Sonoma is the birthplace of California’s wine industry, a city 45 miles north of San Francisco. It was originally occupied by Miwok Native Americans before a Franciscan priest established it as a mission in 1823 and there grew America’s first vineyard.

Today, Sonoma is home to more than 10,000 residents who live on 2.72 square miles of scenic hills, rolling vineyards, and sprawling farmlands. This historic city is also well known for its vibrant art scene, culinary delights, and the preservation of its 19th century adobe buildings.

Best of all, with its small-town vibe and excellent quality of life, Sonoma is a great place to live and work year round.

Those thinking of moving here will also enjoy its:

• Excellent climate
  Residents thrive under Sonoma’s Mediterranean-like weather of comfortable summers and cool winters. The climate gives locals a leg up in exploring the best of what the city has to offer.
• Thriving entrepreneurial culture
  Sonoma is one of the friendliest places to set up shop. In fact, many local businesses in Sonoma were launched by visitors who came and chose to make a living in the beautiful city. This has led to Sonoma earning a spot in NerdWallet.com’s 2015 Best Places to Start a Business.
• Many recreational hot spots
  There’s more to Sonoma than wineries and restaurants. The city is well within reach of Sonoma Valley’s 50 nature parks. Some of them are the Sonoma Overlook Trail, the Sonoma Coast State Park, and the Jack London State Park. Adventure is an integral part of living in Sonoma.
• Historic community
  History is revered in Sonoma. The 8-acre Sonoma Plaza, the largest in California, is also a National Historic Landmark featuring Mission San Francisco Solano and the Sonoma Barracks. Adobe storefronts, winding alleyways, and preserved structures balance out the new – from art galleries, cafes, and restaurants, as well as a vintage movie house. To recognize the active role the city plays in keeping the past alive, Sonoma has been named a national “Preserve America Community.”
• Quality education
  Sonoma is under the Sonoma Valley Unified School District, assuring families of quality education no matter the grade level. Schools under this district are the El Verano Elementary School, Sassarini Elementary School, Adele Harrison Middle School, and the Sonoma Valley High School.

Real estate

Sonoma’s real estate choices are as wide-ranging as the wine varietals it produces.

Craftsman-style homes with wide porches and spacious living arrangements are plentiful in Armstrong Estates. For traditional Sonoma homes with mature trees, the Historic Overlay Zone is a great place to check for options. There are also Mediterranean, Victorian, and Craftsman- style homes in this area in Sonoma.

If the idea of 2-acre “ranchettes” intrigues you, check out the properties in the Lovall Valley Road. The Springs, on the other hand, offers a Hispanic touch to housing options, which include bungalows or cabin-style homes.

To know more about Sonoma real estate or to inquire about other properties in the North Bay area, call Abby at 415-497-9542 or email at [email protected].