$605,661Average Value$293Average Price per Sq Ft6Homes 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
Ernie Sexton,
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 78 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Russian River Valley, Guerneville over the last 12 months is $350,000, down 17% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Redwood retreat in the heart of Guerneville. Charming multi-level home surrounded by towering redwoods and bathed in natural light. Lovingly owned by one family for decades, this "fixer-upper" offers strong bones, original wood floors, and authentic character throughout. The main level features open living room, fireplace, granite kitchen counters leading to new balcony. Upstairs includes a cozy
Fantastic location blocks from the amazing Russian River in colorful, historic downtown Guerneville, long a destination vacation town for San Franciscans and the rest of the Bay Area. Plenty of recent upgrades and updates in the wonderful 1940 multi-family home, from bathrooms to paint to appliances and more, alongside the beautiful knotty pine walls, high ceilings, and built-in's... The upstairs
LC Zoning - Vacation Rental Allowed Charming 1-Bedroom Home in the Heart of Downtown Guerneville. Perfectly situated in the center of downtown Guerneville, this well- maintained 1-bedroom, 1-bath home offers unbeatable access to events, restaurants, the Russian River, and countless other activities. Elevated well above the flood zone, the home is move-in ready and ideal for either full-time
Great opportunity to own two lots that comprise nearly 1/3 of an acre with a lovely creekside setting. On one side of the property sits an older doublewide that needs some work but could be a nice home with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. The second adjacent lot (APN 069-330-011) is also flat and usable and has plenty of space to park additional vehicles or possibly build a new home. Buyer to
Wonderful opportunity to restore this charming vintage cabin in a private location. Living room has a wood burning stove. Bedroom is large, bathroom has been recently remodeled. Electric, roof and deck are newer. Large detached garage. Great location, near the Northwood Golf Course and restaurant, coast, wineries, restaurants and Armstrong Woods State Park.
Get away from it all at your own, well-appointed, home on Hidden Valley Rd in Guerneville. Set amongst the Redwood trees, with plenty of sunlight, this spacious home awaits you. Three levels offer plenty of space to be with oneself or to gather. The upper two stories has three bedrooms and two and a half baths. The spacious primary suite, complete with an ensuite bathroom, provides a private
Welcome to your charming single-family home in the heart of Guerneville, CA. This inviting 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom + Garage & extra large, separate Laundry Room, residence offers 1,200 square feet of comfortable living space, perfect for families or individuals seeking a serene retreat. The home features a modern exterior design with dark siding and a spacious front yard, complete with landscaping
Property Id: 1337216These are temporary stay units.This unit is available June 22This unit is available June 13Highlights:• Small but efficient.• Unbeatable location (heart of Guerneville). Park your car and walk everywhere. No need for Ubers and no steep hills to climb.• Peaceful & private• Close to Santa Rosa• Small pet okHear
Property Id: 1337272Two units avail fall and winter 2026. Rent them separately or together.Temporary & Furnished. Modern kitchen & bath, strong WiFi. Highlights:• Small but efficient.• Unbeatable location (heart of Guerneville). Park your car and walk everywhere. No need for Ubers and no steep hills to climb.• Peaceful & private• Close to Santa
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Ernie Sexton,
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.
