Petaluma

Welcome to Petaluma

A quiet, historic town on the way to Northern California’s wine country

Petaluma is a comfortable community just north of the San Francisco Bay Area that has a small-town feel. It is one of the gateways to the world-famous wine country, which is known for its vineyards, restaurants, and resorts set in natural beauty.

Petaluma was founded in the 1830s as part of a massive ranch. It has a historic city center that includes many buildings that survived the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. The town straddles the picturesque Petaluma River.

Petaluma is a tranquil place to live, and the weather is unbeatable. Properties are stunning, with the median home price nudging above $800,000. The median household income is nearly $90,000.

What to Love

• Rancho Petaluma Adobe is a historic ranch house built from adobe bricks in 1836 by order of Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo.
• The historic McNear Building, built in 1886, is a common filming location.
• Azari Vineyards is located in the desirable “Petaluma Gap” and is a great spot for a family celebration or a relaxing afternoon of tasting.

People & Lifestyle

Petaluma has been described as having a small-town feel where everyone is friendly. That’s one of the main reasons it is such an attractive place to live. While San Francisco is just a short drive away, Petaluma has everything anyone would need for a comfortable, active lifestyle.

Dining, Entertainment & Shopping

Petaluma has become known as a “foodie haven,” with a wide variety of restaurants and wine tasting rooms to choose from, as well as a burgeoning craft beer scene.

One of the unique eateries is The Shuckery, a charming bistro for fish, oysters, and shareable seafood main dishes. It’s a reminder that the San Francisco Bay Area isn’t that far away. Another local fixture is the Wild Goat Bistro, known for seasonal fare, gluten-free dishes, and local wines served in rustic-chic surroundings.

Another place to get a feel for the hip local scene is Brewsters Beer Garden & Restaurant, which is a laid-back, open-air beer garden featuring modern BBQ, local craft beers, fire pits, and live music.

Things to Do

A great way to get a feel for Petaluma is to take a leisurely walk through downtown and soak up the history of the area. Among the classic buildings are the American Trust Company, now Vintage Bank Antiques, the Masonic Building with its clock tower, and the McNear Building.

Petaluma Riverview Park is on 20 acres of wild waterfront property on the McNear Peninsula. It offers recreation, education, conservation, culture, and a sense of community.

The Petaluma Music Festival showcases the wonderful range of musical talent in Petaluma and the Bay Area. The Butter & Egg Days Parade and Festival is a one-of-a-kind festival and parade celebrating Petaluma’s agricultural heritage. It includes booths, food, and entertainment.

Schools

The Petaluma area is home to a number of excellent schools. Top educational opportunities include:

• Liberty Elementary School, which serves grades 1-6, is rated above average in quality compared to other schools in California.
• Petaluma Accelerated Charter School is rated above average in quality, and students perform above average on state tests.
• Petaluma High School is one mile from historic downtown, serving approximately 1,310 students in grades 9-12.