$969,726Average Value$149Average Price per Sq Ft0Homes For Sale
Life and history in Petaluma
Downtown Petaluma is a historic commercial district brimming with lively destinations like music venues, wine-tasting rooms and shopping dotted by grassy parks along the Petaluma River. “It’s very vibrant with lots of wonderful restaurants and local shops,” says Marni Cunha, a Realtor with Compass Real Estate. Petaluma is part of Sonoma Wine Country, and its laidback, neighborly culture is felt throughout the city. Before Petaluma became a booming agricultural town in the 19th century, the Coast Miwok tribe called the city home; today, Petalumans take an active interest in preserving their city’s history and its Native American roots. Petaluma is a main artery in the North Bay, centrally located off Highway 101 and bordering Marin County. “The most enticing thing about Downtown Petaluma is the sense of community: a small town feel with river city amenities.
New and historic homes around the corner from downtown sights
Homes in the downtown area are usually a part of small community subdivisions. Architectural styles typically include New Traditional versions of Craftsman, Prairie and ranch-style homes. These homes vary from new construction to historic houses built in the early 1900s and throughout the 20th century, ranging from $800,000 for a two-bed, two-bath ranch-style to four- or five-bedroom multi-story homes for $1.5 million. “Many houses are designated heritage homes, which means the city protects them to keep the architecture intact,” says Cunha. Typical motifs include well-manicured front lawns, short driveways with a garage and may feature small porches or balconies. Many subdivisions have homeowner’s associations with a monthly fee for residents that goes towards neighborhood upkeep and community events.
Extracurriculars in Downtown Petaluma schools
Local kids can attend public schools in Sonoma County, like Valley Vista Elementary, rated B by Niche, where students can access resources like Homework Club for after-school academic support. At Petaluma Junior High, rated A-minus, students can develop their interests alongside friends in clubs for movies, superheroes and drama. Petaluma High also receives an A-minus and offers extracurricular clubs like astronomy, eco-fashion and hiking. Private education is also offered in Sonoma County through a variety of instructional settings, including Catholic, Christian and Montessori. Specialized instruction for children with learning differences is also available.
Life along the Petaluma River and Petaluma parks
Life in Petaluma means life by the riverside, and the Petaluma River runs right through the downtown neighborhood. Residents interested in water activities can store their boats at the Petaluma Marina or rent paddle, pedal and rowing boats from The Floathouse. “There’s a lot of parks and activities on the river,” says Cunha. Walnut Park is near the heart of downtown and features a playground, picnic tables and a gazebo in the middle of a rose garden. The first park in Petaluma, Penry Park, is a green oasis in the middle of Petaluma with tall, towering palm trees and a dedication to U.S. veterans. Twelve miles from downtown, don’t miss Olompali State Park, which overlooks the Petaluma River and San Pablo Bay; visitors can hike the 2.5-mile Miwok Loop Trail or head towards Mt. Burdell’s peak in a 9-mile round trip.
Petaluma’s historic downtown neighborhood
Many Petalumans choose to embrace the Sonoma Wine Country lifestyle; locals have a deep appreciation for outdoor living, sustainability and being neighborly. The elegant yet rustic wine country influence is apparent nearly everywhere in homes, stores and restaurants. Find a plethora of wine-tasting stops along the Petaluma River, like Black Knight Vineyards Tasting Room and Adobe Road Winery Tasting Room, where patrons can reserve a table or bring the wine-tasting home by joining their club for monthly bottles mailed to their doorstep. Nearby, find authentic Puerto Rican cuisine at Sol Food, like Camarones Empanizados (plantain-fried prawns) and Chuletas Fritas (thin-cut, pan-fried pork chops). Enjoy Italian food at Sugo Trattoria, like Nonna’s Meatballs or their Ever-Changing Ravioli, stuffed with the chef’s choice of the day. For groceries, head to Trader Joe’s just off Highway 101.
Points of interest and events throughout Petaluma
Downtown Petaluma is brimming with unique and historical locations to fill a California weekend, like the Petaluma Historical Library and Museum where visitors can buy tickets for seasonal ghost walks through the downtown area. Nearby, the historic Phoenix Theater was built in 1904 and began as an opera house; today, the theater is a non-profit live music venue and youth center offering a range of music programs and workshops. Petaluma is also known for its year-round outdoor festivities, including the Fall Antique Fair, the Petaluma River Craft Beer Festival and Art in the Park at Walnut Park. The seasonal Walnut Park Farmers Market offers live music in the gazebo and local ingredients, baked goods, flowers and crafts. The Butter and Egg Days Parade in April, an event celebrating Petaluma’s history as “the egg basket of the world,” has been recurring since 1982.
Public transportation in Petaluma
While Downtown Petaluma is walkable, residents typically drive to get around the city; Highway 101 connects drivers throughout the city and Southern California. Petaluma also offers public transportation options, like the Smart Train, which extends southbound from Cloverdale to Larkspur and brings commuters to the San Francisco Ferry Building. Petaluma Transit offers bus routes throughout the city. Only about 30 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge, Petaluma is an entry point to Sonoma County and leads to routes connecting to Napa and Solano Counties. Petaluma Municipal Airport is about 3 miles from downtown, and airport shuttles to the Santa Rosa, San Francisco and Oakland Airports are utilized regularly among locals. Petaluma Valley Hospital is about two miles away on North McDowell Boulevard.
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
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Parks in this Area
Wickersham Park
Penry Park
Walnut Park
Walnut Park
Transit
Airport
Charles M Schulz - Sonoma County
33 min drive
Bus
4th & C St
Bus
Copeland St Transit Mall
Bus
Keller And Western
Bus
Petaluma Transit Mall
Bus
E Washington St &Grey St
Bus
Petaluma Blvd S & F St
Bus
Petaluma Blvd N & Washington St Nb
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Downtown Petaluma
US
Homicide
1
4
Sexual Assault
2
4
Assault with Weapon
2
4
Robbery
3
4
Burglary
6
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
6
4
Larceny
6
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Downtown Petaluma Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Downtown Petaluma, Petaluma sell after 12 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Downtown Petaluma, Petaluma over the last 12 months is $338,000.
This home has Historical elegance. Beautifully preserved Victorian is in one of the best neighborhoods in Petaluma. Built in 1850 this two story home has 4 bedrooms 3 upstairs and half bath with walk in shower. Down stairs is one bedroom and larger bath. Formal dining room with fire place. Home has been recently painted with new hardwood flooring thur out the home. Solar is owned by owner. Sunny
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Douglas Hecker,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
2,075
Median Age
46
Population Density
1 person/acre
Population under 18
17.3%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
23.9%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$119,062
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$139,518
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
96.6%
College Graduates
67.2%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
23.6%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
74.2%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
25''
Average Winter Low Temperature
39°F
Average Summer High Temperature
81°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
54/ 100
Walker's Paradise
Walk Score®
92/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
42/ 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.
