sonoma County Indian Health Project
      Sonoma County Indian Health Project

      Pharmacies

      CVS Pharmacy
      Walgreens
      CVS Pharmacy
      Rite Aid

      Doctors

      FamilyCare Allergy & Asthma
      The West End Healthcare Clinic
      Redwood Family Dermatology
      Artemedica