Things You Should Know Before Moving to East or West Petaluma

Located in lovely Northern California, Petaluma continues to grow in popularity for its stunning natural beauty, excellent schools, and a strong sense of community. The city, which rests in beautiful Sonoma Wine Country, offers residents modern amenities in a historical setting. Its constituent neighborhoods form two main areas: East and West Petaluma.

Let’s talk about some of the benefits to calling Petaluma home. And as you narrow your search, you could have the privilege of deciding between the city’s East or West sides. Before hunting for homes, use this guide to determine whether living in Petaluma is right for you.

Petaluma offers many advantages to those who live there, from its robust education system to its tight-knit community and beautiful scenery. Whether you’re looking to move to East or West Petaluma, there are numerous reasons to choose either area. 

One of the top reasons why so many are considering a move to Petaluma is its excellent schools. Students here enjoy access to the latest resources, quality programs, and dedicated teachers. Its quality school system anchors Petaluma’s thriving real estate market, promising substantial resale value in the long term.

Another key benefit of living in Petaluma is the bounty of outdoor activities. Whether you're an avid hiker or cyclist or simply love being surrounded by nature, Petaluma has something for you. Locals often head to Helen Putnam Regional Park in West Petaluma, which boasts over six miles of scenic trails. The region also includes the Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park, Steamer Landing Park, Lucchesi Park, and a handful of excellent golf courses.

Of course, the homes in Petaluma are among the best reasons to live there. Between East and West Petaluma, the city represents a range of upscale and beautiful luxury styles. East Petaluma has a selection of modern homes with a minimalist aesthetic; you can also find more traditional houses throughout Petaluma in quintessential California styles like Queen Anne, Colonial, Victorian, and Spanish Revival. 

It’s not unusual to find luxury properties in Petaluma outfitted with top amenities, from home theaters and spas to wine cellars and game rooms. Many homes, especially in West Petaluma, are situated on more extensive, private lots with sweeping views of the rolling hills and countryside, creating a sense of tranquility that’s hard to find in more urban areas.

In a recent rebranding effort, the city’s economic development agency, the Petaluma Star, released a visitor’s map breaking the city into eight neighborhoods. These new categories are mainly helpful to tourists or businesses. In our opinion, families and would-be residents should decide between East or West Petaluma.

Both East and West Petaluma have broad enough appeal to accommodate different lifestyles. Sonoma Wine Country beckons oenophiles of all persuasions, and anyone can appreciate the beautiful rolling hills surrounding the Petaluma River. The city’s excellent schools serve local families well, while Petaluma’s proximity to the Bay Area draws both remote workers and those with an urban commute.

As a homebuyer, choosing where to live in Petaluma is typically not a process of elimination. Instead, we recommend you focus on the positives of each community. With the right realtors on your side, you can be sure to move to the neighborhood whose unique qualities you most appreciate.

Demarcated east of Highway 101, East Petaluma (ZIP code: 94954) has decent walkability and more job opportunities than its counterpart to the West. The East side generally has a more suburban feel, with tree-lined streets blending in with local golf courses. 

Geographically, the East side is distinguished by its situation at the foot of Sonoma Mountain. Academically, it houses the Petaluma campus of Santa Rosa Junior College. Not typically known for its commerce, East Petaluma nonetheless houses Lagunitas Brewery and the rebranded Brew District.

Residentially, East Petaluma has several relatively new residential neighborhoods — and more modern houses than West Petaluma. As of March 2023, Taylor Real Estate Team has over a dozen active listings in East Petaluma, with luxury homes starting at $850,000. All feature at least three bedrooms and two bathrooms; the most spacious homes occupy over 3,000 square feet.

As you might expect, West Petaluma (ZIP code: 94952) is west of Highway 101. It encompasses the city’s historic downtown as well as affluent residential neighborhoods like Liberty Valley, which extends northwest along Highway 101 and the Petaluma River. The arm of West Petaluma reaches the furthest back into history; the city’s earliest buildings date back to the early 1800s. 

Petaluma’s downtown features local institutions like the Petaluma Marina and Great Petaluma Mill. Concentrated and walkable, Downtown Petaluma features signature local businesses like Della Fattoria, the Central Market area, and the Theatre District.

Outside the city, West Petaluma has country properties and rural lots representing a golden opportunity to build your dream home from scratch. The region’s agricultural roots continue to shape the city through farm-to-table restaurants.

East and West Petaluma have much to offer newcomers — natural beauty, excellent schools, and fantastic communities. If you’re unsure whether Petaluma is right for you, connect with a local real estate team to learn more about what to expect from living there. The Taylor Real Estate Team has nearly 20 years of experience helping clients find their forever homes in Sonoma County. So when you’re ready to take the next step toward exploring all that Petaluma offers, reach out to the Taylor Real Estate Team.