9 Ways Sonoma County Can Offer a Lifestyle You Enjoy

Heather Thurber is an experienced realtor in Sonoma County and a member of the California.com Recommended Business Program, which highlights only the best businesses in the Golden State.  To be featured, each business must be highly regarded, have a unique California story, and make a positive impact in their community.

Have you been dreaming of a lifestyle that is very different from where you are now? Wonder if a new direction might bring you more fulfillment?

When your lifestyle fits who and where you are in life, you’d finally be able to dive into the wonders of the world and be the person that you are meant to be. When you come home at the end of your day, you should feel at peace and well supported. That could mean living in a home with no outdoor maintenance so you can spend time enjoying hobbies and social gatherings; it may also mean having a large property so you can dig your hands in the earth, nurture vegetables, and raise animals. It may sometimes mean buying a rental property and becoming a property manager for the first time.

Whatever lifestyle is the best fit for you, you can discover your path and attain the home which makes your life richer and more settled so that you can be happy, healthy, and satisfied throughout your future in Sonoma County.

1. Low Maintenance Lifestyle

Do you love a beautiful setting for your home but don’t love the work that can come with it? There are many communities in Sonoma County where you can find real estate with a wonderful, low-maintenance lifestyle. Some properties include community recreation centers, pools, resident activities, and more. Other properties guarantee to handle all exterior building maintenance (i.e. siding, roof, etc.), and some even deal with all common area maintenance. Condominiums and Townhomes are great options if you are downsizing or a first-time homebuyer.

If you are looking for low maintenance but love the idea of a separate (detached) home, there are many communities in Sonoma County that could be a good fit, such as Oakmont in Santa Rosa and Del Webb in Cloverdale. With many options available, you are sure to find a low-maintenance lifestyle that is right for you.

2. Urban & Downtown

Imagine walking out your front door, strolling for a few blocks, and entering one of your favorite restaurants for a wonderful meal, or riding your bike to one of Sonoma County’s top breweries for a cold one and some snacks. Sonoma County real estate is packed with large and small towns that feature vibrant downtown areas with homes close by for you to really immerse yourself in an urban experience. An immersive shopping experience is always a few blocks away!

3. Family-Centered Fun

If the quality of your child’s education and outdoor fun is of high importance to you, Sonoma County has a huge variety of amazing public, private and charter schools. From Waldorf to Religious, you are likely to find a great fit for your family.

Do you imagine days spent helping with art projects and playdates? If so, your life is family-centered and it’s important to you to be in a place where you are close to everything you need to raise your little ones. Sonoma County has a plethora of areas with amazing school districts, close to grocery stores, car washes, parks, and whatever else your family may need.

4. Country Property

A cup of coffee on your deck and some peace, surrounded by hills, vineyards, and potentially animals. Fog is blanketing the area in a hazy softness that makes you feel safe. If you dream of this, then a country property may be right for you. With space to garden, craft, putter and spread out, there are a lot of real estate options in the rural parts of Sonoma County. And the best part? They are often close enough to town to make your life as efficient as possible.

5. Hobby Farm & Homesteading

Pull your boots on and your warm jacket, and you head outside to take care of your farm. Feed the chickens, rabbits, or even the goats. Spread fresh hay and water, and gather eggs. Head back inside for breakfast with a smile on your face. Then it’s outside again to work on your vegetable garden, vineyard, or time in your greenhouse with the seedlings. Pack up some eggs or veggies to sell at the farmer's market or drop them off for your neighbors. Feel connected to the earth and know that you are helping to make the world a better place by your relationship with your land. Sonoma County has the property for you!

6. Conservation Property

Take a look around the county and what do you see? Do you worry that someday you will not be able to look out and see our undeveloped hillsides? That every view and vista will be covered by homes or vineyards (as beautiful as vines may be). Do you want to play a part in protecting and conserving the natural areas of Sonoma County? There are many properties throughout the county that provide vital natural resources, wildlife habitat, ranching, and recreation. You can play a part in preserving the beauty and vitality of Sonoma County by finding the right real estate and protecting your property for future generations.

7. Horse Property

If horses are your muse, we have a suggestion: dressage, cross country, showjumping, reining, hunt seat riding, or cutting and penning, whatever your focus may be, there is a property for you. Your paddock stall can be full of magnificent horses! Whether for personal care or profit boarding, your needs can be met with Sonoma County real estate that can be home for you and your horses.

8. Vineyard

From Hobby Vineyards to large vineyard acreage, there are properties to fit your lifestyle. Factors such as specific soil types, Appalachians, and adequate water supply are of utmost importance when choosing a location for your vineyard.  Are you interested in planting new vines or purchasing an established vineyard?  Will you be managing and maintaining the vineyard yourself or outsourcing? These are some of the many factors that need to be carefully considered when looking for vineyard property. Sonoma County is the perfect place for you if you are looking to put down your grape-growing roots.

9. Income Property

Have you always dreamed of being a rental owner but have no idea where to start?  Purchasing properties is an amazing way to build passive income. Investment properties include residential rentals (single & multiple units), office or warehouse space, and fix & flip homes. Each opportunity provides benefits and challenges and will suit different people depending on your needs, time, and money available.

• Residential Rentals
• Multi-family Rentals (duplex, multi-plex, apartment buildings)
• Offices
• Medical offices
• Retail
• Storage
• Production facilities
• Warehouses