Sonoma, California
What It Is Like to Retire in Sonoma
Sonoma is the center of the California's wine industry, situated as it is between Napa and Santa Rosa. It has historic town plaza, a remnant of when Sonoma was the capital of the short-lived California Republic. Surprisingly for a town of only about 10,000 people, Sonoma is a cultural powerhouse. It is home to the new $145 million dollar Donald and Maureen Green Music Center at Sonoma State University. The Center contains a recital hall, rehearsal rooms, and studios. It is the new home of the nearby Santa Rosa Symphony Orchestra. The nationally recognized Sonoma International Film Festival also plays here.
Correction - the previous entry (not mine) places the Green Music Center of Sonoma State in the town of Sonoma. It is actually located in Cotati, CA, about 20 miles from Sonoma but well worth the trip to hear performances in a truly world-class hall.
Where to Retire in Sonoma and Home Prices
There are active adult communities in Sonoma and the Napa Valley (see our California Active Community Directory). The median price of a home in Sonoma was $953,828 in late 2021, according to Zillow.
What Is Special about Sonoma
Sonoma has a college and one of the most elaborate performing arts centers in the U.S., let alone in a town of 10,000 people. Its location here in the heart of wine country with all the good restaurants, food, and beautiful scenery makes Sonoma special indeed. Sonoma University is also a big plus. These are not in the town of Sonoma but in Cotati and Rohnert Park. The county of Sonoma is very large and many authors confuse the county and the city.
What Is Not Special about Sonoma
Real estate is expensive and so is living in such a nice part of California.
Who Will Like Retirement in Sonoma
People who like the idea of living in wine country, and who enjoy biking and outdoor activities. Thanks to the new Green Music Center it is also for folks who enjoy fine music.
Local Economy Is Driven by
Construction and tourism
Climate and Physical Environment
Sonoma is northeast of San Francisco in northern California between Napa and Santa Rosa. The average January temp is in the high 40s and the average July temperature about 70.
Restaurants & Cultural Scene
Restaurants in Sonoma and this region are top notch. The new $145 million dollar Donald and Maureen Green Music Center at Sonoma State University contains the fabulous Weill recital hall, rehearsal rooms, and studios – is dominated by the 1,400 seat Weill Concert Hall. The complex is now also the home of the nearby Santa Rosa Symphony Orchestra, and the San Francisco Symphony has a full playing schedule here as well.
Crime
The crime rate is about 2/3 the national average.
Medical facilities
Sonoma Valley Hospital serves the city.
Transportation
Sonoma Valley Airport; Amtrak is 10 miles away in Napa.
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