Living in Santa Rosa as an expat
A city nestled among luxuriant greenery, soaring mountains, glittering lakes, and forests of towering redwoods, Santa Rosa is a nature lover's paradise. New arrivals moving to Santa Rosa are sure to find plenty to love in and around the city.
Santa Rosa has a population of around 174,000 and is the largest city in Sonoma County, California. It's just 55 miles (90km) north of San Francisco. Year-round good weather means there are plenty of opportunities for fun in the sun.
Working in Santa Rosa
Santa Rosa has a number of strong industries that provide work for its residents, including healthcare, retail, public administration, and technology.
Most people moving here will have a job sorted out ahead of relocation, but if you're on the hunt for a new position, it's often about who you know. Meeting and mingling with your fellow professionals, be it via an online platform such as LinkedIn or in person at networking events, is key to getting ahead of the pack when it comes to finding and applying for jobs here.
Working and Finding A Job in Santa Rosa
Lifestyle in Santa Rosa
Santa Rosa is set in a prime location in the heart of wine country, and you'll have gorgeous views available right in your backyard. Farm-to-table dining and wine tasting are common pursuits here, easily found at the more than 400 wineries in the area.
Beer lovers are also well catered to by Santa Rosa's strong brewery culture, and foodies can explore the many award-winning restaurants in the city. A lively calendar of events throughout the year means there's always something exciting happening. Live music, theatre shows, festivals
If you're looking to escape the hustle and bustle, there are plenty of ways to do so in and around Santa Rosa. A number of beautiful parks and green spaces can be enjoyed without leaving the city. Venturing beyond Santa Rosa, you can find forest, desert, mountain, lake, and beach landscapes. Popular activities include hiking, camping, water sports, and cycling.
Shopping, Restaurants, and Outdoor Activities in Santa Rosa
Living with children in Santa Rosa
Child-friendly Santa Rosa is a fantastic place to raise a family. From spotting exotic creatures in Safari West to visiting the many tributes to Charles M. Schultz, creator of the Peanuts comic strip, there's plenty to keep the kids entertained.
Keeping the family in good health is easy here, thanks to virtually endless outdoor attractions. The city also has excellent healthcare options, though it's vital to hold a good medical insurance policy that also covers your dependants. In most cases, employers provide employees with health insurance coverage as part of their benefits package.
Healthcare and Hospitals in Santa Rosa
Finding a school in Santa Rosa
There are a number of highly rated schools in Santa Rosa, both public and private, so you'll have plenty of choice. It's worth noting, though, that the city's school system is complex, with several school districts operating within it. Some districts oversee as few as one school, while others manage close to 20. Admission to public schools is determined by catchment area, so your address affects which district and school your family is assigned to.
Santa Rosa is also home to a number of top-notch magnet and charter schools. Like public schools, these are free to attend, but admission is determined by lottery rather than by residential address.
There's also a range of private schools, which offer a high standard of education, though at a higher price point. Private schools are responsible for their own admissions and aren't bound by zoning.
Education and Schools in Santa Rosa
Finding accommodation in Santa Rosa
Santa Rosa's accommodation options are varied, and there's a range of areas and suburbs to choose from.
Bennett Valley and Rincon Valley are well-established neighbourhoods that offer family-friendly living, while Fountaingrove and Skyhawk are beautifully hilly areas where you can find newly built or rebuilt upscale homes. Oakmount Village is a fantastic place for retirement and is especially popular among the 55+ crowd, offering a close-knit community with resort-style amenities and golf courses.
It can be tough to nab your perfect home in Santa Rosa's competitive rental market, so act fast if you see something you like. Prices tend to be high, though not as high as in other nearby cities, such as San Francisco. If you're looking to buy, the median home price in Santa Rosa is just over 754,000 USD.
Working directly with a real estate agent is an ideal way to reduce the legwork involved in finding accommodation. A local agency's knowledge of the area is extremely helpful for newcomers. Relocation companies are also highly useful for reducing the stress and complexity of moving to a new city and can offer assistance not just with finding a home and neighbourhood that suit you, but also but also with other aspects such as schooling and transport.
Renting Accommodation in Santa Rosa
Best Neighbourhoods in Santa Rosa
Cost of living in Santa Rosa
The cost of living in Santa Rosa is undeniably high. But residents find it's well worth it to be surrounded by such a range of landscapes, not to mention being an hour's drive from San Francisco. And although costs are high here, Santa Rosa's employers compensate for this by paying well, ensuring that their employees can meet the cost of living.
Getting around in Santa Rosa
There's not a huge variety of options for getting around in Santa Rosa. For the most part, residents will need a car to get where they're going. There are some public transport options available, including buses and trains, but the routes generally aren't robust enough to be a meaningful alternative for commuting. Still, it's possible to reach San Francisco and other attractions by train, so they're useful for a day out.
Public Transport and Driving in Santa Rosa
Climate in Santa Rosa
Sunny days aplenty await new arrivals in Santa Rosa, with over 255 sunshine days a year. The temperature takes a slight dip in winter, and some rain can be expected, but this is a brief blip in the city's otherwise wonderful weather.
Overall, newcomers can expect to enjoy themselves in Santa Rosa. With so many exciting activities, both indoor and outdoor, there's plenty to delight the whole family, young and old.