Northern CA. Green with trees (San Bernardino, Santa Rosa: rent, health insurance, loan)

[wannabecooler]

I'm interested in moving to a cooler area (out of 100+ heat) and have considered the San Bernardino Mountains or Grapevine area. But I'm also considering Northern CA.
Does anyone know anything about the area north of Santa Rosa? I need a place where rent is cheap and do not mind doing without amenities, although within an hour of Santa Rosa would be nice because there is a Kaiser Clinic there, which is who my health insurance is through.
Any comments are appreciated.

[humboldtrat]

There are many places near Santa Rosa to consider. Check out Geyserville, Cloverdale or the area along the Russian River. The are is cool from being close to the coast with some wind and fog. And the area is also very green with redwood forests such as along the Russian River. There are also many vinyards in this area.

[wannabecooler]

Thank-you very much for the suggestions. Does anyone know what the rent is like in the area? Say for a 2 bedroom apt. or house?

[italiangirl]

About $1000 to $1500 depending on what you're looking for. People can't afford to buy ( can't get a loan) now so a lot of people are renting.

[sav858]

Ukiah is a really nice small town an hour north of Santa Rosa. Lots of vineyards and there is a local lake. It's nice and scenic and there are lots of forests nearby, the Redwood forests are great and the coast is about an hour away.

One thing is that whole area from Santa Rosa north can get hot at times in summer. Cloverdale, Ukiah, Santa Rosa, ect.. will have some days in the 100's and many in the 90's. It's cooler overall but summer is still summer there. It always cools off at night though.