What to Expect When Moving to Sonoma County
There are few places in the world that wine lovers (and indeed, practically everyone else) enjoy visiting as much as Sonoma County. Not only does this region of California offer some of the most breathtaking scenery in the country, but it also grants a cultural richness to everyone who visits.
If visiting Sonoma County is good, then living here is great. That said, it’s no wonder that so many people choose to relocate to the area every year. Though the decision to move to Sonoma County might be easy, the process is decidedly less so. The act of moving simply isn’t fun, but it doesn’t have to feel like torture either.
Once you’ve decided to take the leap of a lifetime and move your life to Sonoma County, taking the time to get to know the region can help you ruminate in the excitement of your upcoming move rather than revel in the stress of it all. Here are a few things you ought to know about Sonoma County, and some handy tips to make the relocation process more seamless.
The Sonoma County Lifestyle Is Typical California All Grown Up
Californians have a reputation as being relaxed to the point of comatose, with constantly calm and carefree attitudes. While this isn’t universally true, it’s certainly fair to say that Californians are laid back, and Sonoma County is no exception to that rule. However, this area is known to lean into hard work, too, rather than shy away from it.
Sonoma County is a particularly ideal place to live for young creatives and entrepreneurs looking to forge their way in the world, if through a less than a conventional path. Writers, artists, and tech enthusiasts alike make their homes in Sonoma County because the region is welcoming to their out-of-the-box thinking.
Even better for some who are used to fighting metropolitan traffic, the average commute in Sonoma County is just about 25 minutes. That means that professionals in the area won’t have to spend hours in gridlock every day, but they also won’t have a hard time finding fulfilling and gainful employment.
Housing Is More Affordable Than You Might Think
It would be unfair to say that buying a home in Sonoma County is cheap by any stretch of the imagination, but it’s far more affordable than other regions of California. Median home prices in the area hover around $500,000 with some outliers on the much higher and slightly lower ends.
While someone who isn’t from a major metropolitan area might wince at the thought of half a million dollars being an affordable price range, it’s important to note that it’s all relative. In San Francisco, the median home price is a whopping $1.7 million, so Sonoma County is cheap by comparison.
Though you won’t pay as much for a home in Sonoma County as you would for one in other areas of California, you certainly won’t be compromising on aesthetics or amenities. The area has boomed in recent decades, making for a blend of eccentric and modern homes to create a wholly unique environment.
There’s More to Sonoma County Than Wine
Any wine lover in the country has likely tasted a glass of wine from Sonoma County; perhaps a winery tour in the region is what inspired you to move to the area in the first place. While there’s no denying that Sonoma County’s reputation is inextricably linked to its wine production, there’s another beverage that the area loves, too: beer.
Some sites are now calling Sonoma County the microbrew capital of the United States, as the region is home to some of the best breweries in the country. All of this is simply to say that if wine isn’t really your drink, there’s no reason to fret—you’ll have no time finding a cold beer to enjoy instead.
In addition to the assorted beverages the region produces, a vibrant dining scene exists in the area. Because agriculture is such a major industry in Sonoma County, dining here means having the opportunity to enjoy farm-to-table meals complete with fresh produce, meats, and cheeses. Restaurants run the gamut from locally-owned institutions to upscale, cutting edge spots.
Long story short, Sonoma County will certainly hold up its reputation of producing great wines once you live here, but you’ll find that it has much more to offer, too. From interesting culinary experiences to community-based events and festivals, Sonoma County is buzzing with recreation.
Don’t Try to Make The Move on Your Own
No matter how frugal you are, it’s a good idea to spring for a moving service when it comes time to actually relocate to Sonoma County. You can fly directly into the county’s regional airport, and completely bypass the stress of driving all of your belongings to your new home. This is especially true if you’re moving from quite a distance, or if you don’t have experience driving a large vehicle like a moving truck.
A local moving company that’s familiar with the region is well worth the expense, and they’ll likely be able to meet you at your new home when you arrive so there’s no gap in waiting for your belongings. Many moving services will even assist you with the unloading process, so you don’t have to fuss with heavy furniture or lugging boxes upstairs.
Trying to save a few bucks here and there is all well and good, but it’s important to set out on this journey with a positive mindset—it’s hard to do that if you’re trying to manage the logistics of getting everything you own from point A to point B.
Education Is A Top Priority
Sonoma County has been ranked as one of the most educated metropolitan areas in the country, and it’s not hard to see why considering the quality public school system in the region. There are 174 public schools in Sonoma County, and nearly 90% of residents hold at least a high school diploma.
For families who have young children, or couples who are hoping to start a family in the near future, these statistics are a great indication. Sonoma County is an excellent area to thrive as an adult, but it’s also a great place to grow up.
In addition to the K-12 education options in the area, Sonoma County is also home to several higher education institutions—and some of the best colleges in America are within a few hours’ drive. After being set up by quality education during adolescence, children who grow up in Sonoma County are all but certain to find success in college.
Moving anywhere can feel daunting and intimidating, but having the right team on your side and understanding what you’re walking into can make a world of difference. Sonoma County might seem too good to be true, but it’s 100% real and ready for you to call it home.
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