$612,346Average Value$526Average Price per Sq Ft70Homes For Sale
The Russian River Valley has been a summer retreat for a century
Take a deep breath and let your shoulders relax, allowing the cool air, soaring redwoods and forest-green shade soothe your city-jangled nerves: you've arrived in the Russian River Valley. Unfurling 18 winding miles along two-lane River Road, from the 1922 multi-span Wohler Bridge to the roadside village of Duncans Mills, this riverside refuge has been a summer resort area since the 1850s. Known for safe beaches, friendly gathering spots and tremendous food and wine, the Russian River Valley welcomes you to pull up a camp chair and stay awhile.
“For about 100 years, this whole area is where San Francisco wives and kids would come to spend the summer, with their husbands coming up on the weekends via the railroad — which is what River Road used to be,” says Julia Lander, who’s lived in Sonoma County for three decades. “This is a still seasonal area now, though. There's a lot happening in summer, but not much open between Thanksgiving and February. That’s starting to change a little, but people who live here year-round tend to rely on each other for winter fun.”
Lander continues, “The area is ideal for people who like cooler temperatures, don’t mind being a half-hour's drive from a hospital, and are pretty self-reliant. Guerneville floods from time to time, though anything less than 32 feet of water isn’t considered a local worry. Still, you’ll need to muck out after a big rain, so you'll want to invest in some good boots.”
Homes tucked away among the redwoods
Single-family homes in the Russian River Valley range from $400,000 to just under $1 million. You’ll see early 20th century cottages and bungalows; rustic cabins from the 1930s through '70s; and ranch-style retreats from the '90s and 2000s. Homes for sale tend to be small or mid-sized, most with views of the towering trees. Houses sell for a median price of $420,000, in line with the national median.
Located in the Guerneville School District
You'll find two K-8 schools here: Guerneville Elementary, rated a B by Niche but with motivated teachers and strong diversity; and Monte Rio Elementary School, where teachers have high expectations of their students but pay close attention to their needs. "One of the best aspects of this area is that it’s remote," Lander says, “but that might make it tough socially for a single person new to the county. It’s an easier place for couples, either gay or straight, or folks with kids younger than high school age.”
Trout fishing and paddling on the Russian River
People of all ages enjoy hanging out at the cool, not-too-deep Russian River, named for the Russian fur trappers who formed a nearby colony in the 1810s. The river’s banks are dotted with trout-fishing spots and popular beaches, none more so than privately owned Johnson’s Beach in Guerneville (pronounced “Gernville”); reserve a spot on the soft sand and enjoy a day of kayaking, canoeing, floating and swimming. Farther upriver, the whole region comes out for Monte Rio’s Fourth of July Boat Parade, when locals set off fireworks from the bridge, and folks paddle up to see the spectacle. Other area activities include tennis, pickleball and the small playground at Pacheco Park; and the public Northwood Golf Club, with 9 holes surrounded by redwoods.
Beer, pastries and, of course, chardonnay in a California wine region
Once an important center of redwood logging, Guerneville’s old-growth trees were all but gone by the early 20th century, when the area became poignantly known as “Stumptown”; today this name’s been co-opted by local Stumptown Brewery, whose whimsical beer menu includes Squirrel Tickler Cream Ale. Were it not for the 1934 creation of the Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve, with trees about 1,000 years and older, there’d be nary an ancient grove here today. Shaded by much younger redwoods, much of the area now lies within the Russian River Valley AVA, a cool-climate wine region known for premium pinot noir and chardonnay. Korbel Winery has been making sparkling wine here since 1882, and you can taste through many of the area’s other labels at Sophie’s Cellars, a Duncans Mills’ wine and cheese shop where locals gather for Friday night socials, buying and sharing bottles of wine. If you consider yourself a foodie, Guerneville’s your spot, thanks to the tireless entrepreneurial efforts of local chef/owner Crista Luedtke. Boon eat + drink is just one of her local hotspots, serving creative California cuisine fresh from its own garden, which is the best place to sit on an even barely warm day. Small homey breakfast spots are a thing in these parts, including Nordic-themed Baked on the River, beloved for their delicious muffins, and Lightwave Coffee & Kitchen, where the young Israeli owners make an authentic shakshuka.
