Real Estate Investing in Petaluma, California (94952)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 94952 (Petaluma, CA)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Multiple negative signals. Better options likely exist nearby.
Structural challenges here. The numbers may look cheap but operational risk is high. Only for experienced, hands-on investors.
- Tenant-protective state: Landlord rating 1.0/5 — slower evictions, more regulations.
- High price-to-rent: Price-to-rent ratio 28.4 — hard to cash-flow at these prices.
What’s happening in Petaluma, CA (94952)?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
Market Analysis: 94952 Petaluma
The 94952 ZIP in Petaluma, CA is a local-operator market. Outside capital chasing a $1.1M entry has to pair deep knowledge with the discount.
If the plan assumes clean turnover, on-time rent, and low maintenance on a $1.1M asset, 94952 is the wrong submarket. If the plan prices in friction, the yield can still work.
Nearby ZIPs in Petaluma have seen price recovery that 94952 has not matched. Sonoma County data supports the view that the spread is structural rather than temporary.
Resident income in 94952 sits below the county median. That reality colors rent collection, vacancy, and reinvestment math in ways that outside investors often underestimate.
Experienced landlords with local relationships tend to find 94952 workable. Turnkey investors from out of state usually find the numbers do not hold up in practice.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Petaluma:
Property Strategy for 94952
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $633,467 | $2,510 | 2.9% | +1.6% | $633,467 |
| 2BR | $787,197 | $2,990 | 2.7% | +3.0% | $393,599 |
| 3BR | $1,013,088 | $4,010 | 2.8% | +4.3% | $337,696 |
| 4BR | $1,272,552 | $4,280 | 2.4% | +5.2% | $318,138 |
| 5BR | $1,537,228 | — | — | +5.1% | $307,446 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 94952 Compare?
| Metric | 94952 | Petaluma | Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA | California |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $1,068,940 | $952,801 | N/A | $761,003 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 1.9% | 1.8% | N/A | 5.7% |
| Avg Rent | $3,133 | $3,031 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 2.3% | 2.5% | - | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
Compare other nearby markets to see if a neighbor offers a better fit.
Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 94952 (Petaluma, CA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
Do you own or manage rentals in ZIP 94952 (Petaluma, CA)?
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Property managers serving Sonoma County
Manage rentals here? List your business →PURE Property Management of California aims to provide simple and satisfying rental experiences for all. summary from their website
Prestige Real Estate & Property Management offers Santa Rosa Property Management services. summary from their website
The Professional Property Management Association of San Francisco (PPMA) represents professional management of residential and commercial space in San Francisco. summary from their website
Listings are shown for convenience — Repit doesn’t endorse or vet these companies. Ratings shown come only from email-verified visitors.
📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $1,068,940 |
| Monthly Rent | $3,133 |
| Price-to-Rent | 28.4:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 3.5% |
| Cap Rate | 2.3% |
| 5-Year IRR | 4.2% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +2.7% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +0.7% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +1.9% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +4.0% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | +6.3% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +4.9% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +5.2% ▲ |
The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (2.3%). Financing reduces your cash-on-cash return below the cap rate. Markets like this may still make sense as IRR plays — factoring in appreciation, depreciation, and a future refinance when rates drop.
Run an IRR Analysis →⚠️ Risk Signals
Composite view of factors that can impact a ZIP's stability and your downside risk.
Demographics in 94952
Population: 33,339
Crime & Safety
Crime & Safety Data Coming Soon
We're integrating comprehensive crime statistics including violent crime rates, property crime, and safety scores to help you make informed investment decisions.
Expected: Q1 2025
🎓 Schools in 94952
Schools in This ZIP Code
About Repit School Scores
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We evaluate schools based on factors that research shows actually impact educational outcomes:
- Class Size — Smaller classes mean more individual attention
- School Funding — Resources available for programs, staff, and facilities
- Community Factors — Neighborhood characteristics that influence student success
- School Environment — Size, type, and structure
Scores are updated annually using federal education data.
🎓 Nearby Colleges & Universities
Frequently Asked Questions
Are homes affordable in Petaluma, CA?
Expect median prices around $1.1M in Petaluma, CA. The market has run at a 0.0% 5-year CAGR, so entry costs have been stable.
What is the average monthly rent in Petaluma, CA?
Investors in Petaluma, CA typically see rents near $3,133/mo per month against $1.1M home values - a solid setup for rental cash flow.
What is the renter demographic in Petaluma, CA?
The renter base in Petaluma, CA is reasonable for the $3,133/mo price point. Screening well and pricing to market typically yields even-keeled tenants.
Can owner-occupants cash flow in Petaluma, CA?
House hacking in Petaluma, CA is a tougher. With home values around $1.1M and rents at $3,133/mo, owner-occupants can offset a meaningful share of PITI.
What type of investing works in Petaluma, CA?
In Petaluma, CA the durable play is typically careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management. The combination of $1.1M prices and $3,133/mo rents suits that approach.
You know 94952 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 94952 ranks in Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA
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