Amenities
A wealth of amenities, such as restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores, parks and fitness facilities, are all conveniently located within walking distance.
Commute
An elevated score in the commute category points to excellent public transit accessibility and shorter-than-average work commute times in this area.
Employment
Higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates are seen in this area. The result is a high score in the employment category.
Health & Safety
Good air quality as well as nearby health facilities like hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, fire and police stations all contribute to a higher than average health and safety score.
Schools
The schools category earns a high score due to factors like exceptional test scores, strong education levels and the close proximity of elementary and high schools in this area.
Cost Of Living
Living in this region comes with a high cost of living, translating to elevated costs for homes, goods and services, groceries, utilities, health care and transportation.
Petaluma is a medium-sized city located in the state of California. The city has a population of 60,865 residents. In Petaluma, there are 4,222 people per square mile, which is well above the national population density average. The majority of Petaluma residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Asian and Black. Something to be aware of when living in Petaluma are the above average commute times. If you're looking for a short commute to work, this might not be the right area for you. With one way commute time of 31 minutes, this comes in much higher than the national average of 26 minutes.
If you’re considering moving to any new city, it could be a very discouraging task. However, it could also be a positive experience if you are willing to get to know the town before actually living in Petaluma, California. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. The best areas in Petaluma and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, cost of living, commute, employment, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the California and national averages.
Using data and statistics Petaluma has received a livability score of 83/100. This score is ranked in the 97th percentile when compared to all other cities. Based on this score, Petaluma would be considered a very livable city! Petaluma has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. If we consider each of the categories individually, we see that Petaluma ranks well for education (A+) and employment (A+). Petaluma does not do well for the following: cost of living (F). It might be a smart idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.
If you're considering living in Petaluma, it comes with numerous advantages, particularly in the form of an extensive selection of local amenities. These amenities play a pivotal role in elevating the quality of life within this vibrant community. From easily accessible grocery stores, to conveniently located fitness facilities, a diverse range of dining establishments and a multitude of shopping options, Petaluma provides a comprehensive array of resources for its residents. This ensures the effortless fulfillment of your daily needs and creates ample opportunities for relaxation and recreation. The convenience of these local offerings greatly contributes to the overall appeal of the area, making it an enticing destination for those in search of convenience, diversity, and a gratifying lifestyle. If you're contemplating a move, the abundance of local amenities could very well be a defining characteristic of this area. Some of the interesting things to do and attractions include: Terrific Tours, Sonoma Valley Portworks, and Brewery Adventures.
The unemployment rate in Petaluma has consistently declined over the years and currently stands well below the national average at 2.67%. This downward trend holds the potential to reduce poverty and inequality within the region, promote higher wage levels and stimulate greater economic growth. Such positive indicators signal the overall robust health of the local economy, offering a promising outlook for its residents and fostering an environment of financial well-being and prosperity.
There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Petaluma is actually affordable. The median home price for Petaluma homes is $664,200, which is 62.3% higher than the California average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Petaluma, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 7.2, which is 12.5% higher than the California average.
| Statistic | Petaluma | California | National |
| Average one way commute | 31min | 28min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 73.0% | 73.5% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 9.7% | 10.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 2.5% | 5.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.6% | 1.1% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 1.8% | 2.7% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 10.5% | 5.4% | 4.6% |
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