Sonoma County is more than just vineyards and weekend wine tours, it’s a rich tapestry of towns and communities, each with its own heartbeat. There’s a place for every kind of lifestyle. If you’re considering a move or investment, how do you choose between the top places to live in Sonoma County?
Let’s break down what makes each town unique, from the lifestyle they offer to the real estate metrics that might sway your decision.
1. Healdsburg
Healdsburg is one of the top places to live in Sonoma, and it’s not an exaggeration. It is a foodie haven with a strong sense of community. Its charming town plaza, boutique hotels, and Michelin-starred restaurants make it feel like a well-kept secret, except it’s not a secret anymore. It’s the most expensive of the cities in this guide, but as you’ll see from all it offers below, if you can afford it, homeowners in Healdsburg love it and rarely leave once moving here. Check out the City Of Healdsburg Website.
Healdsburg Real Estate Metrics As of April 2025
- Median Home Price: The Median Sold Price of $1,582,500 indicates that the market is catering to higher-end properties. This is due to the desirability of the area, the quality of homes available, or other market factors.
- Inventory: The real estate market is currently experiencing a healthy balance between supply and demand, as indicated by the monthly supply of Inventory at 5.2.
- Days on Market: Despite this increase in inventory, homes are still selling relatively quickly, with a median of 44 days on the market.
Lifestyle Affinities
Ideal for retirees, second-home buyers, and remote professionals who want the best of Napa vibes without crossing county lines. Think wine tastings on Wednesdays and farmers markets that feel like social events.
If you are planning your next visit to Healdsburg or moving in, here are the top 10 wineries you must try and the top 10 best restaurants here.
For people who want to spend their retirement years in a peaceful, cozy environment, Healdsburg should be at the top of your list. This beautiful city offers a perfect mix of peace, culture, the great outdoors, wine country, and convenience. Check out the top reasons to consider retiring in Healdsburg, CA.
2. Windsor
A suburban sweet spot with excellent schools, newer developments, and a growing town green that hosts events almost every weekend. Windsor is where young families are putting down roots. Check out the City Of Windsor Website.
Windsor Real Estate Metrics
- Median Home Price: With a median sold price of $808,000, buyers can expect to pay a premium for homes in this market. However, the high demand and quick turnover of properties suggest that sellers may have the upper hand in negotiations.
- Supply Inventory: The real estate market is currently experiencing a low 1.44 monthly supply of inventory, indicating a high demand for homes in the area.
- Days on Market: The median days homes are on the market is only 30 days, showing that properties are selling quickly in this market.
If you want to move to Windsor, check out our Windsor neighborhood guide to choose the best neighborhood in Windsor for you.
Lifestyle Affinities
Windsor is considered a top place to live in Sonoma for its popularity with families and first-time homebuyers. It offers that “safe and structured” feel with playgrounds, parks, and soccer fields, but is still close enough to wine country for weekend adventures.
- Local Spas: If you are a Spa lover like we are, check out the John & Ash Vi La Vita Spa in Emily’s Top Luxury Spas in Sonoma Guide on The JetSetting Fashionista.
- Pizza Lovers: Windsor is one of the best cities to eat pizza. For example, PizzahLeah is the adored pizza from Chef Leah Scruto that all the locals love. It’s a must-try if you want to live in Windsor, or if you happen to cross by its road. Take a look at this list of the best Pizza in Windsor, Healdsburg, and Geyserville here.
3. Santa Rosa
Consider the biggest city in Sonoma County, Santa Rosa, is a must in the top places to live in Sonoma. It blends urban convenience with nature escapes. It’s diverse, dynamic, and home to everything from craft breweries and startup hubs to art galleries and hiking trails. Check out the City Of Santa Rosa Website.
Sant Rosa Real Estate Metrics
- Median Home Price: The median sold price for homes is $790,000, which is a strong indicator of the overall health and stability of the real estate market in this area.
- Days on Market: Homes are selling relatively quickly, with a median of 32 days on the market. This suggests that there is strong buyer interest and competition for available properties.
Lifestyle Affinities
Great for professionals, singles, and families who want access to jobs, nightlife, and culture without the pace of San Francisco. The city has distinct neighborhoods, from historic Railroad Square to the upscale Fountaingrove area. Check out the best neighborhoods to live in Santa Rosa, comparing home prices and amenities per neighborhood.
