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Retirement Living In Petaluma - Sonoma County - California


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Area Description

Located just 32 miles north of San Francisco, Petaluma is a vibrant community of about 60,000 residents. Known as the gateway to Sonoma County, Petaluma's central location makes getting to the dramatic Sonoma Coast, majestic redwoods or hundreds of wineries an easy and beautiful drive.

Residents and visitors love the charm of our walkable, historic downtown. Chartered in 1858, Petaluma is one of California's oldes cities and is nestled on the banks of the Petaluma River. Today, the iron-front buildings of the 19th century house one-of-a-kind antique stores, galleries and award-winning restaurants featuring farm-to-table wine country cusine.

Our population is on the small side, but our personality is big. Almost every weekend on the calendar is packed with fairs and festivals celebrating our community spirit. Whether your interest ranges from art and music, beer and wine, or you're looking for authenic Americana, there's an event that is certain to show you a good time. Only in Petaluma can you experience the "Butter and Egg Days" parade and festival - an entire weekend devoted to honoring our agriculture heritage.

The average temperature in Petaluma is about 60 degrees. Summers are rarely above 80 and winters rarely below 40 degrees. The weather isn't too hot or too cold; Petaluma is just right!

Region Characteristics



Area Amenities

Things to Do, Recreation & Fitness


    Petaluma combines the charm of a cherished antique with the magic of undiscovered treasure in a shopping, dining, scenic and historic destination.

Visitors often start with enjoying the Historic Downtown district that includes some of the best examples of iron-front buildings of the US. History buffs can explore Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park that served as the center of General Vallejo's working ranch between 1836-1846. Built in 1904, the Petaluma Historical Library and Museum is a treasure unto itself.

Petaluma’s population is on the small side (59,000) but our personality is big. Our Events Calendar is packed with fairs and festivals that invite visitors to share in our community spirit; whether it is by celebrating our agricultural heritage, love of the arts, riverfront location, or diverse culture. Our centerpiece event is the April Butter & Egg Days Parade that celebrates Petaluma's agricultural heritage and harkens back to Petaluma's claim as the "World's Egg Basket" in the 1920s. Historic downtown is the setting for Spring and Fall Antique Fairs and Petaluma's Salute to American Graffiti. The classic car show in May celebrates Petaluma's place in cenematic history; may of the movie's most memorable scenes were filmed in Petaluma.

Outdoor adventurers can cycle through scenic rural countryside, enjoy paddlesports on the Petaluma River or birdwatch in Shollenberger Park in the Petaluma Wetlands; it's only two miles from downtown.

Petaluma has easy access to the coast. Pt. Reyes National Seashore is about 25 miles to the south. Head west and in about a half hour, you'll be in historic Bodega Bay on the Sonoma Coast. Movie buffs will enjoy the seeing the schoolhouse from "The Birds" the Hitchcock Collection at the Bodega Country Store.

Cultural Activities


Petaluma is a vibrant cultural hub for visual and performing arts. Art flourishes in downtown galleries and at the Petaluma Arts Center. Historic venues including Cinnabar Theater and McNears Mystic Theatre are known throughout the Bay Area for their entertainment worthy of a big city without big city prices.

World class performers and concerts are always on the bill at the Green Music Center at Sonoma State University, located about 15 minutes from Petaluma. Sanford I. Weill Hall, which opened in September 2012, is considered one of the most acoustically superb concert venues in the world.

Public transportation


Petaluma Transit buses are available throughout Petaluma. There are also Golden Gate Transit buses to San Francisco. Travelers can take an Airport Express buses to SFO or Oakland airports.

SMART (Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit) trains carry passengers on a 43 mile route between the station close to the Sonoma County Airport in Santa Rosa and south to the Civic Center in San Rafael in Marin County. Petaluma is in the middle of the route; the train station is just steps from the Visitors Center and a short walk from downtown Petaluma.

Medical Facilities


Petaluma Valley Hospital, an 80 bed hospital, is located within city limits and is part of the St. Joseph Health system.


What Will The Climate And Weather Be Like If I Retire In Petaluma - Sonoma County, California?

For those of you that retire in Petaluma - Sonoma County, you will have pleasant temperatures year-round.

