Sonoma, CA Reviews

quality of life - 7/28/2013
I love Sonoma. Moved here from Texas and I can't wait to live in this small town with country living all around. I hate all the drama and crime in Vallejo. I live in Vallejo for now until we find a place. I hate the crime and unsafe city. I love the quit and safe small town to raise my son. I'm tired of all the diversity in cities...it causes more crime, drugs, and gangs. I don't care if its expensive, that keeps out the bad and the crime. Love the wine and flat land. Great country Read More

If you like village life, you'll like the town of - 2/7/2011
I have lived in Sonoma for 3 years now. I relocated after a brief stint in Salt Lake City but lived in San Francisco for 30 years before that. If you like small town life this is the place for you. Sonoma is located in Sonoma County, one of the most beautiful places on earth. It's difficult to find employment in this county even if you're in the food and wine industry, which I am not. Having lived in cities all my life, I find Sonoma to be too quiet. Although it's a convenient 50 minute drive to S.F., I find myself going there less than I thought I would. The town of Sonoma skews older with lots of retirees. You pay dearly for every minute you live in this beautiful place. Housing is expensive (think over a half million for a little bungalow in town) as is the overall cost of living...can you say $80 haircuts and $3/lb organic veggies? The weather is almost perfect. Winters can be rainy but are almost always punctuated with sunny days. In January, I was working in my garden, Read More

Best Climate & Best Air Quality - 11/5/2010
The best aspects of living in Sonoma County,CA:

Air quality is best that one can ask for and there is no severe weather.

No hazardous weather driving or walking Read More

living in Sonoma for 6 months now... - 7/22/2010
Coming from SF and Marin, Sonoma has a small town feel surrounded by vineyards and hills...its got great weather and its pretty much flat everywhere, great for bike riding!
But that's it, there is no diversity in this town...just the average Joe with tons of dough going to town for a steak and beer.
The culture is weak and everything is mostly based on wine, wine making, grapes, vineyards, tasting rooms, etc...Very seasonal too.
Its fun for a weekend but that's all the town has to offer!
its just too gentrified, like a Disneyland for adults.
I can't wait to move back to MarinRead More

living in Sonoma for 6 months now... - 7/22/2010
Coming from SF and Marin, Sonoma has a small town feel surrounded by vineyards and hills...its got great weather and its pretty much flat everywhere, great for bike riding!
But that's it, there is no diversity in this town...just the average Joe with tons of dough going to town for a steak and beer.
The culture is weak and everything is mostly based on wine, wine making, grapes, vineyards, tasting rooms, etc...Very seasonal too.
Its fun for a weekend but that's all the town has to offer!
its just too gentrified, like a Disneyland for adults.
I can't wait to move back to MarinRead More

living in Sonoma for 6 months now... - 7/22/2010
Coming from SF and Marin, Sonoma has a small town feel surrounded by vineyards and hills...its got great weather and its pretty much flat everywhere, great for bike riding!
But that's it, there is no diversity in this town...just the average Joe with tons of dough going to town for a steak and beer.
The culture is weak and everything is mostly based on wine, wine making, grapes, vineyards, tasting rooms, etc...Very seasonal too.
Its fun for a weekend but that's all the town has to offer!
its just too gentrified, like a Disneyland for adults.
I can't wait to move back to MarinRead More

Small town,USA - 6/22/2010
Sonoma has its charm if you come on weekends for wine tasting or wondering around the vineyards but that's about it!
There's no diversity here, just white people mostly grape growers,farmers,etc driving BIG pick up truck or Soccer moms with kids.
The only change is nice homes owned by white folks are further with town like Aqua Calliente where more Latinos live.
It is pretty boring except if you like to drink, and this area will make you drink as there's not a lot to do.
So I moved here because I could rent a home for the price of my apartment in Marin but I miss the ocean and the proximity of San Francisco to go out at night without having to booze constantly!!!!
And last but not least, although being only 35 minutes North of SF, there's a good amount of rednecks around which I thought you'd have to go further away from SF to find them, pretty pathetic if you ask me.
So all in all, I can't wait to go back to the Bay.
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Diversity - 8/24/2009
My husband and I have lived in the small town of Sonoma for five years. Although it is a gorgeous Valley with distinct landmarks, the lack of cultural diversity is a challenge. Thankfully it is close to SF and the folks here are interested in change. I teach West African dance, which has been a huge success. Perhaps more cutting edge theatre would Read More

Great Place - one drawback - 3/6/2008
Great people, great politics, endless beauty, but lots of Read More

Beautiful place, lacking in diversity - 11/27/2006
Sonoma is a beautiful place to live. The people are friendly and there is a real small-town feel here. One negative is the lack of Read More