Living in Santa Rosa

Santa Rosa, located just 55 miles north of San Francisco, is in the heart of wine country! While many residents choose to live near the office or hospital, many find homes in the nearby cities of Healdsburg, Sebastopol, Rohnert Park, Cotati, and Petaluma. Each city has its own unique qualities and activities to enjoy. No matter where you are, you’ll find yourself a short drive away from the coast and the Russian River. 

• Santa Rosa Visitors Info
• City of Santa Rosa 
• Sonoma County Visitors Site
• Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau​

• Wine Country Info
• County of Sonoma Site
• ​Wednesday Night Market

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What do you like about living in Santa Rosa or Sonoma County?

"I love the proximity to beautiful outdoors spots, great food and music, and the uniquely hippy, progressive culture that lives on. My day is regularly brightened by spontaneous conversation I have with friendly strangers!" - Dr. Pastor, Resident

video credit Sonoma County Taiko

​"I love running in Annadel state park with our friends' running group. I love climbing the hills and chatting in the brisk morning hours on the weekend days and then heading to the farmers market for amazing food grown by local farmers, bakers and cheese makers." - Dr. scott, program director

"Running with friends, residents, faculty across our beautiful county! Jamming with friends is the best!" - Dr. Hansen, core faculty

"I really appreciate living somewhere that makes it both easy to commute and access nature. I drive 10 minutes to get to clinic and also can drive 10 minutes to get to a beautiful state park. Less time driving means that I have more to spend with my loved ones and doing things I want during the day!" - Dr. Gordon, Resident

"One more plug for: trail running in Annadel, along the coast, and beyond!
All kinds of great bakeries (Wild Flour Bread in Freestone, Sarmentine in Santa Rosa, Water Street Bistro and Stellina Pronto in Petaluma among so many others.) Local bookstores (Point Reyes books is amazing!) Watching elephant seals and leopard sharks. Climbing giant live oak trees in Helen Putnam park. Trivia night at half a dozen local breweries." - Dr. Bacon, faculty

"I like
-Having a Sonoma County Parks Pass 
-Gleaning plums and blackberries every June and July
-Buying the most delicious strawberries on the planet off Highway 12 right before you reach Sebastopol
-The Sonoma County Public Library System (including electronic resources)
-Biking from my home in downtown Santa Rosa to Screaming Mimi’s in Sebastopol (6.8 miles on the Joe Rodota trail, about 40 minutes) with the perfect reward at the end
-Lap Swimming at the local city pools with a drop-in pass (my favorite is Finley, open 6am daily. Ridgeway is open 9-12)
-Having a treat at Criminal Bakery, a locally-owned and operated bakery by a badass single mom that has gluten free and dairy free options.
-The Annual South of A (SOFA) festival and Parade." - Dr. Jordan, faculty

"It is magical to live in a place where depending on the direction, one can either end up being able to soak up the energy of urban life (and even the three big cities all have different character!) or ground themselves in the beauty of the Redwood forests...or immerse themselves in the spirit of the incredible ocean and beaches!  I continue to be in awe that I do not have to drive very far before I feel like I'm truly away from Santa Rosa and work and in a totally new world!  Santa Rosa is also fantastic in that it is a perfect size with all the amenities that one needs, including wonderful restaurants and entertainment (in one year, I saw comedians Ally Wong, Ronnie Chieng, Joy Koy, and Kevin Hart all in little Sonoma County!)" - Dr. Wu, Faculty