So, With a population of 10,726, Sonoma is a small town. The suburbs are where most families end up. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Is this normal for Sonoma? There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
11 upvotes
6 Replies
Hunter Murphy
preach
39 upvotes
Adam R.
hard disagree but ok
28 upvotes
Dylan
I've lived in South for about 11 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it was the best decision I ever made. When I first moved here from Atlanta, I was surprised by school system. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The community vibe scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Dating scene is rough
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for remote workers. Happy to answer more specific questions..
24 upvotes
Madeline Walker
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from Portland about 12 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Good airport with direct flights
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are stable, gas is average.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
18 upvotes
carson_mama
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 14 years. Moved from Seattle for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have rivers within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Westside schools are hit or miss. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Urban sprawl is real. Dating scene is rough. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 6/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
10 upvotes
Jack Stewart
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. it exceeded my expectations. Compared to Charlotte it's better than expected.
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