2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Ridgecrest, CA vs Petaluma, CA

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Highlights
Are people in Petaluma older or younger than people in Ridgecrest?
- The Median Age in Petaluma is 6.2 years older than in Ridgecrest.

Are housing costs cheaper in Petaluma or Ridgecrest?
- Petaluma housing costs are 241.9% more expensive than Ridgecrest housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Petaluma or Ridgecrest?
- The average commute for residents of Petaluma is 6.7 minutes longer than it is for residents of Ridgecrest.

Things to do in Ridgecrest?
Located in the Indian Wells Valley of the Mojave Desert, Ridgecrest is a city in Kern County known for its rich cultural and recreational activities. With a population of over 27,000, this growing city offers attractions such as the desert landscape and nearby mountains, along with local events and recreation opportunities.

Things to do in Petaluma?
Petaluma, California is a charming city located in Sonoma County, approximately 52 miles north of San Francisco. The city was first settled by Europeans in the 1850s and is known today for its historic downtown area full of antique stores, restaurants and specialty shops. Petaluma has something for everyone with its unique shops, farms, vineyards, ranches, community events and scenic hikes. It has become an increasingly popular destination due to its laid-back atmosphere and close proximity to wine country and the Pacific Ocean. Whether you’re looking for outdoor recreation or a romantic getaway, Petaluma awaits!

 Ridgecrest, CAPetaluma, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock60,050329,725,481
 Median Income$77,534  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock42.838.4
 Avg. Home Price$245,600  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock5.0%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time23.43  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Ridgecrest    7 Reviews

For context, I grew up in Ridgecrest and moved away after graduating high school. I have since lived in LA and the Bay Area but I visit RC often. RC is in the high  More

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Ridgecrest and Kern County are red state bastions in a land of blue voting counties. If you want a concealed weapons permit, you'll get it. Want to own any firearm  More

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Over 13 years ago

The hardest thing to get used to in Ridgecrest is the weather. It can get quite windy. And hot. 115 hot. But it's a dry heat! It does cool off in the evening, and it  More

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Reviews for Petaluma    16 Reviews

I agree with the low star reviews. Been here for 25 years, raised a family and seen everything turn to the left and worse. Weather is glorious, love the old Victorians  More

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We’ve lived here for 3 years and we love it. It has taken some time to grow on us. We moved from SF where we had lived over 15 years, we were not used to one year leases  More

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I’ve lived here a couple of years (after living in others parts of the Bay Area for 15+ years) and I love it! Great neighborhoods, friendly folks, good schools with  More

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