$611,060Average Value$528Average Price per Sq Ft71Homes 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.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
William Schlutius,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Sonoma Coast State Park
Camping
Beach
Ocean
Sunset Beach River Park
Beach
River
Parking Lot
Bruno Farnocchia Park
Dog Park
Picnic Area
Playground
Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve
Austin Creek State Recreation Area
Monte Rio Recreation & Park District
Beach
Parking Lot
Walking Paths
Transit
Airport
Charles M Schulz - Sonoma County
39 min drive
Bus
River Rd & Scenic Rd
Bus
Monte Rio & HWY 116
Bus
Neeley Rd & HWY 116
Bus
River Rd & River Dr (East)
Bus
River Rd
Bus
River Rd & Armstrong Woods Rd
Bus
HWY 116 & Old Cazadero Rd
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Russian River Valley
US
Homicide
2
4
Sexual Assault
1
4
Assault with Weapon
2
4
Robbery
3
4
Burglary
3
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
3
4
Larceny
3
4
Crime Score
3
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Russian River Valley Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Russian River Valley, Guerneville sell after 68 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 $579,500, up 9% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Perched high on Eagle Nest Lane, this woodland retreat feels as if it belongs in a storybook. Surrounded by towering redwoods, the home offers a sense of refuge and romance that is rare to find. The interiors unfold with a thoughtful open plan, where living, dining, and kitchen spaces flow together in a quietly inviting embrace. Below, two bedrooms are linked by a cozy den wrapped in knotty pine
Nestled in towering redwoods, this recently remodeled home blends cozy comfort with forest serenity. Just 5 minutes to downtown Guerneville's restaurants, Johnson's Beach & the Electric River Club, it's the best of Russian River living. The open upper-level lives like a studio with a modern cabin vibe, while the flexible lower level offers potential as a guest unit. Two full baths, a proper heat
Staycation in Vacation Beach in your charming 1960's Mid Century home! Nestled in a premium Guerneville neighborhood, your three-bedroom, two-bath retreat spans 1,387 square feet of vintage charm and contemporary upgrades. Knotty pine walls wrap you in cozy warmth, while new carpet and an open floor plan let natural light dance through skylights and light tubes. Snuggle up to the wood stove on
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
Income producing rental. No Signage. This property is rented please do not disturb tenant. Drive by only. Two acres. Home is on one mostly flat acre; sale also includes one acre plus parcel across the street which is mostly hill. No sign, no lockbox. Open house in October TBD, no showings prior to open house.
Come see this incredible and huge home minutes from downtown Guerneville and a block away from the river. Boasting an open kitchen, dining, and living room, it creates a great space to gather. The well-designed kitchen has plenty of cabinets and counter space. The beautiful porch, which spans two sides of the house, is covered and ready for you to take in the redwoods. Lots of parking & a
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
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
William Schlutius,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
9,385
Median Age
53
Population Density
1 person/acre
Population under 18
14.7%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
31.4%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$78,227
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$105,463
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
95.6%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
36.4%
Advanced Degrees
14.7%
% Population in Labor Force
60.2%
On par with the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
42''
Average Winter Low Temperature
39°F
Average Summer High Temperature
91°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
5/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
0/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
