Review of Petaluma, California


Just say no.
Star Rating - 11/3/2019
We moved to Petaluma from Florida 5 years ago because my husband is from the area and has a lot of contacts in his industry. First, Petaluma is a quaint little town but liberal policies are starting to ruin it like it has ruin every town in America. Our roads are the worst despite the fools here voting for a gas tax increase to pay for road repairs. That money went into Gavin Newsom's choo choo train down south. So now they want to extend our sales tax increase to fund roads. Of course, once again, these fools are going to vote for it. Our city council is more interested in spending money on bathtubs on stilts "art" than the roads. They spend their time doing virtue signaling resolutions like declaring a "climate emergency," than aiding their citizens.

Housing costs are astronomical. A dumpy little tract home will set you back about $500k. Gas is over $4.00/gallon. If you don't bring your own bag to the store, you have to buy one for 10 cents. Most people work in San Francisco which is a 1-2 hour commute, each way.

California has become a banana republic, complete with 1 party rule. Corruption is rampant. Criminals run free because of asinine laws passed by the legislature. For example, stealing items valued at under $950 will get you only a citation so criminals are going into stores and taking shopping carts full of merchandise out. Because of the stupid bag law, some thieves just bring their own bags and load up. Schools suck because all the money goes to the administrators and not to teachers or students.

Unless you're a hippy, dippy liberal who doesn't mind sharing a one bedroom with 7 of your closet friends while working 2 jobs to pay rent, stay out of California. It's like a vortex of misery.
Carol | Petaluma, CA
Reply to this Comment

2 Replies


Thanks for your thoughtful comments, Carol! I really appreciate you pointing out the downsides of living in this town. It's expensive, as is almost all of California, and we should all actively challenge our elected representatives, especially on the fiscal front. I really wish you'd written your critique without the name-calling! "Fools", "banana republic", "asinine", "stupid", "hippy, dippy", ... You raise excellent points, but raising my hackles is not helpful. :-) :-) Best of luck, and I hope you find happiness!
Dear Leader | | Report Abuse

Funny that Carol commented on my critical review of Tampa, Fl that if I didn't like where I was living, I could always move back to my home state. Carol, I invite you to take your own advice.
Alizon | Land O Lakes, FL | Report Abuse
MORE REVIEWS OF PETALUMA, CALIFORNIA
- 9/6/2021
Old hippies are in charge
I agree with the low star reviews. Been here for 25 years, raised a family and seen everyt...
Chris | Petaluma, CA | 2 Replies

- 7/1/2021
A great place to call home, if you can afford it
We’ve lived here for 3 years and we love it. It has taken some time to grow on us. We move...
O | Petaluma, CA | No Replies

- 3/28/2021
California living at its finest!
I’ve lived here a couple of years (after living in others parts of the Bay Area for 15+ ye...
Ima | Petaluma, CA | No Replies

- 9/8/2020
Very nice town with a real downtown
Have lived here for 6 years. Moved from Seattle. Love the charming downtown, nice place...
dan | Petaluma, CA | No Replies

- 6/18/2020
Beautiful Town with Vapid People
I give one star for the restaurant quality, and one for the charm of the town, which also ...
Jack | Santa Rosa, CA | 1 Reply