$782,449Average Value$514Average Price per Sq Ft14Homes For Sale
Leafy community with historic community college
Just east of Downtown Santa Rosa and right on U.S. Route 101, the Junior College neighborhood — called the “JC” by locals — is filled with early 20th-century homes, walkable streets and local businesses. “It’s a bucolic, active little area of town with all these charming old houses,” explains Summer Stubblefield, a Sonoma County Realtor with Compass. “I always tell people to go to McDonald Avenue when they’re here because it has the sorts of houses that make you go, ‘wow.’” The neighborhood is centered on the namesake Santa Rosa Junior College, which opened here in 1918 and sits beside the well-rated Santa Rosa High; these two schools draw a mix of academics, college students and families with young children to the area. “It’s both a really hip, progressive area with a younger population," says Tony Pereira, a Broker at RE/MAX Gold, who has experience selling across the county, "and a great place for starter homes, because it’s one of the more affordable areas in Sonoma County.”
The McDonald Mansion in Junior College is a historic landmark and architectural attraction.
An elevated view of Junior College shows the lush green landscapes and homes.
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Charming early 20th-century homes
Tall, arching California live oaks shade many streets in Junior College, and sidewalks are sometimes cracked or buckled by their century-old roots. Most homes here are Craftsman bungalows built between 1910 and 1930, with two to four bedrooms and a manicured lawn. Common features include wide, covered porches, exposed beams and rafter tails, and finished attic spaces. Prices typically range from $600,000 to $1 million, based on a home's number of bedrooms.
The McDonald Historic District, named for the wide, leafy and elegant McDonald Avenue, is locally famous for its early 20th-century Queen Anne-style mansions; folks come here from around the county to stroll and check out the homes. “It's like porch heaven, all gables and spindles and columns,” says longtime Santa Rosa local Allison Bettis. “The farther east you go from the school, the wider the streets get and the bigger the houses, but even the smallest ones are full of hand-carved details and stained glass.” Homes on McDonald Avenue very rarely come to market and tend to top $1 million when they do; the only district home to sell between 2023 and 2024 was a four-bedroom Queen Anne, which went for over $1.6 million.
Many area bungalows and Queen Anne-style homes have been converted into duplexes with additional detached units for Junior College students. These six-to-eight-bedroom properties can range from $700,000 to $900,000, depending on their number of units and proximity to the college.
Craftsman-Bungalow homes are common in the Junior College neighborhood.
Craftsman homes are most common in Junior College.
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Asian eateries, local bars and plenty of grocery stores
Many of the area's eateries are geared toward college students, and most are set in shopping centers and strip malls along Mendocino Avenue. Fast-casual joints and Asian eateries are common, from family-friendly Hang Ah Dim Sum to T4 Tea for U, the go-to spot for boba tea and poke bowls. To start the day, the local Dutch Bros Coffee offers cold brews and lattes, and the Junior College’s student-run bakery turns out breads, bagels and pastries. For date nights, Ca’ Bianca’s candle-lit tables, upscale Italian cuisine and 18th-century Marshall House create a romantic atmosphere. “It’s one of the area’s hidden gems," says Elena Karakozoff, a Santa Rosa local and Realtor at Compass, "and I mean that literally, because it’s hidden behind this beautiful wall draped in ivy.”
Bananas at Large has sold musical instruments and provided lessons since 1974, and family-owned King’s Nursery is one of the county’s most popular for flowering plants. The neighborhood's many grocery stores include two Safeways, a Trader Joe’s and a Grocery Outlet. From May to October, the JC’s Shone Farm — a farm run by the JC’s Agriculture and Natural Resources Department — sells wines, jellies and produce in the school’s parking lot.
Ca' Bianca is a favorite Italian restaurant of 30 years in Junior College.
Students head to Communit Market for groceries and snacks next to campus in Junior College.
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Junior College and Santa Rosa City Schools
Santa Rosa Junior College is a two-year starter school linked to the University of California system. “The Junior College are the Cubs because UC Berkeley are the Bears," says Drake Delzell, a Realtor at RE/MAX Marketplace with 39 years' experience selling homes in Sonoma County. “Don’t get it wrong though, a lot of people from around here study at the school, and the basketball and baseball games can be popular.”
Neighborhood children can start school at Steele Lane Elementary, which scores a C from Niche, and continue to Santa Rosa Middle, which receives a B-minus. The A-minus-rated Santa Rosa High stands out for its 1930s Gothic Revival campus, which has been featured in films like “Peggy Sue Got Married” and “Inventing the Abbots.” Santa Rosa High also offers the ArtQuest magnet program, which centers on arts educations and creative problem-solving.
Santa Rosa Middle School on Cherry Street provides interconnected learning opportunities.
Santa Rosa High School was built on education success in Junior College.