- Annadel State Park: A haven for hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians, this park boasts over 40 miles of trails. Pack a picnic and enjoy a day immersed in nature.
- Rincon Valley Community Park: Enjoy sports fields, walking paths, and a large playground for the kids. The park also hosts community events like outdoor movie nights.
4. Forestville
Low-key, forested, and wonderfully weird—in the best way. Forestville is a lesser-known corner of Sonoma County that offers access to the Russian River and plenty of redwood shade. Check out the City of Forestville website.
Forestville Real Estate Metrics
- Median Active List Price: The median active listing price for homes is $699,000.
- Median Home Price: The median estimated value is $641,000.
- Active listings: As of April 2025, there are 17 active properties listed and 5 pending.
- Days on Market: The active days on the market are 40 days.
Lifestyle Affinities
No question why it is a top place to live in Sonoma with its home prices, but that is not the only thing. Attracts artists, nature lovers, and those looking to unplug without being completely off the grid. A place where neighbors know each other, and you’re likely to stumble upon a yoga studio tucked behind a coffee shop. Forestville is a special place for wine lovers, so don’t miss the chance to visit the best wineries in this city.
5. Geyserville
Quiet, rural, and steeped in old-world charm. Geyserville is tiny but picturesque, with tasting rooms and inns that feel more European than Californian.
Geyserville Real Estate Metrics
- Median Active Listing Price: As of April 2025, the average price of active listing homes is $2,219,000.
- Median Home Price: $ 817,880
- Active listings: As of April 2025, there are 9 active properties listed and 2 pending.
- Days on Market: The active days on the market are 46 days.
Lifestyle Affinities
Best suited for those craving solitude or a high-end second home. It’s a stronghold for vineyard owners, creatives, and the ultra-private set. A hidden escape where the stars are visible at night. Take a look at the top 10 Geyserville wineries you must visit.
6. Sebastopol
If Berkeley and a farm had a baby, it would be Sebastopol. Known for its progressive values, artistic soul, and sustainability ethos, it’s a magnet for creatives and families alike. See the City of Sebastopol’s Website here.
Sebastopol Real Estate Metrics
- Median Home Price: The Median Sold Price of $1,100,000 reflects the current market value of homes in the area. This price point suggests a higher-end market with luxury properties.
- Active listings: there are 24 active properties listed and 14 pending.
- Days on Market: The Median Days Homes are On the Market is 52 days, which is relatively low compared to historical averages.
Lifestyle Affinities
Appeals to those passionate about organic living, local food movements, and expressive art. You’ll find everything from backyard chickens to kombucha on tap. Ideal for entrepreneurs, makers, and dreamers. Check out the Full Dining Guide for the Best Restaurants in Sebastapol Here.
7. Petaluma
Vibe: A perfect blend of past and future. Petaluma offers a beautifully preserved downtown with iron-front buildings and a riverfront scene that’s quickly becoming a hotspot for food, culture, and commerce.
Petaluma Real Estate Metrics
- Median Home Price: The Median Sold Price of $1,050,000 reflects the overall pricing trends in the market. With high demand and limited inventory, prices are likely to remain strong, benefiting sellers in the current market conditions.
- Active listings: there are 63 active properties listed and 48 pending.
- Days on Market: The Median Days Homes are On the Market is 28 days, indicating that homes are selling relatively quickly in this market.
Lifestyle Affinities
Great for commuters, young professionals, and families who want walkability, charm, and community events year-round. Petaluma is rapidly modernizing but still maintains a small-town soul. Consider yourself a foodie? Check out the best restaurant you should experience in Petaluma, with options like Seared for beef and seafood lovers, or Lunchette for vegan and gluten-free options.
Final Thoughts: Which Town Fits You Best?
Choosing where to live in Sonoma County comes down to your priorities. Want luxury and vineyards? Healdsburg or Geyserville could be your scene. Prefer walkability and an artful, community-first vibe? Sebastopol might be calling your name. Need something affordable, accessible, and family-oriented? Windsor and Santa Rosa are worth serious consideration.
And for those in-between moments, when you’re dreaming of a river swim, a farmer’s market stroll, or a glass of wine under the stars, just know that no matter where you land in Sonoma County, you’re already in a good place.