Petaluma, CA

Petaluma, California

Introduction to Petaluma, California

Petaluma is a Northern California city located about 39 miles north of San Francisco in Sonoma County's wine country. Situated on the banks of the Petaluma River, the city is bisected by U.S. Route 101 and not far from California State Highways 1, 12, 37, 116, and 121. Surrounding communities include Santa Rosa (to the north), Sonoma (to the east), and Novato (to the south).

Founded in 1852 and incorporated in 1858, Petaluma had an early history as a thriving shipping and manufacturing center as well as one of early California's largest cities. For several decades spanning the turn of the 20th century, Petaluma earned fame as a poultry town and was at one time known as the "World's Egg Basket". Remnants of the great wealth accrued during this period are evident in the many of city's commercial buildings and homes which are still standing today. By mid-century, dairy farming became the city's predominant industry and has stood so until today, although the distinction is now shared with tourism and high tech industries such as telecommunications.

Petaluma Attractions

The Petaluma Historical Library and Museum, housed in a former library building constructed in 1904, contains exhibits chronicling Petaluma history dating back to the 1850s. Permanent exhibits include historical poultry and dairy items, Miwok Indian artifacts, and historical items relating to the Petaluma River. The Sgt. Richard Penry Medal of Honor Memorial Military Museum features relics dating from the Civil War to World War II, and also houses what is described as the largest military antique and collectibles store in the United States. The Petaluma Wildlife Museum features animals, minerals, fossils, prehistoric artifacts and hands-on exhibits. Historic Downtown Petaluma is the site of the city's Art and Garden Festival. Held in July, the event offers an afternoon of fine wines, tasty food, good music and art. September's annual Art in the Park outdoor art show and sale is a 50-year old event featuring a diverse blend of artistic media from painting to photography in a picturesque setting at the city's Walnut Park. Petaluma is also an ideal starting point for exploring Sonoma County's 140 wineries, the impressive California redwoods, and the state's northern coastline.

High Points

Petaluma strengths, compared to Peers (similar size places nationally) or State (other places in California):

Category	Trophy
Public Transportation Use (vs. State)	Top 17%
Walking and Biking to Work (vs. Peers)	Top 18%
Well-Paid Single Men (vs. Peers)	Top 19%

Comparative Profile of Petaluma, CA

Comparing Petaluma to similar size places nationwide (Peers) and to other places in California (State):

Ratings range from (lowest) to (highest).

The People

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Well-Paid Single Men
Well-Paid Single Women
Age of the Population
Male Share of the Population
Racial Diversity
Children Under 5 Years Old
Senior Citizens
Female Share of the Population

Families

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Average Household Size
Portion of People Married

Wealth

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Median Family Income
People in Middle Class or Better
People Above Poverty
College Educated Adults

Commute & Sprawl

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Working at Home
Walking and Biking to Work
Public Transportation Use
Short Commute Times

Housing

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Housing Recently Built
Affordability of Property Taxes
People Living Alone
Seasonal and Vacation Housing
Studio & One-Bedroom Rentals
Affordability of Rents

Crime

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Low Property Crime
Low Violent Crime

Petaluma Almanac

Petaluma Climate

Nearest Weather Stations

• Temp ranges are avg daily min and max for the month
• Precipitation is rainfall (and rainfall equiv of snowfall)

Petaluma Population (2000)

(From 2000 Census, as reported by individuals)

Neighborhood and Nearby Area Names

According to the US Postal Service, Petaluma, its neighborhoods, and/or surrounding areas are also referred to as:

Note that not all alternate names are acceptable for use in US Post Office addresses.

Nearby Cities and Towns

Petaluma Hospitals

PETALUMA VALLEY HOSPITAL
(Voluntary non-profit - Other)
400 N MCDOWELL BLVD
(707) 778-2631
Emergency Service: Yes

Starbucks in Petaluma

Petaluma High Schools (2004)

CASA GRANDE HIGH
333 CASA GRANDE ROAD
707-778-4679
Serves 1,774 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 23.9

PETALUMA HIGH
201 FAIR ST.
707-778-4652
Serves 1,598 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 23.6

SAN ANTONIO HIGH (CONT.)
500 VALLEJO ST.
707-778-4758
A Non-traditional School
Title I eligible, not participating.
Serves 133 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 14.8

VALLEY OAKS HIGH (ALTER.)
540 VALLEJO ST.
707-778-4794
A Non-traditional School
Serves 106 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 25.2

CARPE DIEM HIGH (CONT.)
199 FAIR ST.
707-778-4796
A Non-traditional School
Serves 32 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 14.5

SONOMA MOUNTAIN HIGH (CONT.)
299 CASA GRANDE ROAD
707-778-4738
A Non-traditional School
Serves 32 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 14.5

Petaluma Colleges

Click school name for a detailed profile.

National Holistic Institute

(List of All California Colleges)

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