Quality of Life 

Abundance. And diversity. These are key elements in Sonoma County's welcoming lifestyle. Plenty to see and do, plenty of resources, plenty of choices. Whether you set up operations in one of its bustling cities, like Santa Rosa or Petaluma, or find your niche in one of its many quirky communities, like Guerneville or Graton, life in Sonoma County is rich and full of possibilities.

Of course, Sonoma County is known worldwide for its more than 400 wineries, acres of vineyards, farm-fresh produce, and hundreds of acclaimed restaurants serving everything from down-home burgers to farm-to-table gourmet creations. But there's much more to life in this bucolic place.

The excellent climate certainly contributes to Sonoma County's livability. The relatively moderate temperatures rarely drop below freezing, and typically it only rains between November and April.

Outdoor adventures are plentiful, from the stunning coastline to the rolling hills, through the peaceful valleys to the cathedral-like groves of towering redwood trees. Sonoma County Regional Parks maintains more than 50 parks and trails countywide, and the county is home to 11 California State parks.

Sonoma County's beauty and abundance also nurtures a bustling and dynamic arts scene. From the painter setting up an easel next to a vineyard vista to actors performing Shakespeare under the stars, to sculptors, potters, glass blowers, weavers, dancers, and more following their creative visions, to a multitude of art galleries, museums, and community arts centers, artistic expression blossoms countywide.

 Sonoma County was recently ranked as one of the top 55 metropolitan regions in the United States for most-educated residents by Wallethub.com. 

It's no wonder, that education is a priority, with Sonoma County offering a number of top-rated K-12 schools and a variety of innovative charter schools. Established in 1918, Santa Rosa Junior College serves more than 28,000 students each year, offering associate degree programs in more than 100 majors (many designed to transfer to four-year colleges and universities), as well as career and technical education, certificate programs, and online classes. In addition to its 100+ acre campus in Santa Rosa, SRJC operates a 35-acre satellite campus in Petaluma, a Public Safety Center training police officers and firefighters in Windsor, and a 260-acre farm in Forestville that houses its agriculture, wine, and food programs.

Founded in 1960, the 269-acre Sonoma State University in Rohnert Park offers degrees in 46 majors and 47 minors at the bachelor's level, and 15 at the master's level. It also offers nine credential programs and eight undergraduate and graduate certificate programs, including one of the only wine business programs nationwide.