Relocation Guide < Sonoma Valley Chamber of Commerce

relocation guide

The Sonoma Valley is not only a great place to visit, but also a great place to live and work. To learn more about living in the area, visit Sonoma County Connections. If you are considering a move, here is some basic information and resources you’ll need to help guide your decision—and to make a smooth transition if you choose to become a Sonoma Valley resident.

Aerial view of the Sonoma Plaza

grow your business in sonoma valley

The Sonoma Valley is a great place to launch or locate a business. The outstanding quality of life and high level of entrepreneurial spirit found in the Valley go hand-in-hand. Many Sonoma businesses were started by people who came to visit and fell in love with Valley … or who grew up in the area and couldn’t bear to leave.

Highway 12 is the Valley’s main commercial corridor. It runs up Broadway Street to the Plaza, heads West along Napa Street, and then turns north again through the Springs area, then winds through vineyards and past wineries along the way to Santa Rosa.

The Sonoma Plaza has a rich history, with many buildings that date back to the nineteenth century. Along with historic buildings such as City Hall, the Sonoma Mission, and the Sebastiani Theater, the Plaza is home to a wide variety of outstanding restaurants, art galleries, tasting rooms, and unique retail stores, making it a thriving tourist destination.

Business opportunities abound in the Springs area, comprised of the communities of El Verano, Boyes Hot Springs, Fetters Hot Springs and Agua Caliente. Historically a resort and summer home area for San Franciso residents, the Springs is now home to a majority of the valley’s population and a wide range of businesses that attract both locals and visitors. Small retailers and craftsmen selling stained glass, shaker furniture, and customized gates can be found along with carnicerias, Thai restaurants, and fresh fruit markets. The Springs is also home to the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn, a world-class resort.

The Eighth Street corridor, just east of Sonoma, is home to a variety of manufacturing, commercial, and light industrial businesses. Warehouse space, shovel-ready sites, and build-to-suit options can all be found here.

Other commercial areas in the Sonoma Valley include Infineon Raceway in southern Sonoma Valley, which includes a major motor-sports business park, and downtown Glen Ellen. The Valley also has a thriving home-based business community.

If you are considering locating your business in Sonoma Valley, contact the Economic Development Project Manager, Laurie Decker, at (707) 327-7338 or LaurieADecker@comast.net. For more information, visit the “Doing Business” section of the City of Sonoma’s website for useful information, including a database of Available Commercial Properties for lease or sale in the valley, an economic profile, and a list of Frequently Asked Questions that cover both the City and the unincorporated areas of the Valley. Other helpful resources include the County of Sonoma Business Services website.