Winter temperatures are cold with averages in the upper 40's and highs in the upper 50's. Nights are cold with lows in the upper 30's. Expect a lot of rainy days in the winter, great for a day of shopping in Petaluma - Sonoma County!

If the weather in the spring is too cold for the outdoors, enjoy some indoor activities in Petaluma - Sonoma County such as a movie, a visit to a museum, dining, nightlife or some shopping. Spring temperatures are cool with averages in the upper 50's and highs in the low 70's. Nights are cold with lows in the mid 40's. Expect some rainy days in the spring.

Summertime in Petaluma - Sonoma County is a great time to enjoy your retirement with a day at the beach, an outdoor concert, a local festival or other outdoor activity! Summer temperatures are mild with averages in the upper 60's and highs in the low 80's. Nights are cool with lows in the low 50's. Expect some days above 90°.

If you retire in Petaluma - Sonoma County, you can look forward to fall weather activities such as biking on a bike path, hiking, enjoying a walking path and more! Fall temperatures are cool with averages in the low 60's and highs in the mid 70's. Nights are cold with lows in the upper 40's. Expect a few days above 90°. Expect a few days of rain.

Monthly Temperature Ranges

 Month  Low  Avg  High
 Jan  39 F°  48 F°  57 F°
 Feb  41 F°  51 F°  62 F°
 Mar  42 F°  54 F°  66 F°
 Apr  44 F°  57 F°  70 F°
 May  48 F°  61 F°  74 F°
 Jun  51 F°  66 F°  81 F°
 Jul  53 F°  68 F°  84 F°
 Aug  53 F°  68 F°  84 F°
 Sep  51 F°  67 F°  83 F°
 Oct  48 F°  62 F°  77 F°
 Nov  42 F°  54 F°  66 F°
 Dec  38 F°  48 F°  57 F°

Monthly Average # of Hot and Cold Days

 Month  Days Greater Than 90 F°  Days Less Than 32 F°  Days Less Than 0 F°
 Jan  0  5  0
 Feb  0  2  0
 Mar  0  1  0
 Apr  0  0  0
 May  2  0  0
 Jun  5  0  0
 Jul  6  0  0
 Aug  7  0  0
 Sep  7  0  0
 Oct  2  0  0
 Nov  0  2  0
 Dec  0  7  0

Rain & Humidity

 Month  Rainfall  Rainy Days  Humidity
 Jan  6 "  13  41 %
 Feb  6 "  12  43 %
 Mar  4 "  11  43 %
 Apr  2 "  7  44 %
 May  1 "  4  47 %
 Jun  0 "  1  50 %
 Jul  0 "  0  52 %
 Aug  0 "  0  53 %
 Sep  0 "  2  50 %
 Oct  2 "  4  46 %
 Nov  4 "  10  44 %
 Dec  6 "  12  40 %

Snow

 Month  Snowfall  Snow On Ground Days  Snowy Days
 Jan  0 "  0  0
 Feb  0 "  0  0
 Mar  0 "  0  0
 Apr  0 "  0  0
 May  0 "  0  0
 Jun  0 "  0  0
 Jul  0 "  0  0
 Aug  0 "  0  0
 Sep  0 "  0  0
 Oct  0 "  0  0
 Nov  0 "  0  0
 Dec  0 "  0  0


Natural Disaster Areas


Cost of Living for Petaluma - Sonoma County, CA

Petaluma - Sonoma County, California cost of living for Housing, Healthcare, Transportation, Taxes, Utilities, etc.:

 Cost of Living

Demographics

Race

Religion

Political Party

Age

Senior Housing Options

Petaluma has a full range of housing options including downtown lofts, mobile home communities, and assisted living communities.

Senior Assistance in Petaluma - Sonoma County, CA

Petaluma - Sonoma County, California offers the following assistance for seniors:
Several organizations including Petaluma People Services Center, the Senior Center and the Village Network of Petaluma are dedicated to providing resources and help for seniors.

What Job or Volunteer Opportunities Does Petaluma - Sonoma County Offer For Retirees?

The Volunteer Center of Sonoma County and the Village Network of Petaluma are skilled at matching volunteers with community organizations. Opportunities abound!

Additional Information

Visitor Information

Relocation Information


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