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Junior College games and Halloween on McDonald Avenue
Many locals head to the Junior College to watch the Cubs face off against the Sacramento City College Panthers in baseball or to catch a play at the school’s Burbank Theatre. “My son is currently playing Dr. Frank-N-Furter in the college’s production of ‘Rocky Horror Picture Show,’” Delzell says. “They don’t let the fans bring the squirt guns, but they still get to sing along with the show.”
McDonald Avenue also becomes the number one stop in Santa Rosa on Halloween night, as locals meticulously decorate their homes to celebrate the spooky season. “You see hundreds of people in the streets and some of the most amazing decorations,” Karakozoff says. “This past year, one guy hired all these actors and hung umbrellas everywhere for a ‘Mary Poppins’ theme. People really go all out for it.”
Pocket parks and open gyms in Junior College
The 13-acre Franklin Park is the JC’s largest greenspace and features soccer and baseball facilities for little league games, plus plenty of picnic and barbecue areas. Tree-shaded pocket parks like North Park and Humboldt Park are scattered around the more modest sections of Junior College, offering playsets and a little open space. Steele Lane Park’s walking paths and playgrounds are next to Steele Lane Elementary, and the Junior College open gym is available to students and community members enrolled in the school’s kinesiology (physical activity) courses.
Franklin Park is set in the foreground of the Mayacama Mountain Range.
Enjoy the afternoon shade with your best friend at North Park.
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Route 101 access and walkability to Downtown Santa Rosa
Downtown Santa Rosa is immediately south of the neighborhood, within several blocks' walk of most homes, and Santa Rosa CityBus stops dot Mendocino Avenue. Route 101 runs along Junior College’s western edge, leading commuters 56 miles south to San Francisco. The closest SMART Rail stop is about a mile away in Historic Railroad Square, with service to the Larkspur Ferry. Kaiser Permanente Santa Rosa Medical Center is a mile north and is the neighborhood’s closest hospital. The Sonoma County Airport 7 miles north is the nearest airport, but for a broader range for regional and international flights, the San Francisco International Airport is 68 miles south.
Kaiser of Santa Rosa Medical Center is the primary health care facility for Junior College.
Public transit is prolific among most Junior College streets.
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Important to know
Sonoma County has seen several severe wildfires in recent years, including the Tubbs Fire in 2017, which burnt many homes in the neighboring Fountaingrove community. Historically, Junior College has experienced poor air quality during area wildfires, rather than property damage; however, the county's major risk of wildfire means that it can be challenging to obtain homeowners insurance here.
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Junior College Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Junior College, Santa Rosa sell after 57 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Junior College, Santa Rosa over the last 12 months is $701,000, consistent with the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to Maison Noel, a captivating 1931 historic French Normandy style estate nestled in the heart of Santa Rosa's premier McDonald neighborhood. From the solid timber doors and rich wood flooring to the classic lath and plaster walls, this residence radiates character and unmatched craftsmanship. The show-stopping living room features a dramatic cathedral ceiling with exposed beams,
Welcome to this charming two bedroom, one bath 1920's Craftsman bungalow with spacious upgraded kitchen and bath on a large lot that comfortably holds a detached double car garage with shop space. The large kitchen /dining area offers a great space to create your favorite meal or simply enjoy your favorite book or beverage. The spacious area allows for table and chairs creating a cozy spot. There
Beautiful single level home with updates throughout just steps from the Junior College and easy walkability to downtown Santa Rosa! Nice updates throughout, mini-split heat and air, new gas fireplace insert, updated kitchen and bathroom, fully wired for high speed internet suitable for work from home, recessed lighting, Radiant Life whole house water filtration system, and fresh landscaping in
Charming Santa Rosa Bungalow with Character, Outdoor Living & Sonoma County Appeal Welcome to 2257 Meyers Drive, a charming vintage Santa Rosa bungalow where classic character meets comfortable everyday living. This inviting 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers the warmth and personality that are increasingly hard to find, with original hardwood floors, spacious living and dining areas, and timeless
Located on iconic Austin Way in Proctor Terrace just one mile from downtown, this artist-curated redesign seamlessly marries timeless 1930's charm with sophisticated contemporary luxury. The intuitive layout flows effortlessly from room to room, creating an atmosphere that is simultaneously grand for entertaining and intimately comfortable for everyday living. At the heart of the home is a chef's
Rare opportunity to own two distinct income-producing properties on a single parcel in Santa Rosa's highly desirable McDonald District. Combining residential rental income with commercial flexibility, this unique mixed-use asset offers immediate cash flow and long term upside. Situated at the rear of the property, 610 Stewart Street is a charming and well maintained 2-bedroom, 1-bath residence
Be Made in the Shade Under the Mature Valley Oak Trees. Welcome to a gentler time in this vintage single-story 3-bedroom 2 full bathroom home. Spacious rooms, with plenty of closets and extra cupboard space. Master bedroom has large double closets. Open floor plan. Dual pane windows. Sunshine in every room. Hardwood floors throughout. Kitchen has vintage tile counters gas stove and lots of
Welcome to this charming single-level home in Santa Rosa's desirable JC neighborhood! This beautiful 2-bedroom, 1-bath residence blends timeless 1940s character with everyday comfort. Original hardwood floors, abundant natural light, and spacious bedrooms create a warm and inviting atmosphere throughout. The living room features a cozy fireplace and classic architectural details, including
Attention developers! A rare opportunity to acquire an in-fill property in a great location. Within an established neighborhood close to downtown and the SRJC, this +/- 1.64-acre property comprised of two separate legal parcels is primed for development. The City of Santa Rosa designates the property as Medium Density Residential, 8-18 units/acre.
