Santa Rosa CA is this a good city to live in?

[Dean Trails]

Originally Posted by marn8r

I totally agree with you, CMKM-Miller. I grew up here as well, and Santa Rosa has changed in the 40 years that I've lived here. There are too many people, too many houses, too many cars. The gang problem only continues to get worse, even something as simple as going to the downtown mall isn't safe. The public school system is horrible, not to mention drug problems within the schools. Yes, there are areas of SR that are beautiful, the vineyards are breathtaking in the fall, it's great being close to the ocean, and only a few hours from the snow or Yosemite, but within the next 5 years, my husband and I are "outta here!" People who love it here, can have it!!

And don't forget the Meth!

[GSXRScott]

Unfortunately marn8r and CMKM are right. There needs to be something done about the huge influx of illegal aliens and it needs to be done ASAP!!!! They're ruining our education system and our quality of life to some degree. I realize our nations finances are Obama's first order of business and second should probably be health care reform but third should be securing our borders. I'm not singling out Mexican immigrants here either. All people entering and setting up residence in this country should: 1) not be allowed to enter if they have a criminal record 2) meet minimum basic education requirements (reading, writing, math) 3)................anyone else care to add

[greeneggs]

Yeah

[bipolarpunk]

I do agree with those that have posted here.. I currently live in Calistoga and Santa Rosa and Sonoma County is more diverse than Napa County, but I do see that there seems to be, like most of California, a HUGE number of non-English speaking Illegal Aliens and more "tagging" around Santa Rosa..

I'm originally from the Central Valley (the Modesto and Merced Areas) and have seen first hand what happens when there is a massive influx AND when Gangs and drugs get out of hand.. It ain't a pretty picture! It is sad though because Santa Rosa is a beautiful city with alot of potential!!

[eureka1]

If you can afford it, go for Healdsburg. Ten minutes up the road and (to me) the ideal small town.

[cassidy2]

[I lived in Santa Rosa for three years; hence, the worst three years of my life. The people are dull, weird and seem to have serious personality disorders. Not kidding. Professional by day, child molestor by night. Very weird vibe.

quote=Dean Trails;7912151]And don't forget the Meth! [/quote]

[heartfocus]

I lived there for a brief time and I heard sirens all day and all night, especially on the weekends. I have no idea what that is about, as other places I've lived I never encountered this. Maybe it has to do with the gang-bangers, I don't know.

The police in SR have a bad reputation because they shot some mentally ill guys. They also have a reputation for some other unethical things (I don't know the details).

Santa Rosa has a nice hispanic population who have their own supermarkets and they really seem to be nice and polite and friendly, more than in large urban areas. They sell their vegetables from little carts on the corners and I really liked that.

However, if you are on any kind of public assistance or benefits, you will not be met positively in Santa Rosa. The government offices there hate white people on benefits.

There is also a problem with getting medical care. They are known as a rural county, so Medicare doesn't pay enough for the doctors. However, I just went to Urgent Care places and got treated really well. Stay away from all county clinics; there is backward discrimination there...they like the hispanics, but again, they hate white people on benefits.

[heartfocus]

Originally Posted by eureka1

If you can afford it, go for Healdsburg. Ten minutes up the road and (to me) the ideal small town.

Stay away from the county medical clinic in Healdsburg! Also, this town can be very clique-y.

[Shamrock47]

I think you'd like Santa Rosa. This is just my opinion but I am not from the area originally so I am not as knowlegable as others on this site. True there's been an increase in gang activity over the years but honestly it's milder compared to other places in CA. The city is quite a bit smaller than San Francisco so getting around won't be as hectic as life would be if you were back home. Plus renting a nice place to live will be a heck of a lot cheaper then renting down in the city. I've never experienced any problems walking downtown at night however I am from a big city so perhaps I have a different preception than others? If you want a really nice part of the city to live in then might I suggest you look around the area between Mission Blvd and Calastoga Rd. along the Hwy 12 corrider. Nice houses and appartment buildings and the area is considered upscale and very safe. I love it there & it's close to wine country and easy access to shopping and hwy 101.

[sigep739]

Seriously... there are no issues with Santa Rosa AT ALL out of the ordinary. I've lived in the area as well as Sacramento - and any crime problems are a lot more evident in Sac. Santa Rosa is a great place and I am shocked to see people bad mouth it...

Maybe the people are dull though