Petaluma Apartments and Rentals

Petaluma, California, with its population of 57,941, offers ideal northern California weather, beautiful historic architecture and a mid-sized urban feel that can only be felt in a small historic town. Throughout the past century, Petaluma has been able to hold onto its small-town feel through insightful urban planning and commitment to green ideals. Because it was spared any destruction during the massive 1906 San Francisco earthquake, Petaluma was one of the only cities in the area to retain its historic architecture.

Residents of Petaluma enjoy close proximity to busy San Francisco and beautiful California wine country. Located about 40 miles north of San Francisco and 15 miles southwest of Sonoma, Petaluma residents enjoy an incredible locale.  Those looking for Petaluma apartments for rent will be pleased to encounter Petaluma's greenery and delightful late-19th century buildings.

Although Petaluma attracts travelers from near and far, the city is home to a strong and populous year-round community. Calling itself a business-friendly city, Petaluma is home to numerous small businesses and restaurants, which tend to showcase themselves in the town's walkable downtown district. Many businesses also set up shop throughout other areas of the town.

Neither a booming young family hub nor an aging Post-War suburb, Petaluma offers all ages and walks of life a high quality of living. Its population is remarkably diverse in age, with no obvious age concentrations; as a result, the town runs little risk of aging or becoming outdated. The median age in Petaluma is 40.3 years.

Because variety is the spice of life in Petaluma, residents of all ages enjoy a plentiful bounty of community activities. The annual Butter & Egg Days parade celebrates Petaluma's original industry: egg and chicken raising. Other community events include theater nights, relationship workshops, treasure hunts, charity events, music and writing activities and much, much more.

Petaluma is home to 2,525 local businesses, which employ 24,413 employees. Since many residents live and work in Petaluma, they enjoy an average commute of only 30 minutes. Some residents attempt the commute to San Francisco and the outer Bay Area, while others work in the cities of Napa and Sonoma.

Santa Rosa Junior College has a campus in Petaluma, and Sonoma State University is located just seven miles away. Napa Valley College, Contra Costa College, University of California - Berkeley and University of San Francisco are all located within 40 miles of Petaluma.

Those searching for Petaluma rentals should be conscious of the high living costs in the area. The cost of living index for Petaluma is 130.5, which is 30.5 percent above the national average.

The Petaluma housing market is well-balanced, with about 35 percent of homes being renter-occupied and about 65 percent of homes being owner-occupied. According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the median gross rent was $1,417 in 2010.

Petaluma offers historic tours and a Petaluma Historical Museum, both offering out-of-towners and residents alike the chance to discover old town Petaluma. Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park showcases the headquarters of General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo's cattle ranch, which ran from 1836 to 1846. Along the Petaluma River there are wetlands tours, kayaking classes and numerous parks offering outdoor recreation.

Located in Sonoma County, Petaluma enjoys close proximity to wineries and vineyards. Lagunitas Brewing Company is also based in Petaluma, and offers tours of their 3,500 square foot "TapRoom and Beer Sanctuary."

To find your next rental apartment or house in Petaluma, take a look at our listings on Rent.com®.