$769,892Average Value$543Average Price per Sq Ft9Homes 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.
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
Are you familiar with the Junior College neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Junior College
US
Homicide
4
4
Sexual Assault
5
4
Assault with Weapon
4
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
5
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
5
4
Larceny
5
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Junior College Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Junior College, Santa Rosa sell after 39 days on the market compared to the national average of 57 days. The median sale price for homes in Junior College, Santa Rosa over the last 12 months is $732,500, up 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Set beneath a canopy of mature trees in Santa Rosa's coveted historic McDonald neighborhood, this classic single-level home offers timeless charm and exciting potential. This 3-bedroom, 1 bathroom residence welcomes you with inviting curb appeal and a charming front entry. Built in 1948, the home retains much of its original character, including the hardwood floors, and is ready for your ideas
Vintage Cottage Charm in the Heart of Santa Rosa. Step into the warmth of a lovingly preserved 1940 cottage nestled in the sought-after Santa Rosa Junior College neighborhood. This 2-bedroom, 1-bath home blends vintage character with thoughtful modern updates including a renovated bathroom, newer hardwood floors in the primary bedroom, and a private concrete patio perfect for outdoor living. The
610 Stewart Street is a charming and thoughtfully maintained 2 bed 1 bath residential property currently generating $3,300 per month in rental income. Nestled on a quiet, tree lined street, the home offers privacy, curb appeal, and a comfortable living environment making it highly attractive to tenants and ideal for long term income stability. The setting provides a true neighborhood feel while
Originally built in 1913 and reimagined beginning 2018, this McDonald District home blends Historic character with modern luxury. Includes newly built Guest Home/ADU. Vintage hardwood flooring, new solid wood Walnut doors, and antique-inspired glass doorknobs, set the tone for the lovely and intentional craftsmanship throughout. The Parlor Room boasts timeless French doors with a built-in Murphy
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
Set in Santa Rosa's beloved JC neighborhood, this 1936 English Tudor Revival has been lovingly kept and tastefully remodeled -- a rare blend of storybook character and modern comfort. A winding path leads through mature landscaping to an iconic arched Tudor door beneath a classic striped awning. A long private driveway runs alongside the home, providing abundant off-street parking and leading
Ideally located just 5 minutes to Montgomery Village, the fabulous King's Nursery and only a few minutes more to the Town & Country shopping center, downtown Santa Rosa and the 101 corridor. There's an enduring appeal that's woven into the quiet surroundings framed by spacious streets, established greenery and the distinctive charm of neighboring vintage homes. For the JC, it doesn't get much
Welcome to this utterly charming 1938 cottage, tucked away on a quiet street where time seems to slow down. This 2 bd 1ba home offers 1,005 sq ft of pure sweetness, blending classic character with thoughtful updates. Step inside to find original hardwood floors, a cozy fireplace, and a coffered ceiling living room that adds timeless elegance and architectural interest. Dual pane windows create an
Rare single level floorplan in the desirable Pacific North community. 2 bedroom, 2 baths. Incredible private back yard with easy indoor-outdoor flow. Vaulted wood ceilings with 3 skylights. 2 car garage. The complex offers a pool and pickleball courts. Great central location. HOA dues cover siding, roof, common areas.
Updated and remodeled to create an open floor plan/great room. The kitchen is understated luxury: cabinetry with abundant storage, garden window at the sink, composite countertops, bar seating, original hardwood flooring. There are two bedrooms at the back- the right side has sliding doors to a spacious deck and a large back yard. The backyard is an open canvas. There are a couple of raised beds,
Vintage perfection describes this Craftsman-style classic building! Enter the front door and you will instantly be impressed with the versatility afforded any endeavor located here. Potential uses include: Office, Commercial/Residential, Retail, Live/Work, Cannabis, Medical, and Professional Services (and more). The current configuration consists of an office reception area & oversized conference
Beautifully renovated townhome style apartment available for immediate occupancy - You will Fall in love at first sight! Ask about additional move in specials. Interior Features:* Spacious homes w/maximum storage and large bedrooms* Wood Vinyl flooring throughout, except for the cozy carpeted bedrooms* 10 ft. ceilings with rustic beams overhead* Washer/dryer in select
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
Find your new apartment at Kingwood Apartments in Santa Rosa, CA. This community is located at 633 King St in Santa Rosa. From pricing to features, the leasing staff is available to help you find your perfect new place. Come see Kingwood Apartments today.Kingwood Apartments is an apartment community located in Sonoma County and the 95404 ZIP Code. This area is served by the Santa Rosa
Property Id: 2487070Welcome 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!
Property Id: 2504403Three bedroom one bath Victorian condo with backyard in downtown Santa Rosa. Water garbage and sewer are paid by landlord. Laundry available on site, coin opt. Street parking only. Sorry no pets.
Welcome to your charming new home! This delightful two-bedroom, one-bathroom single-family residence offers a cozy retreat with a modern touch, featuring an open-concept living area filled with natural light and a contemporary kitchen equipped with stainless steel appliances, including a gas range, refrigerator and dishwasher.Enjoy the convenience of in-unit laundry with a washer and
OPEN HOUSE SUN NOV 16 from 10am-2pm Available now. Great access to 101 and central Santa Rosa. One bedroom unit in fourplex on tree lined street on the East side of 101 near the JC. At the end of a cul-de-sac. Includes newly installed kitchen cabinet, appliances, flooring, carpet, skylight, separate bedroom, laundry hook-ups, one designated parking spot in carport. Owner pays for maintenance
Now available for rent in Santa Rosa’s highly desirable JC neighborhood, this beautifully remodeled two bedroom one bath ground floor apartment offers comfort, convenience, and modern finishes. The full interior renovation includes brand new laminate flooring in the main living areas, new carpet in the bedrooms, fresh interior paint, and updated kitchen appliances, creating a clean and
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