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 is situated off the California's West Coast, and is 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 providing work to 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 its residents enjoy a lush lifestyle. Farm-to-table dining and wine tasting are common pursuits here, while those who prefer beer will also be well catered to by Santa Rosa's strong brewery culture.
The combination of natural beauty and sunny weather makes Santa Rosa a perfect spot for outdoorsy types. Hiking, camping, water sports, and cycling opportunities are easy to find and enjoy. As a bonus, these are also great ways to make new friends.
Shopping, Restaurants, and Outdoor Activities 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, but the market can be competitive. Prices are high, though not as high as in other major cities nearby, such as San Francisco.
Working directly with a real estate agent is an ideal way to reduce the legwork that comes with finding accommodation. A local agency's knowledge of the area is extremely helpful for newcomers who aren't familiar with the city. Landlords will usually bear the cost of agency fees, so house hunters don't need to worry about the extra cost of this service.
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.
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
Santa Rosa's schooling situation is complex, with a number of different school districts operating in the city – some with as few as one school, others managing close to 20. Admission to public schools is determined by catchment area, so your address affects which school and district you'll be assigned to.
Alternatively, Santa Rosa has several good magnet and charter school options. Like public schools, these are free to attend, but admission is determined by lottery rather than by residential address. Private schools are also readily available.
Education and Schools in Santa Rosa
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.