Downtown Petaluma Neighborhood
Young professionals, remote workers, downsizers.
Petaluma is a stretch for young professionals looking for a big batch of other young professionals, but there are bars, restaurants, and cafes if you’re ready to move on from the big city but don’t want to surrender a social scene entirely. There are plenty of condos and apartments for purchase or rent, so don’t expect a city that never sleeps, but if you’re gonna live anywhere, it’ll be downtown.
A growing trend, which Petaluma is experiencing as well, is Empty Nesters/Retirees picking quiet-ish but active downtowns for the short walks to daytime culture and nighttime action. The weather is amazing, the locals are friendly, and the pace is pretty perfect for being active, but not at a dizzying pace. This is a true American Main Street that converted, but also preserved 1870s buildings, into a thriving arts, shopping, restaurant, and theater district.
One final note, while the counties north of SF are famous for rejecting the train system from the city, there is a nifty little train line from Santa Rosa to Larkspur, so you can live in downtown Petaluma and take a train to many of the Marin/Sonoma county cities.
Zoned Schools:
- McNear or Grant Elementary (varies)
- Petaluma Junior High
- Petaluma High
Median Home Price: $650,000–$900,000
Similar Neighborhoods:
-Downtown Napa
-Sebastopol’s core
-Paso Robles historic district
West Side Petaluma Neighborhood
Families, long-term residents, professionals.
Western Petaluma is a beautiful suburban neighborhood. It has a mix of historic mansions, restored Victorian and Craftsman homes, and newer subdivisions for those craving a true suburban experience. The streets are tree-lined, the blocks are quiet and there are big yards and parks for the kiddos to run around and the Petaluma River for boating and kayaking. The public schools are highly-rated and walkable, or bikeable for those looking for that intimate culture.
The Vibe:
This is the older, historic side of town, with Victorian homes, Craftsman bungalows, and newer subdivisions if you're craving a true suburban vibe. The streets are tree-lined, the blocks are quiet and there are big yards and parks for the kiddos to run around and the Petaluma River for boating and kayaking. The public schools are highly-rated and walkable, or bikeable for those looking for that intimate culture.
Zoned Schools:
- McNear or Grant Elementary (varies)
- Petaluma Junior High
- Petaluma High
Median Home Price: $950,000–$1.4M
Similar Neighborhoods:
-Healdsburg’s residential core
-Alameda’s Gold Coast-lite
Oakhill / Cherry Valley Neighborhood
Families wanting walkability + alternative school options.
The Vibe:
Located near downtown, Oakhill and Cherry Valley is filled with historic homes that sit along quiet, leafy streets. Cherry Valley Elementary’s arts/project-based program makes this one of the most requested areas, as families appreciate the high-quality integrated experience. Homes range from small cottages to larger, older Victorian homes.
Zoned Schools:
- Cherry Valley Elementary (choice availability),
- Petaluma Junior High
- Petaluma High
Median Home Price: $850,000–$1.2M
Similar Neighborhoods:
-Santa Rosa’s JC district
-East Sacramento’s grid neighborhoods
East Side Petaluma Neighborhood
Families, commuters, first-time buyers
The Neighborhood Vibe:
East Side Petaluma has newer subdivisions, larger grocery stores, and more suburban-style layouts. Housing includes ranch homes, newer two-story builds, and townhouses. It’s family-friendly, with plenty of parks and more spacious homes at slightly lower prices than the west side.
Zoned Schools: Varies by section; often Casa Grande High
Median Home Price: $750,000–$1M
Similar Neighborhoods:
-Cotati/Rohnert Park newer developments
-Roseville suburban pockets
Waugh / South East Petaluma Neighborhood
Families looking for newer housing and good school access.
The Neighborhood Vibe:
This area includes subdivisions built in the 1990s–2000s with quiet cul-de-sacs, lots of local parks, and larger homes suited for family expansion! It’s close to the Waugh School District, which many families seek out for stability and particularly strong elementary options.
Zoned Schools:
- Meadow Elementary
- Corona Creek (Waugh District)
- Casa Grande High
Median Home Price: $800,000–$1.1M
Similar Neighborhoods:
-Folsom’s newer neighborhoods
-Santa Rosa’s Bennett Valley suburban pockets
Petaluma East D Street Corridor Neighborhood
Professionals, retirees, long-term residents.
The Neighborhood Vibe:
This area features older ranch homes, historic Victorians, large newer builds, large lots, and rural-adjacent living close to downtown. You see a mix of hobby farms, custom homes, and classic mid-century properties. It feels semi-rural but remains minutes from restaurants and shops.
Zoned Schools:
- McNear or Grant (varies)
- Petaluma Junior High
- Petaluma High
Median Home Price: $1.1M–$1.8M
Similar Neighborhoods:
-Sonoma eastside acreage pockets
-Napa’s lower Monticello corridor