Sonoma

What follows is my personal impression of Sonoma, blended with general facts about the area. Some of it is opinion. The only way to know if a place is right for you is to spend time in it. Please verify any specific detail (commute time, school assignment, amenity) directly with the appropriate source.

About Sonoma

The City of Sonoma sits in the southern Sonoma Valley, along Highway 12. It's the founding site of the wine industry in Northern California and home to one of the largest plazas in the state. The Sonoma Mission, City Hall, and surrounding adobes give the downtown a distinctly historic feel that's different from the rest of the county.

The Plaza

Eight acres of trees, lawns, and historic buildings, including the Mission and City Hall. Restaurants, tasting rooms, and shops ring the plaza on all four sides. The Tuesday night summer farmers' market is a long-running local tradition.

Sonoma Valley wineries

The Sonoma Valley AVA, sometimes called the birthplace of California wine, runs along Highway 12 from the city up toward Glen Ellen and Kenwood. Many wineries are within ten or fifteen minutes of downtown.

A more historic pace

Compared to other Sonoma County downtowns, the City of Sonoma feels older and more deliberately preserved. The adobes, the mission, and the wide streets give it a distinctly different rhythm than Santa Rosa or Petaluma.

Schools

The Sonoma Valley Unified School District serves most of the city. As always, school assignments depend on the property's address and current boundaries, which can change. Verify with the district before making any school-based decision.