$1,339,105Average Value$1,059Average Price per Sq Ft58Homes For Sale
Small-town living in world-renowned wine country
Around 44 miles north of San Francisco, the historic city of Sonoma (locally referred to as "Sonoma proper") is the cultural anchor of one the world’s most famous wine regions — the Sonoma Valley ((generally referred to as "Sonoma"). A 17-mile stretch of unincorporated towns and vineyards between the Sonoma and Mayacamas Mountains, the Sonoma Valley is home to over 100 wineries specializing in Italian and French varietals. The region's wine scene, combined with Sonoma proper's small-town atmosphere and upscale commercial scene, have made it a beacon for tourism, retirees and remote workers. “Sonoma’s premium wine country,” explains Sonoma resident and Century 21 Realtor David Collins, “because it's a valley surrounded by hills and mountains that give it its own little microclimate. But Sonoma is also where we won California from Mexico and put the bear on the state flag. It feels very historic even it’s a bit of a hidden gem.”
Surrounded by mountains, hot springs and oak woodlands, Sonoma also offers access to plenty of open spaces, well rated schools and relatively affordable home prices in the costly North Bay area. “People move here for the Napa Valley feel without the Napa Valley price tag,” says Coldwell Banker Realtor Giovanni Ferdinand. “It’s still expensive, but much more affordable than its neighboring wine valley.”
Sonoma's history is unveiled at the Sonoma State Historic Park.
Traveling down Highway 12 through Sonoma reveals many wineries and beautiful views.
Enjoy people watching in the Sonoma Plaza area.
In Sonoma Plaza you can enjoy the duck ponds and with family and friends.
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Sonoma’s vintage city center
In the center of Sonoma proper, Sonoma Plaza is the city's hub for high-end shopping and dining, often buzzing with tourist traffic. Nineteenth-century Colonial Revival buildings are generally filled with wine bars and tasting rooms, farm-to-table restaurants and upscale gifts shops and fashion boutiques. In the Plaza's center, the Bear Flag Monument pays tribute to the 1846 Bear Flag Revolt, when American rebels wrested control of the Sonoma settlement from Mexico; around the Plaza, centuries-old adobe buildings built under Mexican and Spanish rule still stand.
From May to December, the Plaza’s central park hosts Tuesday Night Markets that gather the community for live music, food vendors and farmers market stalls. Annual events held on and around the Plaza include Sonoma's Hometown 4th of July Parade and Fireworks, and in March, the increasingly popular Sonoma International Film Festival, hosted by The Sebastiani Theatre.
Just beyond the Plaza, there's a Whole Foods and a Safeway, as well as a handful of smaller-scale grocery markets. Big-box stores and national retailers are found around 14 miles east in Downtown Napa or west in Downtown Petaluma.
Sonoma's Tuesday Night Market takes over Sonoma Plaza.
Sebastiani Theatre is a hub for live music and movies in Sonoma.
Discover the origins of California at the Sonoma Plaza..
Sonoma grocery shopping options include the Sonoma Market.
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Sonoma Valley wine country and wildfires
Sonoma Valley is an internationally renowned wine-making region with over 100 wineries and tasting rooms. Opened in 1857, Buena Vista Winery is among California’s oldest vineyards, and the Benziger Family Winery is one of the few biodynamic farms in the region. The dry microclimate that makes Sonoma Valley so great for winemaking also leaves it vulnerable to wildfires, though. According to Permit Sonoma’s Wildland Fire Hazard Areas map, much of the land north of the city ranges between Moderate to Very High risk levels. Many insurance providers have stopped providing coverage in areas in Sonoma County due to the high wildfire risk. Sonoma locals should follow CAL FIRE warnings and evacuation notices.
Oak forests, public parks and bike trails
Surrounded by woodlands, and filled with parks and trails, Sonoma offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. The city manages nearly 80 acres of greenspace, including neighborhood parks, sports facilities and community gardens. Sonoma Plaza is the most popular park for its tree-shaded lawns and events spaces. South of the Plaza, the Tex Juen Park and Vineyard is a small, public winery maintained by volunteer groups. Around 4 miles of bike trails crisscross throughout the city, travelling through tree-shaded channels formed by arching oak trees.
There are also plenty of open spaces just outside the city limits. Around a mile north of Sonoma Plaza, the Montini Open Space Preserve features 98 acres of oak woodlands and rolling hills to explore. A little further north, the Archer Taylor Preserve offers guided hikes through redwood forests. Around 9 miles north, the Jack London State Historic Park was once the home and ranch of the famous naturalist author Jack London; visitors can take tours of where he once lived or ride on horseback through the area’s trails.
Sonoma visitors explore nearby Glen Ellen where famed writer Jack London lived.
Soak up the sun hiking at the trails of the Montini Open Space Preserve in Sonoma.
Serve up joy at the tennis courts of Maxwell Farms Regional Park.
Enjoy walking and biking along the Sonoma Valley Regional Trail.
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Growing home prices in Sonoma Valley
As of late 2024, Sonoma’s median home price is around $1 million, higher than the California median of $890,000 but lower than nearby Novato’s median of roughly $1.1 million. Home prices here surged after the 2020 COVID pandemic, as remote workers flocked from urban centers to enjoy Sonoma’s pastoral beauty and slower pace of life. This trend has continued since, and between late 2023 and 2024, Sonoma’s median home price rose 15%.
State Road 12 and Sonoma Plaza split the city into eastern and western halves. In the more historic eastside, Craftsman bungalows sit among Victorian and Colonial Revival homes, all from the late 19th to early 20th centuries. Prices for all styles generally range between $1 million and $3 million, depending on size and quality of preservation. In the newer westside, midcentury ranch-style homes and farmhouses are more prevalent. These can range between $800,000 and $1.2 million, with newer, larger homes fetching higher prices.
