Written by Ted Aanestad, SOMO Realty
If you’ve been keeping an eye on the Sonoma County real estate market, you know it’s been a dynamic start to the year. I’m here to break it down for you—what’s happening, why it matters, and where the real opportunities lie for buyers and sellers.
Over the past year, median home prices have dropped in roughly 84% of Sonoma County.
As you travel north from San Francisco through Marin and Petaluma, you’ll see prices steadily fall—until you hit Rohnert Park. From there, values begin to climb again, and the reason for that shift is clear: development.
Cities like Santa Rosa, Windsor, and Healdsburg have all seen growth thanks to the creation of vibrant downtowns and community hubs. That kind of development brings energy, attracts small businesses, and drives real estate values upward.
Rohnert Park is next in line.
For years, Rohnert Park has been viewed primarily as a commuter town without a real downtown core to draw residents together.
That’s changing quickly.
The city has officially acquired land and approved plans to build a new downtown, and over the next few years, we’ll see that vision take shape.
At the same time, SOMO Village has become a catalyst for transformation.
What started as a commercial development is evolving into a true live-work-play community.
With new businesses like Old Caz, somofit, and SOMO Cowork and more housing coming online, SOMO Village is helping turn Southeast Rohnert Park into a destination.
The result?
Home values in Rohnert Park have already increased 1.8% year over year—while most of the county saw declines.
All of this is happening as mortgage rates are finally coming down from a 10-year high. In recent months, par rates have dipped into the mid-6s, with options for well-qualified buyers to buy down into the high-5s—even lower with government loans like FHA and VA.
Lower rates bring buyers back into the market. We’re already seeing increased activity, with many potential homeowners looking to make a move.
Sellers who’ve been hesitant to give up a 3% mortgage are starting to consider their next chapter, whether that means downsizing or upgrading.
As rates continue to drop, more buyers will re-enter the market. That surge in demand can quickly drive prices higher and tighten inventory.
When you combine lower mortgage rates with a below-average price per square foot and a clear path for long-term growth, you get a rare window of opportunity. That’s exactly what we’re seeing in Rohnert Park right now.
At SOMO Village, we’ve priced our new condo development thoughtfully—with starting prices in the mid-600s and a price per square foot around $380, well below the city average of around $410. That means there’s room to grow, especially as the surrounding community continues to build out.
This area is quickly becoming a go-to market for first-time buyers, young families, and anyone looking to get more value without sacrificing community or connection.
If you’re a buyer, this is the kind of rare moment you wait for—where interest rates are falling, and prices haven’t yet caught up to future value.
Getting into the market before the crowd does could mean real appreciation in the years ahead.
If you’re a seller who’s been holding off, this may be your window to move. More buyers are entering the market, and demand is rising in areas where inventory is still relatively low.
Rohnert Park, in particular, is shaping up to be a magnet for interest thanks to its development momentum and below-average price per square foot.
Whether you’re looking to make your first move, upgrade your lifestyle, or make a smart investment, the signs are pointing north—and the timing couldn’t be better.
If you want to learn more about real estate opportunities in Rohnert Park, I’d invite you to get in touch.
If you’re interested in living in a sustainable community that fuses the best of city living with the country lifestyle and all the amazing things that Sonoma County has to offer, we invite you to visit SOMO Village. To learn more, download our residential project brief or get in touch with us today.