A Postcard from Healdsburg, California
You wouldn't believe our luck - we found the best bakery in Healdsburg's beautiful town square. You'd especially love their sticky buns! On a bench outside the bakery, all the locals congregate and discuss the town's hot topics. They even bring their dogs! Our favorite stops have been the farmer's market, canoeing down the Russian River, and, of course, tasting wonderful wine after wine.
About Healdsburg, California
Nestled in the heart of Sonoma County wine country, Healdsburg is a rural town renowned for its architectural beauty, friendly, tight-knit community, and breathtaking countryside. Sleek, upscale shops, gourmet restaurants, and luxury accommodations encase the town's central Spanish-style plaza while historic Victorian and 1920's-style bungalow homes fill the outskirts of town. The Russian River meanders past town leading to acres upon acres of vineyards. Healdsburg is a rare gem - a place that has learned to benefit from tourist dollars while retaining its quaint appeal, rich historical heritage, and small-town community.
An Average Lifestyle in Healdsburg
While Healdsburg is becoming a popular tourist destination, it has a real community devoted to preserving the integrity of the town. Many young families have moved to the town, looking for tight, small-town community and a better quality of life than the big city can provide. Healdsburg also has a large second-home community. The town is filled with food and wine lovers as well as those who enjoy getting outdoors to bask in the bounty of nature.
Local History
First settled by the Pomo Indians, Healdsburg was sought-after for its fertile valleys, dense oak and madrone forests, and access to the Russian River. The town was developed using a grid system and was built around a central Spanish-style Plaza. The Plaza is still Healdsburg's main attraction and provides one of the few examples of early California town planning. Healdsburg also hosts wonderful examples of early 19th century historic architecture.
Things to Do
Canoe down the Russian River
Wine taste throughout the Dry Creek Valley
Play tennis on the lighted courts
Swim, fish, canoe, or picnic at Healdsburg Veterans Memorial Beach
Enjoy the community swimming pool is open all year
Golf at the 9-hole course, located on 60 acres
Hike, bike, or boat around Lake Sonoma
Enjoy a spa
Gourmet Dining
Near-By Excursions
Sonoma Coast
Alexander Valley
Lake Sonoma
Mendocino
San Francisco
Nearby Cultural Activities
Santa Rosa Museum of Art
Luther Burbank Home & Garden
Sonoma County Museum of Modern Art
Luther Burbank Center for the Arts
Edwin Langhart Historical Museum
Location
Healdsburg is located 75 miles north of San Francisco off Highway 101 in the heart of Sonoma County.
Size: Approximately 2,276.5 acres
Altitude: 108 feet
Getting There
San Francisco International Airport, Oakland International Airport, and Sacramento International Airport are the closest by air. A municipal airport allows additional access to the town, and local transit system provides transportation for residents and visitors.
Weather
Summer Temperature Range: 70 to 95 degrees (dry)
Winter Temperature Range: 28 to 60 degrees (snow free)
Annual Average Rainfall: Forty inches
Population
Population: 11, 468
Average Age: 37.4 years
Race: White/71%; Hispanic/28%; other/1%
Language Spoken at Home (by persons 5 years and over): English/82%; Spanish/15%; other/3%
Housing Options
Apartments
Condominiums
Single-Family Homes
Mobil Homes
Housing Costs
Average Rental of a 1-bedroom apartment: $850/mo;
Average Rental of a 2 bedroom apartments are $900/mo.
Average House rentals: $1050/mo and up.
Purchase price of a single-family dwelling: $450,000 and up;
Purchase price of a condo: average $170,000.
Commercial downtown retail space rents for about $1.50/sq.ft;
Warehouse space rents for about $.50/sq.ft.
Number of Households: Approximately 5,300
Percent Owner Occupied: 58.7
Economics
Average Household Income (EST): $71,500
Number of Businesses: 900
Major Industries: Agriculture/wine, lumber, tourism, small businesses.
Tax Revenues for 1999-2000:
Local Sales Tax: $2,360,000
Hotel/Motel Bed Tax; $460,000
Largest Employers
(Employer: Gross annual revenues; No. of employees; products or services)
• Capital Lumber Co.: $25 million; 32; lumber/wholesale
• City of Healdsburg: $14.5 million; 170
• Entraco: $3.3 million; 43; cables/couplings
• Gallo Sonoma: $35 million; 100; winery
• Healdsburg District Hospital: $18.3 million; 226
• Healdsburg Lumber: $7 million; 60; lumber
• Healdsburg School District: $14 million; 265
• Jordan Vineyard & Winery/
• Jordan Oil & Gas Co: $20 million: 75: winery/oil & gas
• Klein Family Vintners: $40 million; 275; winery
• Max Machinery: $8 million; 55; flow meters/urethane dispensers
• Nu Forest Products: $15 million; 53 lumber
• Silveira Pontiac, Buick, GMC: $23.5 million, 65; auto sales
• Simi Winery: $15.2 million; 90; winery
• Syar Industries: $16.5 million; 75; asphalt/concrete, grapes
• Timber Crest Farms: $8 million; 65; dried fruit
• Versatron Corp.: $15 million, 35; aerospace engineering
• Wine Alliance (includes Clos du Bois): $74 million; 38; winery
Education
1 high school
1 vocational high school
1 junior high (7-8)
3 elementary schools
1 parochial school (pre-school-8),
1 Christian academy (9-12),
Pre-schools and day care centers available.
Santa Rosa Junior College, a 2-year college, is located 15 miles south.
Sonoma State University is located 22 miles south.