Santa Rosa : California

Santa Rosa, a town of 170,000, is the County Seat of Sonoma County.  That location puts it solidly in California's wine country and makes it a popular retirement community for baby boomers who enjoy wine and good food. The area is hilly with several nearby state parks. Outdoor activities and a slower lifestyle are also available here in plentiful supply.  Santa Rosa is the largest city in California's wine country. Nearby towns include Sonoma, Healdsburg, and Napa. The city is actively engaged in economic development centered around wine, food, tourism, and making the center of Santa Rosa an attractive and engaging community - they seem to be succeeding.  Restaurants and other retail stores occupy several historic buildings in Santa Rosa's Railroad Square district in the downtown area, including these along Fourth Street. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia and Anlace in the public domain; photo of The Hotel La Rose, built in 1907, is a functioning historic hotel in downtown Santa Rosa, courtesy of Wikipedia and Wulfnoth (public domain).

There are several active adult communities in the area, including at least one very large one (see "More Communities" at left). There is even a new 55+  development for the LGBT community. Median home prices in Santa Rosa have been climbing steadily in the last few years. Zillow reports the median home value to be $665,420 in mid-2021.

Railroad Square makes for a great downtown. Great restaurants and wine country make it an interesting place to live. Many historic neighborhoods. Annadel State Park, on the eastern edge of Santa Rosa, offers miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and trail riding. Armstrong Woods and Austin Creek State Parks are just some of the parks close by Santa Rosa.  There is a college, a junior college, and an extension of the University of San Francisco in Santa Rosa.

Sonoma Valley is somewhat arid and very hilly.  The average January low temp is in the high 30s and the average daily high in July is in the low 80s. Winters are wet and summers very dry. The climate is great for grapes, which means it is good for people too. There was a magnitude 5.6 earthquake in 2007. The elevation of the town is only 160' but nearby hills climb a few thousand feet.

Thanks to the tourist towns near Santa Rosa, there is always something to do. Food and wine are big cultural entertainment here as well. There is a Santa Rosa Symphony, a Performing Arts Center, and many other cultural venues. The bright lights of San Francisco are a short drive away. Local colleges also provide culture to the community.