Best Neighborhoods in Santa Rosa, CA

In the North Bay region rests the suburban city of Santa Rosa, California. This Sonoma County city has over 170,000 people calling Santa Rosa home, and with tens of neighborhoods in the city, finding your nest here can be quite the search.

Although many of the neighborhoods in the heart of wine country have a quality Santa Rosans love — lush rolling hills and urban flair — a few other features create a distinction. 

As a result, the quality of life and experience you get from the different Santa Rosa neighborhoods are not quite the same. So, how about you save yourself the headache of searching for the best neighborhoods in Santa Rosa. 

Let’s go!

Quick Overview

• Rincon Valley — Most Family-friendly Neighborhood
• Bennett Valley — Safe Haven for Retirees
• Downtown — Most Hip Neighborhood
• Fountaingrove — Most Luxurious Neighborhood
• Proctor Terrace — Most Historic Neighborhood
• Oakmont —  Best Amenities for Senior Citizens
• Roseland — Most Diverse Neighborhood
• Montgomery Village — Best Blend of Suburban and Modern Living

Rincon Valley

Imagine waking up to birds chirping, surrounded by picturesque hills and vineyards — that’s life in Rincon Valley. 

This suburban gem is where families come for excellent schools and the outdoor enthusiasts thrive, with nearby Annadel State Park offering endless hiking and biking opportunities. 

With its family-friendly atmosphere, it’s no surprise that Rincon Valley feels like the perfect small-town escape without sacrificing modern conveniences. 

Local shopping centers and cozy restaurants make grabbing a bite or shopping close to home easy in this neighborhood. If you desire to live in Santa Rosa for the tranquility paired with a dash of adventure, Rincon Valley is where to be.

• Population: 26,179
• Median Household Income: $56,189
• Average House Rent: $2,787
• Median Home Value: $765,000
• Known For: Family-oriented community with stunning parks and trails.

Bennett Valley

If you prefer upscale suburban calm, Bennett Valley delivers serenity in spades. 

Known for its lush golf courses and tree-lined streets, this neighborhood is ideal for those who prefer a slower pace of life. 

Bennett Valley is also perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy the beauty of nature while still being a short drive from Santa Rosa’s urban amenities. Locals can be found hitting the links at Bennett Valley Golf Course or sipping wine at a nearby winery. 

The area’s peaceful vibe attracts retirees and those who just want a little quiet luxury in their lives, making it one of the best neighborhoods in Santa Rosa.

• Population: 23,748
• Median Household Income: $111,358
• Average House Rent: $2,453
• Median Home Value: $1,400,000
• Known For: Quiet, affluent vibe with great golfing.

Downtown Santa Rosa

For a complete change of pace, many Santa Rosa movers will suggest moving to the urban heartbeat of the city, Downtown Santa Rosa. 

This vibrant area ranks as one of the best neighborhoods in Santa Rosa for its mix of historic charm and modern, trendy spots. 

From cool cafes to unique boutiques and art galleries, downtown is a haven for creatives and foodies alike. With live music and farmers’ markets filling the streets, you will never get bored here.

The walkability in Downtown Santa Rosa also means you can ditch the car and enjoy everything from fine dining to craft breweries just steps from your front door. 

Simply put: Downtown is perfect for anyone who craves the energy and excitement of urban life.

• Population: 8,000
• Median Household Income: $84,250
• Average House Rent: $1,650
• Median Home Value: $735,000
• Known For: Artsy vibes, walkable urban center with a vibrant nightlife.

Fountaingrove

Are you looking for luxury and sweeping views? Fountaingrove is a hillside retreat that offers just that. 

This neighborhood is known for its elegant homes perched on scenic hills that make you feel like you’re on top of the world. 

Fountaingrove is a favorite among professionals and anyone looking for a bit of grandeur. Its high-end homes and country clubs provide a serene yet sophisticated lifestyle. 

Although the 2017 wildfires affected the area, Fountaingrove has rebounded stronger, with modern homes and a renewed sense of community. 

