Thinking of moving to Santa Rosa? Here's what you need to know.

Smack dab in the middle of Sonoma County, Santa Rosa is a premier wine destination, considered by many to be one of the best in the world. But even though it is known as wine country's biggest playground, it is also a mecca for foodies and features farm country, redwood forests and a charming downtown. Santa Rosa sits about an hour-long drive north of San Francisco in Northern California.

Who's There?

Santa Rosa has a population of about 172,000 people, and the surrounding area boasts nearly 300 wineries. Santa Rosa is a good place for young, educated career-starters looking to find people like themselves in a city that offers all of the pleasures of urban culture balanced with beautiful countryside.

What's Around?

While wine tasting, explore back-country roads and sample some of the fine cuisine, from laid-back cafes to top-notch restaurants. Visit Luther Burbank Home & Gardens featuring a Greek Revival home, greenhouse and gardens of agriculturalist Luther Burbank, who developed about 800 plant creations in Sonoma County's mild climate. Nearby Spring Lake Regional Park offers 320 acres of hills, a lake, ponds, oak woodlands, grasslands and meadows. Right in the center of downtown is the Historic Railroad Square community, which is perfect for strolling and visiting the many shops and restaurants. Dating back to the 1870s, the community features a preserved turn-of-the-century vibe with exposed brick walls and inviting storefronts.

What Do You Do?

Besides wine-tasting and dining out, many people enjoy hot-air ballooning in Santa Rosa because of the extraordinary views of the mountains and Pacific Ocean that Sonoma County offers. For a more down-to-earth activity, take part in some ice skating at the Redwood Empire Ice Arena (A.K.A. Snoopy's home ice) built in 1969 by Charles M. Schulz, a long-time resident of Santa Rosa. And visit the Charles M. Schulz Museum, which features the world's largest collection of original Peanuts artwork. For a wild time, ride in an open-air vehicle through Safari West's 400-acre preserve to catch glimpses of gazelles, zebras, cheetahs, giraffes and more.

1300 Ludwig Ave #2

3589 Round Barn Blvd

2572 Estery Ln

1629 Chapman Way

1533 Slater St

1440 Mark West Springs Rd

2983 Bay Village Ave #2983

1952 Gambels Way

211 Lincoln St #211

2652 Mohawk St

2734 Bella Cir

2167 Meadowbrook Ct #G

(Undisclosed Address)

6477 Timber Springs Dr

46 Haworth Way

4011 Match Point Ave #1

1000 Dutton Ave

2334 Andre Ln

2227-2229 Versaro Dr #2227-2229

(Undisclosed Address)

1885 Santa Rosa Ave #1

633 Semillon Ln

300 Shiloh Valley Ct

3482 Idaho Dr

745 Farmers Ln #745

1040 Campoy St

(Undisclosed Address)

2288 Knolls Hills Cir

755 Farmers Ln

4052 New Zealand Ave