AI-Scored Rankings • Updated 2026-04-03

Best Apartments in Santa Rosa, CA — Scored by AI

ListWise scores every Santa Rosa neighborhood on safety, walkability, schools, commute time, and rental value. See which areas actually match your lifestyle — not just what's cheapest.

$2,100/mo
Median Rent
178,391
Population
8
Neighborhoods Scored
Kaiser Permanente
Top Employer
Local Insights

Why Santa Rosa? What Renters Need to Know

Santa Rosa is expensive, about 30% above the national average. Median rent is around $2,100/month.

Quick Facts

Population 178,391
Median Rent $2,100/mo
Top Employer Kaiser Permanente
Neighborhoods 8 scored by AI
Rent vs. National$2,100 vs $1,500 national median

Rent Comparison

Santa Rosa median rent is $600 above the national median of $1,500/mo.

Largest Employer

The largest employer in Santa Rosa is Kaiser Permanente, making the Rincon Valley area and nearby neighborhoods popular for commuters looking to minimize travel time.

Top Neighborhoods

Top Neighborhoods in Santa Rosa

Ranked by ListWise's composite AI score. Top 3 shown free — unlock all 8 for the full picture.

#1

Rincon Valley

Score: 86/100
Safety A
Walk Score 38
Avg Rent $2,300
Schools 8/10
#2

Fountaingrove

Score: 84/100
Safety A
Walk Score 25
Avg Rent $2,500
Schools 8/10
#3

Downtown Santa Rosa

Score: 83/100
Safety B+
Walk Score 78
Avg Rent $2,000
Schools 6/10

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#4

Montgomery Village

Score: 81/100
Safety A-
Walk Score 55
Avg Rent $1,950
Schools 7/10
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#5

Bennett Valley

Score: 80/100
Safety A
Walk Score 32
Avg Rent $2,200
Schools 8/10
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#6

Southwest Santa Rosa

Score: 78/100
Safety B+
Walk Score 42
Avg Rent $1,850
Schools 6/10
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#7

Rohnert Park

Score: 76/100
Safety A-
Walk Score 45
Avg Rent $2,000
Schools 7/10
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#8

Windsor

Score: 74/100
Safety A+
Walk Score 28
Avg Rent $2,150
Schools 8/10
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See All 8 Santa Rosa Neighborhoods Ranked

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How It Works

How ListWise Scores Santa Rosa Apartments

1

Tell Us Your Priorities

Rank what matters: safety, schools, walkability, commute, budget, nightlife. Every Santa Rosa renter is different.

2

AI Scores Every Listing

We pull real-time data from MLS, crime stats, school ratings, transit APIs, and walk score databases for Santa Rosa.

3

Get Your Ranked List

Receive a PDF + Excel report with Santa Rosa properties ranked by YOUR priorities. Delivered within 24 hours.

FAQ

Frequently Asked About Santa Rosa

What is the cost of living in Santa Rosa?

Santa Rosa is expensive, about 30% above the national average. Median rent is around $2,100/month. Wine country proximity drives housing costs.

Is Santa Rosa a good alternative to San Francisco?

Yes. Santa Rosa is 55 miles north of SF with lower costs (though still high), wine country lifestyle, and a more relaxed pace. Many remote workers relocate here.

What are the best neighborhoods?

Rincon Valley and Bennett Valley are family-friendly. Fountaingrove (rebuilt after 2017 fires) is upscale. Windsor offers a small-town feel.

What is there to do?

World-class wineries (Sonoma County), Russian River recreation, Luther Burbank Home & Gardens, Charles M. Schulz Museum, and incredible dining.

How is the job market?

Healthcare (Kaiser, Sutter), wine industry, Keysight Technologies, and a growing remote work population. Tourism and hospitality are major sectors.

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Data is for informational purposes only. Verify all information independently before making housing decisions.