Santa Rosa (San Francisco, Sonoma, Nice: best cities, real estate, crime)

[SK85]

Will someone please let me know the positives and negatives of living in Santa Rosa, CA? Thank you.

[skytrekker]

Since no one would reply

old me will since I have spent time there.

I think SR is one of the best places to live in California; Nice medium sized city, nice downtown and shopping. People are pretty friendly; weather is nice most of the year (winters can bring lots of rain, fog and some cool weather)
Lots to do recreation wise (camping in the Russian river area, the sea coast is not far, Wineries,)

An hour or so to San Francisco.

Some negatives; traffic has become troublesome; housing is way higher then what most people can afford; some gangs are moving in; a few seedy areas; a generally high cost of living.

Very pretty area-

[SK85]

Thanks for the reply Skytrekker!!

[smiles]

I guess I have a little bias, since I was born and raised in Santa Rosa. But I think Santa Rosa is way past its prime. There are many gangs and homeless (who are very bold) in the area. Traffic is a nightmare. Not just Hwy 101, but the surface streets are very clogged. Old country roads are now speedways for those in a hurry to get where-ever. The cost of housing is an outrage. I have owned homes in the area, but I have cashed out and will not buy here again. Santa Rosa does have some very nice areas to live, if you have the funds.

Santa Rosa was once a very nice town, where you felt safe going downtown or to the mall. I don't think I could go somewhere without knowing at least one other person there. I always felt safe. Now there are areas where I will not go in the day, or even think about at night.

I guess a persons feelings about Santa Rosa depend on where they are coming from. Friends from SO CA think the area is great and this is nothing compared to where they once lived. For me, after almost 40 years here and now having children of my own, I will leave this town and my family to find a place where I feel safe again.

[calif]

Santa Rosa is just too big now. Like someone said above the traffic is out of control. 101 is congested and sometimes just to get across town takes 1/2 hour or more. Housing prices have dipped a bit but were way too expensive last year. Gangs are really a problem as well. The homeless? Well, they stand there with their hands out but I haven't had any real issues with them. The schools have a lot of English as a second language learners...

Shopping is good though. Has some nice parks for kids and adults to hike etc.

[ShanMar]

Santa Rosa has good weather - not too hot or too cold. The traffic can be bad - you learn where and when to drive places. There is currently a lot of real estate available, and prices have come down, but it can still be expensive. Wine/food culture is big in the area - great restaurants. Politically, Sonoma County generally votes Democrat. Neighborhoods vary as in any city - depends what you're looking for. There is a great community college - Santa Rosa JC, a strong Recreation Department, and some good school districts. There are always community events happening in the area, and music from rock to SR symphony. There is crime and gang stuff but maybe no more than any city of 150K people. Some people love it here, others would like to leave...Isn't this typical for an area? What else would you like to know?

[seabass86]

i was an exchange student in santa rosa for over a year and i can say that it is one of the best cities to live as i had many friends staying for a year in other areas in CA. you are close to SF, close to the coast. Safe neighbourhoods and you feel save, also at night if you are outside alone. the gang story is true, but mostly they are fighting each other. lot of coulture downtown with the 6th street playhouse.

best

seb

[ImRandy]

On the upside you have the Russian River Brewing Company which is something I've always been jealous of Santa Rosa for. One brewery isn't a reason to move but sometimes it feels like it is.