As one of the best places to live in Santa Rosa, you are set to enjoy quiet evenings with unbeatable sunsets.

• Population: 44,925
• Median Household Income: $93,826
• Average House Rent: $3,208
• Median Home Value: $1,305,000
• Known For: Stunning luxury homes with panoramic views.

Proctor Terrace

Right up there among the best neighborhoods in Santa Rosa, Proctor Terrace provides just the right amount of charm. 

Proctor Terrace is largely an established area full of older homes with character that evokes a sense of nostalgia. This neighborhood is particularly a favorite for families and older residents looking for that cozy, small-town feel. 

This area’s proximity to local schools and small businesses gives it a warm, community-focused vibe. Although there are only a few restaurants here, grabbing coffee at a local café is sincerely not a hard reach. 

Just know that life here has a relaxed feel.

• Population: 10,491
• Median Household Income: $81,7420
• Average House Rent: $3,100
• Median Home Value: $993,000
• Known For: Cozy, nostalgic vibe great for families and retirees

Oakmont

If you’re looking for a slice of senior paradise, Oakmont is Santa Rosa’s go-to 55+ community. 

Nestled among the rolling hills and vineyards, Oakmont offers retirees a peaceful, resort-style environment. From golf courses to clubhouses and wellness centers, this neighborhood is designed for leisure and luxury. 

Residents often enjoy a round of golf in the morning and a glass of wine in the afternoon. 

Plus, if you’re looking for a place to spend your retirement years or you have a parent who needs not just assistance with daily living but a community that supports the golden years, Oakmont is a place you should consider.

• Population: 4,413
• Median Household Income: $100,225
• Average House Rent: $2,192
• Median Home Value: $757,000
• Known For: Senior living with a focus on luxury and comfort.

Roseland

A lively neighborhood known for its cultural diversity and a strong sense of community is what Roseland is. 

This urban-meets-suburban area offers a vibrant Latino culture, with local markets, authentic eateries, and colorful festivals that unite the community. 

Among Roseland’s top-appreciated qualities is its affordability, which makes it a popular choice for families and first-time homebuyers looking to settle in Santa Rosa. 

The neighborhood is a cultural exchange and celebration hub, making it one of the city’s most welcoming areas.

• Population: 42,138
• Median Household Income: $81,484
• Average House Rent: $2,239
• Median Home Value: $523,000
• Known For: Cultural diversity, affordability, and community-focused living.

Montgomery Village

Located just east of downtown Santa Rosa, Montgomery Village feels like its own little world, centered around its charming outdoor shopping center. 

The neighborhood exudes a laid-back, suburban feel but with plenty of nearby conveniences that give it an urban twist. 

Residents in the village tend to enjoy a relaxed yet active lifestyle. Plus, the shopping center is its focal point, where locals often grab a drink or attend community events.

• Population: 5,000
• Median Household Income: $99,978
• Average House Rent: $3,400
• Median Home Value: $650,000
• Known For: Walkable shopping village and artsy atmosphere

Conclusion — The Best Santa Rosa Neighborhoods

Santa Rosa may be wine country, but the neighborhood divide is often so distinct that even the tipsy can see it. 

Finding a place you fit in isn’t so much a herculean task. From the rolling hills of Rincon Valley, which support family life, to the laid-back lifestyle of Oakmont and Bennett Valley, which make them suitable for seniors and retirees, Santa Rosa has these neighborhoods in spades.

If you have more luxurious needs, you can run into the cocoons of Fountaingrove while counting on Roseland to deliver when it comes to cultural diversity and affordability. 

Meanwhile, for more artistic energy, Downtown and Montgomery Village are some of the best neighborhoods in Santa Rosa for you.

So, made a choice yet?

Written by Billy Guteng. October 4, 2024

Billy is a content writer for Kukun. He was born in France, and has lived in multiple cities around the world ever since. He loves art, design and architecture as well as construction and real estate.