Larger estates with land can be found in the unincorporated areas of Sonoma Valley. Prices for these homes range widely from $1.5 million to over $10 million, largely depending on home size, acreage and the quality of the land for winemaking.
Find a lovely farm house in Sonoma for your next home.
Single-story ranch homes are common for homeowners in Sonoma.
Modern homes in Sonoma are found near the city's center.
The Cedar Mansion is a beautiful example of a Victorian home in Sonoma.
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Sonoma Valley Unified School District
Sonoma Valley Unified School District earns a B-minus from Niche, receiving its highest marks for College Prep and Diversity; both of its high schools run Black Student Unions to foster and help educate students on Black culture. Serving under 4,000 students, the district has seen steadily declining attendance rates over the last several decades, and as of late 2024, its consolidation committee has agreed on plans to close some of its schools in the coming years.
Sonoma Valley High School
Montessori School of Sonoma, where every child is a star learner
A world of discovery awaits at Flowery Elementary School.
Creative learning at Adele Harrison Middle School
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Highways and bus routes to Santa Rosa and Petaluma
Perennially ranked as one of the most walkable cities in California, Sonoma is easy to get around on foot, especially near the Plaza. Sonoma County Transit offers an inner-city bus route, in addition to three routes between Sonoma, Petaluma and Santa Rosa. State Road 12 (known as Highway 12) leads 22 miles north to Santa Rosa. State Road 116 (known as Stage Gulch Road) runs 14 miles west to Petaluma. Highway 101 (known as the 101) is also around 19 miles south, and from there, it's 25 miles south to San Francisco. The regional Charles M. Schulz – Sonoma County Airport (STS) is around 30 miles north, and the Oakland Airport (OAK) is 57 miles south. In case of medical emergencies, the Sonoma Valley Hospital is located in the heart of the city.
Relatively low crime rates in Sonoma
According to FBI data for 2023, Sonoma’s property crime rate was around 10 reported incidents per 1,000 people, lower than national and California averages. In the same year, Sonoma’s violent crime rate was around 2 reported incidents per 1,000 people, also lower than national and California averages. The small, 16-person Sonoma Police Department works in partnership with the Sonoma County Police Department to provide the utmost safety.
Written By
Fletcher Varnson
Photography Contributed By
Luke George
Video By
Taylor Gilbert
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Bill Byrd,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Sonoma, CA sell after 80 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Sonoma, CA over the last 12 months is $1,152,500, up 27% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Beautifully and lovingly maintained 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath, two story home nestled in a desirable tree lined street in Sonoma. Step inside to discover a bright and airy living space, featuring hardwood floors downstairs, cathedral ceilings, recessed lighting, a cozy fireplace, chef's kitchen, living and family rooms, a formal dining room, eat-in bar area and breakfast nook. Upstairs are the four
Welcome to 515 San Ramon Drive in beautiful Sonoma. Nestled in a sweet neighborhood, this charming home offers a perfect blend of modern comfort and privacy. Step inside to discover a inviting interior featuring 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, designed for modern living and entertaining. The living area flows seamlessly into the updated kitchen, complete with the beautifully modernized kitchen
Welcome to 181 Orchard Avenue, a charming residence nestled in the desirable Sonoma Springs community. This well-maintained 2-bedroom, 1-bath home features a bright and functional layout, ideal for both relaxed living and entertaining. In addition to the comfortable living space, the home includes a versatile bonus room perfect for a home office, gym, or guest area. The attached garage offers
This extraordinary custom-built residence, crafted with meticulous attention to detail, offers breathtaking 180-degree views of Sonoma Valley from two floors. Experience the perfect blend of luxury and natural beauty, with unparalleled sunrise and sunset vistas. Rich hardwood floors flow seamlessly throughout the open-concept floorplan, generous living spaces are bathed in natural light, and huge
Lovely Cottage in Temelec, a 55+ Community. Welcome to one of the most affordable single-story homes in the desirable Temelec neighborhood! This delightful 2-bedroom, 2-bath cottage offers a serene lifestyle in a vibrant community. Enjoy peaceful mornings on the front porch looking out at the open spaces or enjoyable walks through the beautiful common areas. The cozy home features a warm
Close to Sonoma's downtown is this lovely parcel with a rural feel. A gated entry leads into 5.25+/- acres with expansive meadows, native oaks, a natural, seasonal stream and a hilltop lookout with vistas of the valley and vineyards. Land has been thoughtfully cleared to preserve specimen tress privacy and to provide large building sites. Installed electricity and 20+/- gpm well; includes a
Siesta Senior Apartments is a newly constructed, affordable housing community along Highway 12 just North of Sonoma, CA. Minimum Income: 2x the monthly rent. Maximum Income Limit: $58,140 per year. The community is managed by FPI Management.
This 3 bedroom 2 full bath home has been updated from top to bottom, and is waiting for you! On a quiet street, close to shopping and makes for an easy commute. This home features new flooring, kitchen appliances, paint, window coverings, bath fixtures, vanities and more. The large kitchen offers a great dining experience, casual or formal. The front and back yards have been transformed to low
Welcome to your new home in Boyes Hot Springs, Sonoma! This charming 400-square-foot studio apartment, built in 2024, offers modern living in a quiet friendly neighborhood.Step inside to discover a well-designed space featuring a modern kitchen with a farmhouse sink, gas stove, and plenty of cabinet space. The open layout allows for ample light, and you’ll appreciate the built-in Murphy
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