If you’d rather cook at home, Safeway in Guerneville has the largest selection of groceries (and a fantastic taco truck in the parking lot); a few blocks away on summer Thursday evenings, the Russian River Farmers Market comes a close second. You’ll find small local markets from east to west, including Sam’s near Forestville; retro-styled Bartlett’s Market in Monte Rio; and the Duncans Mills General Store, with gorgeous produce and an Old West-style façade. You’ll find clothing, gift and antique shops in Guerneville and Duncans Mills, as well as a sprinkling of post offices and pharmacies.
Cocktails, dancing and live music in Guerneville's nightlife scene
For a wide-ranging area with winding forest roads and precious few streetlights, the Russian River Valley has some spirited nightlife. Friendly, inclusive Rainbow Cattle Company has been a center of gay life in Guerneville since 1979, with stiff cocktails and a rollicking dance floor. Community watering hole Rio Nido Roadhouse blends a live music venue with a summer camp vibe: as evening begins from spring through fall, you’ll see towel-wrapped kids at the bar, warming up after swimming in the on-site pool while their parents grab a drink; when the night gets going, local musicians take to the stage in the redwood-rimmed, light-strung backyard. If you'd prefer to catch a movie, head to the vintage Rio Theater, with a single screen in a Quonset hut, and blankets to borrow on cozy nights.
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On average, homes in Russian River Valley, Guerneville sell after 66 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Russian River Valley, Guerneville over the last 12 months is $565,000, up 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Between the redwoods and the sea sits a home both solid and soulful, built as much for adventure days as for slow, cozy nights. This 2BD/2BA, 1,138 sq ft retreat was crafted in 1991 with vaulted wood ceilings, a gas fireplace, and decks on both sides - one for brunch and laughter, the other for morning coffee with a hillside of ferns so lush it like the forest is leaning in to greet you. But the
From the moment you enter through the beautiful gated entry into your private front yard, this home invites you to relax and unwind. Graced by a cluster of redwoods adorned with succulents, a fountain, stone pathway and covered porch, this flat and sunny space welcomes you in. The home features nicely sized rooms, natural light, a gas fireplace, inside laundry/mud room and an attached 3 car
Come home to the look & feel of Tahoe in Sonoma County! This beautiful, light-filled Bungalow in Forestville/Russian River has undergone a substantial remodel and update! Nestled on approx 1/4 acre of gorgeous redwood forest, this 2 bed 3 bath home features all new interior paint, a large Primary Bedroom with En Suite, vaulted ceilings and hardwood flooring throughout. A second bedroom/office,
Discover the charm of river living in this 3-bedroom, 2-bath home with an additional ground-floor bathroom and versatile storage/multi-use space. Just steps from the iconic Hacienda Bridge and beloved Mom's Beach, the inviting floor plan features generous living areas, a light-filled kitchen, and comfortable bedrooms ready for your personal touch. A private entry offers both security and
Two picturesque lots are situated near the charming town of Gureneville, offering breathtaking views of the redwoods. Just a short 20-minute drive away lies Bodega Bay, a destination that promises unforgettable experiences. With an area exceeding half an acre, these lots provide ample space for constructing your dream home or creating a tranquil recreation area. At a very affordable price, with
Custom Home-Chef's Kitchen & Exceptional Outdoor Living-Steps from Downtown Guerneville. Discover the perfect blend of comfort, convenience,& community in this beautifully maintained 2004 custom home, just one block from downtown Guerneville. Nestled half a block from the library, fire dept, and a popular local cafe. This location offers the rare ability to enjoy dining, shopping, river
Rare and incredible rental on the Russian river! 8-month lease to May 2026 after which house will be listed for sale. This incredible location and large lot (1 acre) allows you a peaceful stroll down to the river with a very nice and safe stairway to your own private beach. On the property there are two updated cottages. Have fun canoeing, kayaking or swimming in the pristine Russian
Property Id: 2094909Offering a lovely 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath river house just 3 minutes from downtown Guerneville - a jumping off point to Sebastopol, Jenner, Occidental, Healdsburg and more point to Sebastopol, Jenner, Occidental, Healdsburg and more!The home features:Architectural charm... Beautiful living room with deck, ceiling fan, wood stove, and hearth Tall
Property Id: 2087294We are subleasing our home for the next two weekends. This brand new home is flooded with light and is the perfect home/work base. One bedroom features a queen bed while the second bedroom is an office with a guest couch. The living area opens to the deck where you can enjoy a freshly made espresso under the cabana or in the hammock and take in the amazing view of the
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