Petaluma is a mid-sized city located in the state of California. The city has a population of 59,757 people. In Petaluma, there are 4,155 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. Petaluma has a high percentage of people who are married with children when compared to the rest of the country. In total, more than 76% of the population is classified as married and 55% have kids.
If you’re considering relocating to any new city, it could be a very daunting 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. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like amenities, crime, commute, health & safety, education, you can easily compare the best places to live in Petaluma and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Petaluma to California and the national average.
Petaluma has a livability score of 81 out of 100 and is ranked #35 in California and #1,097 in the USA. Compared to the United States average, Petaluma ranks among some of the best places to live in the country! Petaluma has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. Based on the grades for each individual category, Petaluma has received high marks for education (B+) and employment (A+).
Based on the proximity of local amenities like grocery stores, restaurants, coffee shops, parks, shops, etc., Petaluma has received a higher than average score for its local amenities. If you’re planning on relocating and making this area your permanent home, it’s nice to know that there is an ample amount of amenities and things to do within walking distance or a short drive. Some of the more notable entertainment options include: Terrific Tours, Sonoma Valley Portworks, and Brewery Adventures.
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. Median real estate prices in Petaluma come in at $498,200, which is 21.7% higher than the California average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Petaluma, the home price to income ratio is 6.2, which is 3.1% lower 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% |
| Walk | Bike | Compact | Car | S.U.V. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Distance | |||||
| Duration | |||||
| Cost/Month |
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