Moving to Santa Rosa? Here’s What to Expect

Santa Rosa, California, may be best known as a wine lover’s paradise, but this city offers far more than sprawling vineyards and scenic views.

With a population of about 175,845, Santa Rosa has become home to many people who value outdoor recreational opportunities and an environment where families can thrive.

But what’s it really like to live here?
What should you expect when moving to Santa Rosa?

From an ecosystem supportive of small businesses to the troubles of limited public transit options, let’s cover all the essential things you should expect upon your relocation to Santa Rosa.

Thriving Economy with Job Opportunities

The acres of rolling vineyards certainly contribute significantly to Santa Rosa’s economy, but it’s driven by more than just wine.

Santa Rosa has a diverse economic base, with healthcare, manufacturing, retail, construction, and tourism leading the charge.

Major employers, including Kaiser Permanente, Keysight Technologies, and Medtronic, provide steady career opportunities for about 66% of the population.

● Median Household Income: $92,604
● Unemployment Rate: 3.8%
● Poverty Rate: 10%

As of 2024, Santa Rosa’s unemployment rate is lower than the national average, reflecting a strong job market. Moreover, supportive programs and a steady influx of tourism dollars aid business growth for entrepreneurs.

Cost of Living: Higher, But Worth It?

Moving to Santa Rosa doesn’t exactly come with a cost-saving memo.

Like much of California, Santa Rosa has steep costs, especially regarding energy and housing (home insurance is high here as well due to risks of wildfire, but more on that later).

At a cost 39% higher than the national average, you will need to command a top-dollar income to afford a decent and comfortable life here.

● Average House Rent: $2,275
● Median Home Value: $740,000

However, it’s not all bad news! Monthly expenses like healthcare cost less than the national average, while services and transportation are not too far off the national average.

So, you may pay higher than average but not a premium when you book any Santa Rosa local moving company service to handle your relocation needs.

Note:
For those who value quality over affordability, Santa Rosa strikes a delicate balance. If you work remotely, consider exploring neighborhoods like Rincon Valley or Bennett Valley for a mix of affordability and serenity.

Top-Tier Education

If you want to ensure your child’s proper education, living in Santa Rosa is a good choice.

The city is home to 50 public schools, overseen by 8 school districts, with thousands of students enrolled. Sadly, the challenge with these many school districts is that the quality of education varies.

For instance, while the Bennett Valley Union Elementary School District has a school quality rating better than 83% of all U.S. school districts, Bellevue Union School District rates better than only 14% in the country.

So, before you enroll your kid, you might want to conduct further research on the school district and the quality of education they offer.

Some of the top schools in Santa Rosa include:

● Santa Rosa Accelerated Charter School
● Austin Creek Elementary
● Santa Rosa French-American Charter
● Maria Carrillo High
● Hidden Valley Elementary

Note:
Higher education options include Santa Rosa Junior College (SRJC), one of California’s top community colleges. SRJC has transfer agreements with major universities like UC Berkeley, making it a stepping stone for ambitious students.

A Paradise for Outdoor Enthusiasts

Santa Rosa’s outdoor scene is nothing short of spectacular.

● Start with Annadel State Park, where you can hike, mountain bike, or fish.

● But if you prefer water activities, Spring Lake Regional Park is there for you. It features kayaking and paddleboarding activities — you can even take a swim in the lagoon there.

● Explore Santa Rosa attractions like the historic Luther Burbank Home and Gardens for a quieter afternoon. This is one way to honor the city’s horticultural heritage.

● As for peanuts fans, the Charles M. Schulz Museum is a heartwarming stop dedicated to the beloved cartoonist who called Santa Rosa home.

Enough outdoor activities for you?

Climate and Wildfire Preparedness
Santa Rosa’s Mediterranean climate means dry, sunny summers and cool, wet winters.

Average summer highs can reach temperatures of 87°F, while winter lows rarely dip below 34°F.

Here’s the average seasonal temperature in Santa Rosa:

Winter — 48°F
Fall — 58°F
Spring — 56°F
Summer — 65°F

Another thing you must know when moving to Santa Rosa is wildfire risks are a reality here. In recent years, the city has faced devastating fires, prompting major strides in preparedness.

The months of August and September carry more risk due to the dry weather. However, Santa Rosa has invested in expanded evacuation routes, fire-resistant infrastructure, and public education campaigns.

Note:
If you are moving here, consider creating a wildfire action plan and familiarizing yourself with the city’s resources, such as the Sonoma County Fire Safe Council.

Transportation and Traffic

Navigating Santa Rosa is relatively straightforward compared to larger California cities.

Highway 101 is the city’s main artery, but you should expect some congestion during rush hours.

Beyond that, the average commute time in Santa Rosa is 28 minutes, 4 minutes less than the U.S. average. However, if you do not own a car, this might be the time to reconsider.

Santa Rosa CityBus provides reliable routes across town, while SMART (Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit) connects residents to nearby cities like San Rafael.

However, these bus and train systems are not reliable in covering many areas, and the city is also not walkable.

Crime and Safety

On the safety front, Santa Rosa is safer than most other California cities and even many parts of the country.

The crime rate is generally lower than the national average, and property crimes being the most common.

In Santa Rosa, there is a 1 in 70 chance of falling victim to a property crime and a 1 in 292 chance of that happening with violent crime.

Moving to Santa Rosa neighborhoods like Oakmont Village and Bennett Valley means fewer crime incidents than in most other parts of the city.

Note: these neighborhoods are also particularly family-friendly.

A Rich Culture

Santa Rosa’s culture is as dynamic as its landscape.

The city hosts annual events like the Sonoma County Fair and Ironman Santa Rosa, which attract visitors and participants from all over the world.

Food lovers aren’t left out either!

You’ll find great comfort in the city’s thriving farm-to-table scene. Restaurants like The Spinster Sisters and Bird & The Bottle pair seasonal ingredients with bold flavors.

Even though wine is a culture here in Santa Rosa, craft beer fans are not forgotten. Russian River Brewing Company is a must-visit spot, famous for its Pliny the Elder IPA.

Endnote: Into Santa Rosa’s Lifestyle

Moving to Santa Rosa will likely come with increased expenses, depending on where you move from. However, the quality of life can only be matched by a few cities within the same price range.

From its booming job market to outdoor adventures, this city has plenty to offer new residents. Sure, the cost of living and wildfire risks require thoughtful planning, but the laid-back lifestyle makes it a rewarding place to call home.

So, when are you coming over for a visit?