Built for commuters
Minutes from US-101, Petaluma East makes the drive south toward Novato and San Rafael, or north into Santa Rosa, straightforward. For anyone working in Marin or commuting to the city, this side of town is the practical choice.
Sonoma County
Petaluma East
The 101-side of town, built for everyday living
Petaluma East is the Highway 101 side of the city: the neighborhoods where the commute, the retail, and the newer family homes sit side by side with quiet streets and an easy daily rhythm. Peter has lived in Petaluma for more than 16 years, so he knows which blocks offer what: access, space, schools nearby, and quick runs to both downtown Petaluma and the Novato line.
Why people love it
What to know about Petaluma East
Room to grow
Established single-family streets and newer developments offer the yards and square footage growing families tend to want, often for less than comparable Marin County pricing.
Everyday convenience
Grocery, retail, services, and schools cluster along the corridor, so daily errands stay close to home, with downtown Petaluma's dining and events just minutes away.
The country edge
Push east and the city opens into farmland and county roads. That is country-property country, where Peter's hands-on knowledge of wells, septic, drainage, and property lines becomes a genuine advantage.
Local favorites
Where the locals actually go
My favorite way to test a neighborhood is still over coffee and dinner. These are real places in and around Petaluma East that my clients and I keep going back to.
Avid Coffee
A neighborhood roaster with easy coffee, right off 4th Street.
21 4th St, Petaluma, CA 94952
Petaluma Coffee & Tea Co.
An independent coffee house with a loyal local following.
212 2nd St, Petaluma, CA 94952
Aqus Cafe at Foundry Wharf
A gathering spot on the riverfront with food, wine, and community tables.
189 H St, Petaluma, CA 94952
Parks & outdoor spaces
Where Petaluma East gets outside
East Petaluma is well served by community parks, sports fields, and river-wetland open space. These are the spots families, dog owners, and weekend walkers actually use.
Lucchesi Park
The east side's big community park, with a pond, playground, tennis and pickleball courts, reservable BBQ areas, the Petaluma Swim Center, and a skate park.
320 N McDowell Blvd, Petaluma, CA 94954
Wiseman Park
A neighborhood park near the airport with a playground, two multi-use grass fields, and two softball fields.
Petaluma, CA 94954
Petaluma Community Sports Fields
Three synthetic-turf multi-use fields next to the airport, home to youth and adult league play.
Petaluma, CA 94954
Deer Creek Village Dog Park
A dedicated off-leash dog park on the east side, right near Lucchesi Park.
501 N McDowell Blvd, Petaluma, CA 94954
Shollenberger Park
River-wetland open space with a loop trail for walking, cycling, and birdwatching along the Petaluma River.
Petaluma, CA 94954
Kenilworth Park
A community park that is also home to the Petaluma Regional Library and a teen center.
150 Fairgrounds Dr, Petaluma, CA 94952
Schools
Schools serving Petaluma East
East-side students attend the Petaluma City Schools district. Exact school assignments depend on your address, so we always confirm the boundary for the home you are considering.
Elementary (TK-6)
McDowell Elementary School
A TK-6 elementary school serving east-side families in the Petaluma City Schools district.
421 S McDowell Blvd, Petaluma, CA 94954
Junior High (7-8)
Kenilworth Junior High School
One of the district's two junior highs, serving east-side students in grades 7 and 8.
Petaluma, CA 94954
High School (9-12)
Casa Grande High School
The 'Home of the Gauchos,' the comprehensive high school serving Petaluma's east side.
333 Casa Grande Rd, Petaluma, CA 94954
Elementary (K-6)
Sonoma Mountain Elementary
A highly rated K-6 public charter elementary school in the Old Adobe Union School District, known as a strong neighborhood school serving east Petaluma families.
880 North McDowell Blvd, Petaluma, CA 94954
Restaurants & dining
Eating around Petaluma East
The East Washington corridor and the streets around it hold a solid lineup of casual local spots. A few real favorites on this side of town:
Plaza Tequila Taqueria Bar & Grill
A taqueria and bar on the East Washington corridor, great for an easy meal.
600 E Washington St, Petaluma, CA 94952
Original Buffalo Wings Restaurant
A neighborhood spot for wings and game-day eats on East Washington Street.
707 E Washington St, Petaluma, CA 94952
Paradise Sushi & Grill
Sushi and grill on the east edge of town, a solid takeout or dine-in choice.
20 E Washington St, Petaluma, CA 94952
El Roy's Mexican Grill
A long-running favorite for Mexican food on the east side.
210 Edith St, Petaluma, CA 94952
Shopping & amenities
Everyday errands, close to home
Grocery stores, big-box shopping, and services cluster along North McDowell and the Kenilworth/East Washington corridors, all right at the 101 interchange.
East Washington Place
A large community center right at the 101 interchange with Target, Sprouts, and more.
401 Kenilworth Dr, Petaluma, CA 94954
Petaluma Plaza South
Anchored by Raley's, Trader Joe's, and Petco on North McDowell Boulevard.
101-179 N McDowell Blvd, Petaluma, CA 94954
The Plaza North
A longtime east-side center with CVS and 20-plus shops and restaurants.
259 N McDowell Blvd, Petaluma, CA 94954
Redwood Gateway
Kohl's, Michael's, Dollar Tree, Five Below, and more on North McDowell.
1351 N McDowell Blvd, Petaluma, CA 94954
Whole Foods Market
A full-service grocery stop on East Washington Street.
621 E Washington St, Petaluma, CA 94952
Washington Square
A South McDowell center anchored by Staples, convenient to the 101 corridor.
301 S McDowell Blvd, Petaluma, CA 94954
Community & events
The rhythm of Petaluma East
East Petaluma has its own gathering points and traditions, from a year-round farmers market to the library and swim center anchoring neighborhood life.
Petaluma's East Side Farmers Market
A year-round, rain-or-shine market every Tuesday at Lucchesi Park with produce, eggs, flowers, and hot food.
320 N McDowell Blvd, Petaluma, CA 94954
Petaluma Regional Library
The city's public library, set right at Kenilworth Park on the east side.
150 Fairgrounds Dr, Petaluma, CA 94952
Petaluma Swim Center
Public swimming at Lucchesi Park for lessons, laps, and open swim.
320 N McDowell Blvd, Petaluma, CA 94954
Home types
What sells around here
Typical range across my markets: $400,000-$4,000,000. From condos to country acreage.
Single-family homes Newer family builds Condominiums and townhomes Country properties further east
Keep exploring
Other areas I cover
Marin County
Novato
Sonoma County
Petaluma West
Marin County
Marin County
Sonoma County
Sonoma County
Marin County
Ignacio
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Terra Linda
Marin County
San Rafael
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Tiburon
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Corte Madera
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Mill Valley
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Forest Knolls
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Point Reyes Station
Sonoma County
Cotati
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Penngrove
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Rohnert Park
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Sebastopol
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Santa Rosa
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Windsor
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Healdsburg
Thinking about moving to Petaluma East? Good choice.
I have lived this area my whole life and sold homes here for 21 years. Let's find yours.