11 Reasons to Move to Santa Rosa

Nestled among the vineyards and rolling hills of Sonoma County, Santa Rosa has grown from being a ranch land to a thriving city. Its gorgeous scenery, the abundance of attractions, and the rich housing market have drawn the attention of homeowners. The city also owes much of its popularity to its reposeful atmosphere and the easy-going Sonoma County lifestyle. It comes as no surprise that the city's population has grown to over 500,000 and there are plenty of reasons why moving to Santa Rosa is definitely worth considering.

1. A Strategic Location

Located about 55 miles north of San Francisco, Santa Rosa is an inland city from California’s coast. It borders Rohnert Park to the south as well as Windsor to its north. Much of the city sits on the flatland of the Santa Rosa Plain. As a part of Sonoma County and the North Bay region, Santa Rosa is a short distance away from both the ocean and the mountains. This means you can enjoy a hike in nature before heading to the beach all in a matter of hours. And let’s not forget the easy access to public transportation — such as the Santa Rosa CityBus — as well as a network of bike trails. 

2. The Russian River

Winding its way through the stunning greenery of Sonoma County, the Russian River is another marvelous gem close to Santa Rosa. It is a hotspot for those who enjoy outdoor activities like paddling, swimming, and riverside hiking. The waterway is nestled between lush trees and meanders all the way to the Pacific. The Russian River provides an ideal setting for reconnecting with nature — and another reason to move to this city.

3. Excellent Weather, duh

The Golden State is often synonymous with warm and sunny weather throughout the year. Being a part of northern California, however, the temperature in Santa Rosa tends to be relatively cooler. However, the city generally has a moderate climate with temperatures hovering around 80 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer and lows of 34 degrees in the winter. You can expect to whip out your umbrella around 70 times a year. And if you happen to be moving from a colder area, you won’t need to bring along your snow shovel because Santa Rosa experiences frost infrequently; the best of both worlds. 

4. Charles M. Schultz 

If you’re a fan of Snoopy from Peanuts, the fact that the artist behind him hails from Santa Rosa might also be a swaying factor. Charles M Schultz, a renowned American cartoonist, lived most of his career in Santa Rosa. You can visit the Charles M. Schultz Museum and Research Center for a colorful and nostalgia-filled journey through his work and life or take a spin around Snoopy’s Ice Rink. But perhaps the biggest asset to the city is the Santa Rosa airport in his namesake. Sitting in the heart of Wine Country, the Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport offers flights to Los Angeles, Orange County, Palm Springs, San Diego, Burbank, and more. 

Fun Fact: The last original Peanuts comic strip was published a day after Schulz passed away at his home in Santa Rosa, in 2000.

5. Vineyard Views for Days

With being situated in Sonoma County, it goes without saying that there’s no shortage of vineyard vistas in Santa Rosa. Vineyard tours, bike rides, and picnics can be a thing of your future. What’s even better is that you can hop in a hot air balloon and admire the gorgeous scenery from above. And for those who prefer to remain on the ground, the majestic views of vineyards — some of which are over a century old — are no less ample.

6. Santa Rosa’s Biodiversity

Santa Rosa doesn’t fall short on biodiversity. The Laguna de Santa Rosa watershed, in particular, is home to various communities of plants and animals. The watershed spans 254 square miles and makes up most of the Santa Rosa Plain. Besides the main channel, the ecosystem boasts over 30,000 acres of nature consisting of marshes, creeks, riparian forests, oak woodlands, and more. You’ll also find a variety of wildlife including hummingbirds, bald eagles, badgers, river otters, and bobcats. This also makes the area a great place to photograph wildlife as well as simply be closer to nature.

7. Gastronomic Destinations to Boot

Lovely restaurants appear abundantly in the city of Santa Rosa, making it a great place to live for those who appreciate good food. You’ll find diverse cuisines such as El Coqui, serving Puerto Rican delicacies, and Bird & The Bottle, a diner that offers a mouthwatering mix of Southern and Asian dishes. And if you’re looking to start your day with a fresh dose of nutrients, Omelette Express is your go-to breakfast joint. 

9. Awesome Hiking Trails

Santa Rosa has a special treat in store for outdoor enthusiasts. The area, including its bordering locations, boasts a whopping 55 scenic trails for hiking, biking, and other activities. This means you’ll have a different trail to explore each weekend for a whole year — plus a couple more. It also goes without saying that each hike is more gorgeous than the other. The Creekside Trail to Big Leaf Trail Loop, for instance, offers gorgeous views and features rich biodiversity. 

8. A Quality Education for All

You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to the schools and colleges Santa Rosa has to offer. Providing top-notch education, Santa Rosa Junior College is a fantastic option. Other institutions in and around the city include Mark West Charter School, Maria Carillo High, and Austin Creek Elementary — all of which boast high ratings. For those pursuing higher education, Sonoma State University is the go to winner in the area. And let’s not forget Empire College, which offers degrees in law.

10. Wonderful People a Smile Away

The people in Santa Rosa are known for being very friendly. Statistics show that a good portion of the population is highly educated, so you’re sure to have a neighbor who’s both outgoing and knowledgeable. Famous people to come out of this vibrant city include celebrity chef Guy Fieri, Nirvana drummer Chad Channing, and — as mentioned above — comic book artist Charles M. Schulz. 

11. Local Businesses to Love

With its fair share of local businesses, Santa Rosa is a gift that keeps on giving. Railroad Square, for instance, offers a unique shopping experience in a vintage setting. You’ll find the same old-world charm in the city’s Monroe District, another neighborhood boasting a variety of local shops and restaurants. Although not exclusively local, Falling Prices Santa Rosa is an outlet that sells just about anything you might possibly be looking for — from pet supplies to small furniture. 

Everything from lovely weather to charming scenery makes this adorable city in Sonoma County an ideal place to move to. Whether you’re a young professional looking for somewhere exciting to develop your career or a retiree seeking a permanent retreat, Santa Rosa is the place to be. And besides, living in Sonoma County certainly has its perks.