Rare development opportunity at 1102 North St, Santa Rosa, CA 95404. This 17,280 plus or minus sq ft vacant residential parcel is ideally located across from North Neighborhood Park and within 0.5 miles of schools and transit. Property is currently zoned PD, R-3-10 Low Medium Density. Conceptual study by Local Architecture group and Planning proposes a small lot subdivision under SB 684 to create
Fully remodeled and move-in ready in Santa Rosa's highly desirable JC neighborhood! Welcome to 1460 North Street, where modern updates meet exceptional flexibility and income potential. Thoughtfully remodeled throughout, this turnkey property offers stylish finishes and versatile living options. A standout feature is the private third bedroom/living area that functions like separate living
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Pacific Gardens Apartment is located at 1229 & 1265 Pacific Avenue, close to downtown Santa Rosa, and to the renowned Santa Rosa Junior College. (SRJC).Students welcome! (Guarantors accepted with good credit)MMG311 CalBRE Licensed #990193Equal Housing Opportunity
Property Id: 1412197 A quiet seven unit apartment complex, Covered parking, very good neighbors, close to college and downtown. Application cost is on the house, we can be flexible once you are qualified. Water/Sewer/Garbage is included in rent.
Property Id: 2483506 Welcome to your new home at 1204 Morgan St in Santa Rosa, CA! This cozy 1 bed, 1 bath apartment is perfect for you and your small dog. Enjoy amenities like a dishwasher, fenced yard, and shared washer/dryer. Rent includes garbage, sewage, and water. Don't miss out on this gem - available 5/10/2026 for $2250/month. No smoking allowed. Contact us now for a tour!
Property Id: 2487070 Welcome to your new home at 1206 Morgan St in Santa Rosa, CA! This charming single unit features a fenced yard and off-street parking. With amenities like an oven, refrigerator, and washer/dryer hookups, this pet-friendly property is perfect for you. Don't miss out on this opportunity - schedule a viewing today!
One-bedroom duplex unit located at 740A Dexter Street. This private unit is attached to a residence at 740 Dexter Street, offering the comfort of a residential setting with your own dedicated living space in a highly desirable area.The apartment features a separate bedroom, living area, kitchen, and bathroom, with a thoughtfully designed layout that makes excellent use of the space. Its
Adorable Studio cottage with separate bath and kitchen in the JC neighborhood. Unit has been completely remodeled. Small backyard with a shared beautiful, peaceful, landscaped front yard, a large gazebo and outdoor storage. On-site parking as well as easy street parking. A must-see cottage!! **Available to show Sept 1st**LEASING TERMS:Available:
Discover this spacious 2-bedroom, 1-bath duplex located in Santa Rosa’s established Santa Rosa Junior College neighborhood. Tucked privately at the end of the driveway, this home offers a comfortable residential setting while remaining conveniently located near shopping, dining, transportation, and other amenities.Inside, the home features beautiful hardwood flooring and two spacious
$2,125.99-$2,149.99Base Rent: $2,100.00 * Resident Benefits Package: Starts at $25.99-$49.99Welcome home to this inviting one-bedroom, one-bathroom residence offering comfort, character, and practical living spaces throughout. The home features rustic hardwood flooring throughout the main living areas, complemented by exposed wood beams and unique wood-accented details that add
BEAUTIFUL 2 BEDROOM DUPLEX Beautiful two-bedroom, one-and-a-half-bath duplex located in a very quiet and desirable area near Santa Rosa Junior College. The duplex has a new appliance, new paint, and updated.This home is close to parks, schools, shopping areas, andpublic transportation. It is located in a great area and includes a carport.Has a small backyard with a deck.Rent:
This 2 bedroom and 1 bathroom upstairs unit is located in the MacDonald Neighborhood area of Santa Rosa and is within walking distance to downtown. Through the front door, you will find a large living room/dining room combo with beautiful hardwood floors, new windows, high ceilings, and a gas fireplace. The kitchen features LVT flooring, quartz countertops with island and stainless steel
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