Best place to raise a family in the Bay area? (Santa Rosa: sex offenders, low crime)

[D Haines]

We are looking at Santa Rosa and Marin Counties. What is Rohnert Park like? Cotati? Sebastapol? Petaluma? We want to leave the big city and return to clean air, great weather, the redwoods, be close to the water, and more like-minded (liberal) people. We also would like to find a place with culture/arts/entertainment and not be in the "woods." My husband is a triathlete and is looking forward to open bike paths. Schools are a top priority as well as low crime. One thing that concerns me is the number of registered sex offenders in Santa Rosa (on this website). Ofcourse, affordability is a factor. My husband is in the construction/development field and specifically works in signage and parking garages but can work virtual. We've been in Las Vegas (Summerlin) for the last 10+ years and want to move back to Cal. We've been spoiled by new development and convenience (we have a Costco, a Whole Foods, and Trader Joes less than 10 miles away).

Please share your opinions on where you think the best place to live is.

Thank you!

[marinmom]

Marin County and Sonoma County are great places to live! I live in Mill Valley (grew up here). While housing is VERY expensive here, the schools are excellent and the quality of life is great. There are lots of trails, biking, hiking, the beach, nice climate, and the other conveniences that you mentioned--Trader Joes, Whole Foods..As for Sonoma County, Petaluma is my favorite town. A bit more socio-economic diversity there than Marin County, but it's becoming more expensive. Santa Rosa is very big and thus has good and bad--some bad areas, (gangs) and many nice areas. (I'm thinking of relocating there because home prices are lower). I hear that Sebastapool and the town of Sonoma are also quite nice. Best of luck on your relocation!