Imagine living in a city that has tons of scenic vistas, great weather 365 days a year, a vibrant food scene, friendly neighbors, and a peaceful, idyllic atmosphere. Sounds like something out of a storybook, right? Luckily, you don’t have to transport yourself to a fairytale kingdom in order to live in a place like this—Petaluma may be just what you’re looking for. 

If you find major metros like Los Angeles or San Francisco too hectic, you might find the calm and pleasantness you’re looking for in a smaller city. Located in the heart of Sonoma County, Petaluma offers many of the perks, resources, and creature comforts that come with big cities, but in a serene atmosphere that emphasizes outdoorsiness, friendliness, and good food. Here are four reasons why you might want to consider calling Petaluma home.

Vibrant Culinary Scene

Farm-to-fork eateries like Central Market keep the dining scene in Petaluma fresh / Shutterstock

Don’t be fooled by Petaluma’s relatively small size in comparison to major cities. From farm-to-fork eateries like Central Market to global cuisine restaurants like Wild Goat Bistro, Petaluma truly has something for every set of taste buds. In addition to plenty of great restaurants, Petaluma has many nightlife options, including live music venues and theaters for the perfect post-dinner hang-out spot. Moreover, Petaluma was one of the cities that jump-started the organic/slow food movement, so there’s no shortage of artisanal produce in this area.

Beautiful Natural Scenery

Laguna Lake in Petalumas / Shutterstock

Petaluma is home to some of California’s most famous wetlands, which are a popular destination for birdwatchers, hikers, and dog owners. The Helen Putnum Regional Park is a peaceful spot to take in some nature, while nearby Bolinas offers challenging trails for experienced hikers. Petaluma also has some gorgeous golfing spots, although the city’s windy environment can make things a little tricky on the greens.

Proximity to Major Cities

Being this close to San Francisco has its perks / Shutterstock

Petaluma may feel like a peaceful oasis removed from the rest of the world, but you’re still close to everything that makes the San Francisco Bay Area such a popular place to live. Living in Petaluma, you can easily commute to the Silicon Valley for work. You’re also just a short trip away from camping destinations in Marin County, wine tasting spots in Napa Valley, and beaches overlooking the Pacific Ocean. In other words, you’re within easy driving distance of the best California has to offer.

Great Weather

Great weather means a great garden at this Petaluma home / Shutterstock

You can leave your parkas behind when moving to Petaluma; this city has great weather most days of the year. With plenty of sunshine, feel free to get some fresh air even in winter. You won’t have to shovel snow during those colder months, as the average high in December and January is 57 degrees. If you’re sick of the cold and want to experience nothing but sunshine from now on, Petaluma is the place to make that dream a reality.