Affordable Housing in Petaluma? (Sonoma: renting, houses, neighborhood)

[dtlib]

I am exploring the possibility of work in Petaluma. The work would be in the public sector so the salary would be below the average.

Although the median house price for Petaluma is over $600,000 and one hears how expensive Sonoma county is, REALTOR.com currently lists 62 properties under $400,000. I'm guessing that location/neighborhood is a factor in the below average prices? Is there really a "bad" part of town in Petaluma?

We aren't too picky about a house. As long as it has a roof and running water. We are just tired of renting.

Anyone with experience in "low-end" housing in Petaluma?

[GreenGirl]

The "bad" part of Petaluma is the Southwest part of town. It's not really that bad, just older than all the new subdivisions in the Northeast, and cheaper than all the old Victorians in the Northwest. With the market crashing you may be able to find something in one of the newer sections, but I wouldn't rule the Southwest out without looking around first. The houses are older, but they aren't all beige with tiled roofs either.