Santa Rosa, CA, known as "The City Designed for Living," offers a vibrant lifestyle surrounded by stunning natural beauty. Located in the heart of Sonoma County, Santa Rosa is approximately 55 miles north of San Francisco and 30 miles east of the Pacific Ocean. This medium-sized city is known for its wineries, outdoor recreation, and thriving arts scene.
The climate in Santa Rosa features mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers, ideal for enjoying outdoor activities year-round. The city boasts numerous parks and recreational areas, such as the scenic Howarth Park and the expansive Annadel State Park, which offer hiking, biking, and opportunities for picnicking. The nearby Russian River and Sonoma Coast provide additional outdoor adventures.
Santa Rosa's cultural scene is dynamic, with attractions like the Charles M. Schulz Museum, the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts, and the Railroad Square Historic District. The city hosts a variety of events and festivals throughout the year, including the Sonoma County Harvest Fair and the Luther Burbank Rose Parade, which draw visitors and residents alike.
Education is a priority in Santa Rosa, with institutions like Santa Rosa Junior College providing higher education opportunities. The city's public and private schools are highly regarded, making Santa Rosa an attractive place for families. The presence of major healthcare institutions, such as the Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital, also supports a strong job market.
Living in Santa Rosa combines the benefits of urban amenities with the charm of a community-oriented city. Residents enjoy access to excellent healthcare facilities, diverse dining options, and a range of housing choices. The city's efficient public transportation system and well-maintained infrastructure make commuting and exploring the area convenient. With its natural beauty, cultural richness, and welcoming atmosphere, living in Santa Rosa offers a dynamic and fulfilling experience.
Amenities
Conveniently located, the area boasts a variety of amenities, including grocery stores, shopping, coffee shops and entertainment options all within walking distance.
Commute
The high commute score in this area could imply easy access to public transportation, as well as shorter-than-average commute times to your workplace.
Employment
With higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates, this area scores extremely well in the employment category.
Health & Safety
Accessible health facilities like hospitals, doctors offices, clinics and nursing homes as well as good air quality are all factors that have led to a high score in this category.
Cost Of Living
This area is known for its high cost of living, which means you should anticipate higher costs for everyday goods and services, housing, groceries, and health care.
Santa Rosa, California is a moderately-sized city with a population of 178,391 people. With a population density of 4,195 people per square mile, Santa Rosa is well above the nation's average density level. More than a quarter of the residents of Santa Rosa identify themselves as Hispanic or Latino, and 25% of the population speak Spanish as their primary or secondary language. On a daily basis, the typical American spends approximately 26 minutes on their one-way work commute. Reduced travel times not only contributes to increased overall happiness, but also affords more opportunities to cherish moments with family and friends. If you're living in Santa Rosa, your commute time will align closely with the national average, spanning a one-way duration of approximately 23 minutes.
Are you trying to ascertain if living in Santa Rosa is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a good experience before relocating to any new city in California, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like cost of living, commute, employment, you can easily compare the best places to live in Santa Rosa and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Santa Rosa to California and the national average.
Using data and statistics Santa Rosa has received a livability score of 75/100. This score is ranked in the 89th percentile when compared to all other cities. This is a fantastic score, as Santa Rosa ranks well in multiple categories! For each of the livability categories, we can establish that Santa Rosa ranks very well for education (B) and employment (A). There is at least one category that does not have great scores in Santa Rosa. The following was graded with a less than perfect score: cost of living (F).
Living in Santa Rosa offers many benefits and offers an extensive array of local amenities. These amenities play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life in this vibrant community. From readily accessible grocery stores to charming coffee shops, diverse dining options and generously spaced parks, Santa Rosa provides a wide spectrum of resources for its residents. This ensures that your daily requirements are effortlessly met and creates abundant opportunities for leisure and recreation. The abundant local offerings contribute to the area's overall appeal, making it an attractive destination for those seeking convenience, variety and a fulfilling lifestyle. If you're considering a move, the wealth of local amenities continues could be a defining feature of this remarkable locale. A few of the enjoyable things to experience and sights to see are: Up & Away Ballooning, Getaway Adventures, and Charles M. Schulz Museum.
There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Santa Rosa is actually affordable. The median home price for Santa Rosa homes is $571,600, which is 39.7% higher than the California average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Santa Rosa, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 7.1, which is 10.9% higher than the California average.
| Statistic | Santa Rosa | California | National |
| Average one way commute | 23min | 28min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 77.2% | 73.5% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 10.9% | 10.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 1.8% | 5.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 1.0% | 1.1% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 1.8% | 2.7% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 6.1% | 5.4% | 4.6% |
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