Healdsburg is an old town made new in the last decade. It is imprinted by a rich history of Italian immigrants and refugees from the dust bowl settling into the fertile valleys of Dry Creek and Alexander and before them Pomo and Wappo indians. The landscape is punctuated by an urban 'mountain' to the east, free of visible homes for the most part, and the Russian River curving around it like a soft caress. The wine growing valleys border the town on all sides, and the unbroken lineage of agricultural roots underlies the celebration of food and wine that prevails here. People are friendly here, and the small and beloved Plaza in the center of town is a destination that brings us all together. The treescape is a interesting spectrum of mature palm trees, redwoods, orange trees. Because of the town's beauty, artists abound here. They all grow amicably here. As with any small town there are the showcase streets of grand homes that range from craftsmen to Victorian to uber-modern, but the heart and soul of the town are small, understated homes, perhaps with a surprisingly deep back yard and a great garden patch, and a system of alleys that take us back to other times. Though slightly provincial, it's just 70 miles to the Golden Gate Bridge and all the treasures of San Francisco.
On 4th of July, half the town ends up at the high school for fireworks, and the other half watches from their backyards or front porch, usually after a day of river fun, and maybe a barbecue. All strata of people live side by side her, harmoniously. It's got award winning bakeries, a friendly post office, two independent book stores, and all the wine you can drink. What more can you ask ?

Healdsburg is located in the heart of three premium wine appellations and has evolved from a sleepy agricultural town into a thriving community of about 11,711. Often compared to Tuscany for its visual beauty and charm, Healdsburg radiates outward from the town square - a park and plaza highlighting 1800’s Spanish style architecture.

Healdsburg is a lovely town. It looks and feels delightful. And for the most part people maintain their homes and lawns. You should go visit.

The town is at it's best when the summer ends and the locust....um , I mean tourist LEAVE. The housing market is slammed with local families trying desperatly to out bid uber-wealthy out of towners ---sadly the tourist/real estate/wineries have become a wrecking machine...in the last 8 years they have managed to --line the pockets of a few wealthy wineries and local politicians while ultimately DISTROYING small town life for the Healdsburg residence. Most locals can't stand the tourist industry and certainly recoil with disgust how the wine industry has completely distroyed the water table (look it up- it's frightening) and russian river for profit----------- PLEASE STAY AWAY.

Healdsburg is a wonderful small town in the middle of Sonoma County's wine country. The town boasts a beautiful town square, many high-end restaurants, hotels and B&Bs. The neighborhoods around the downtown area feature beautiful homes of many varying styles of architecture (Craftsman, Victorian, etc.)