Sonoma 73 Excellent
Sonoma Livability #152 ranked city in California#4,612 ranked city in the USARanks better than 84% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Sonoma

PROS
  • Amenities

    Conveniently located, the area boasts a variety of amenities, including grocery stores, shopping, coffee shops and entertainment options all within walking distance.

  • Crime

    This area boasts a crime rate that is far below the national average, making it a very safe place to live. These crime statistics encompass both property and violent offenses.

  • 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.

  • Ratings

    According to recent surveys and polls, locals had excellent ratings for walkability to nearby amenities, safety, access to public transit and the overall sense of community in the area.

CONS
  • Commute

    Low commute scores could be due to limited access to public transit in this area, as well as longer-than-average work commute times for residents.

  • 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.

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What's it like Living in Sonoma?

Sonoma, California is a medium-sized city with a population of 11,082 inhabitants. In Sonoma, there are 4,039 people per square mile, which is well above the national population density average. According to the most recent Census, 89% of Sonoma residents are White, 2% Asian and 1% Black. Based on an average age of 55, Sonoma appears to be well-suited for seniors or retirees as the average age is well above the national average. The average American spends about 26 minutes on their one way commute to work each day. Lower travel times can increase overall happiness and allow for more time to be spent with family and friends. While living in Sonoma, your commute times will be about average, with a one way commute time of 29 minutes.

Are you trying to ascertain if living in Sonoma 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. With useful information like crime, health & safety, employment and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Sonoma and in the areas around Sonoma is a much easier task.

The livability score in Sonoma is 75/100 and the city is ranked in the 89th percentile of all cities across America. Based on this score, Sonoma would be considered a very livable city! Based on the grades for each individual category, Sonoma has been rewarded with high marks for crime (A), education (A+) and employment (A+). Sonoma does not score well for the following: cost of living (F). It might be a good idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.

The mantra of real estate, "location, location, location," underscores the importance of where a property is situated, making it a pivotal factor in your quest for a new home. Fortunately, when you're living in Sonoma, you'll discover an abundance of exceptional local amenities and lots of things to do. Among these are conveniently located grocery stores, charming coffee shops, diverse dining options and plenty of spacious parks. These local amenities contribute significantly to its overall appeal, ensuring that your daily needs are met and offering ample opportunities for leisure and recreation. When considering your next move, the thriving local scene in Sonoma undoubtedly enhances its desirability, affirming the significance of its prime location.

Assuming that Sonoma meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Sonoma. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Sonoma are simply unattainable. The median home price for Sonoma homes is $825,600, which is 101.7% higher than the California average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Sonoma, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 9.7, which is 51.6% higher than the California average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Sonoma

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How Do You Rate The Livability In Sonoma?

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Compare Sonoma, CA Livability

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      Sonoma transportation information

      Statistic Sonoma California National
      Average one way commute29min28min26min
      Workers who drive to work70.6%73.5%76.4%
      Workers who carpool6.1%10.6%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit2.1%5.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.6%1.1%0.6%
      Workers who walk3.6%2.7%2.8%
      Working from home15.4%5.4%4.6%
      Source: The Sonoma, CA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).