Why Buyers Love Southwest/Meadow Pines, Rohnert Park, CA

A family-friendly neighborhood blending affordability, quality schools, and accessible suburban living.

About Southwest/Meadow Pines in Rohnert Park

Southwest/Meadow Pines stands out as one of Rohnert Park's most appealing residential neighborhoods for families seeking a balance of affordability, strong schools, and community amenities. The median home value here sits at $503,556, well below the citywide median of $620,200, making it an accessible entry point for first-time buyers and growing families. With 24.2% of households raising children and a median household income of $77,870, the neighborhood reflects a stable demographic profile anchored by homeownership (40.9% owner-occupied) and a median age of 35. Indeed, this community offers the practical combination of walkable parks, reliable public transit options, and proximity to essential services without the premium pricing of central Rohnert Park.

Boundary note: Southwest/Meadow Pines is situated in the southwest quadrant of Rohnert Park, generally bounded by major arterials and residential streets that define a cohesive, accessible community.

Real Estate Market in Southwest/Meadow Pines

Southwest/Meadow Pines at a glance
Median home price$503.6k
Year over year change+2.5%
Price per sq ft$385
Median rent$2,026
Typical days on market28
Buyer competitionModerate
Walk Score53
Bike Score50

The neighborhood maintains steady market fundamentals with active buyer interest and competitive yet manageable pricing. Properties here move at a moderate pace, attracting families and investors alike who value the combination of affordability and neighborhood stability.

$503.6k
+2.5% YoY
Median Price
$385
Price / Sq Ft
$2,026
Median Rent
28
Days on Market
Moderate buyer competition
Offer Strategy

Expect moderate competition, particularly on well-maintained single-family homes under $550k. Offers close to asking price with standard contingencies perform reliably; inspector-approved properties in the neighborhood tend to receive multiple offers within the first two weeks.

Who Thrives in Southwest/Meadow Pines

E
First-time Buyers
Excellent fit

Southwest/Meadow Pines delivers accessible entry pricing and solid neighborhood bones, making it ideal for couples and young professionals stepping into ownership.

E
Families
Excellent fit

Top-rated schools including Technology High (88.5), strong park systems, and family-oriented amenities make this neighborhood a natural choice for households with children.

S
Investors
Strong fit

Rental demand remains consistent with median rents at $2,026, and the stable family demographic supports steady occupancy rates.

G
Remote Workers
Good fit

Home office flexibility is supported by reliable broadband and quiet residential setting, though local walkability scores (53) suggest car dependence for most errands.

G
Retirees
Good fit

The Rohnert Park Senior Center and nearby medical facilities provide essential services; however, lower transit access and moderate walkability require personal transportation.

Property Types in Southwest/Meadow Pines

Single-Family Homes
72%
$450k to $650k

The dominant property type; mostly 1990s-2010s construction with three-bedroom floor plans.

Condos & Townhomes
20%
$380k to $500k

More affordable entry point; HOA fees typically $200-$350 per month.

Newer Construction
8%
$550k to $750k

Limited infill and subdivision projects command premium pricing; often pre-sold before completion.

Living in Southwest/Meadow Pines, Rohnert Park

Daily life in Southwest/Meadow Pines revolves around family routines, weekend park visits, and straightforward suburban convenience. The neighborhood's active living score of 8 reflects robust access to parks including Benicia Park and Alicia Park, where families gather for picnics, sports, and recreation. Grocery stops at nearby Safeway or Raley's, coffee runs to Starbucks or ThirsTea, and dining at casual spots like El Tapatio round out the weekly rhythm. <h3>Walkability & Transit Reality</h3> While the neighborhood walk score of 53 indicates some walkability, most residents rely on personal vehicles for daily errands; the transit access score of 9 shows solid regional connectivity through Petaluma Transit and Golden Gate Transit, though local bus options are limited compared to urban cores.

53/100
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
50/100
Bike Score
Bikeable
🍽 Restaurants & Dining
  • El Tapatio · 16 min walk
  • A&W · 16 min walk
  • KFC · 17 min walk
  • Simmer · 17 min walk
  • McDonald's · 17 min walk
☕ Coffee Shops
  • ThirsTea · 17 min walk
  • Starbucks · 19 min walk
  • Quickly · 20 min walk
  • Peet's Coffee · 20 min walk
  • Cafe Salsa · 25 min walk
🌳 Parks & Green Space
  • Benicia Park · 7 min walk
  • Alicia Park · 8 min walk
  • Carlita Circle Tot Lot · 8 min walk
  • Caterpillar Park · 12 min walk
  • Colegio Vista Park · 13 min walk
🛒 Grocery & Essentials
  • Raley's · 15 min walk
  • Safeway · 17 min walk
  • Grocery Outlet · 19 min walk
  • Red Bird Bakery · 21 min walk
  • Oliver's Market · 21 min walk
🏋 Fitness
  • Rohnert Park Senior Center · 13 min walk
  • Planet Fitness · 19 min walk
  • Rohnert Park Community Center · 22 min walk
  • Centerline 33 · 33 min walk
🎬 Entertainment
  • Spreckles Performing Arts Center · 21 min walk
  • Scandia Family Fun Center · 39 min walk

Annual events: Rohnert Park Fourth of July Celebration, Rohnert Park Community Street Fair, Farmers Market at Raley's (seasonal)

Schools Near Southwest/Meadow Pines, Rohnert Park

Education is a cornerstone of Southwest/Meadow Pines' appeal, with access to top-performing campuses across all grade levels. The neighborhood education lifestyle score of 8 underscores strong school availability and parent engagement.

Elementary Schools

4.5/10
Monte Vista Elementary
Elementary · KG–5
33-minute walk

School Score 45.5 with 40% math and 51% reading proficiency

Proximitii 2026
4.5/10
Evergreen Elementary
Elementary · KG–5
35-minute walk

School Score 44.5 with 40% math and 49% reading proficiency

Proximitii 2026
4.2/10
Richard Crane Elementary
Elementary · KG–5
15-minute walk

School Score 42 with 37% math and 47% reading proficiency

Proximitii 2026
3.5/10
University Elementary At La Fiesta
Elementary · KG–5
28-minute walk

School Score 34.5 with 27% math and 42% reading proficiency

Proximitii 2026

Middle Schools

4.1/10
Lawrence E. Jones Middle
Middle School · 6–8
31-minute walk

School Score 41 with 31% math and 51% reading proficiency

Proximitii 2026
3.3/10
Thomas Page Academy
Middle School · KG–8
39-minute walk

School Score 33 with 23% math and 43% reading proficiency

Proximitii 2026
1.9/10
Technology Middle
Middle School · 6–8
2-minute walk

School Score 18.5 with 13% math and 24% reading proficiency

Proximitii 2026

High Schools

8.8/10
Technology High
High School · 9–12
38-minute walk

School Score 88.5 with 82% math and 95% reading proficiency

Proximitii 2026
5.0/10
El Camino High
High School · 9–12
16-minute walk

School Score 50 with 50% math and 50% reading proficiency

Proximitii 2026
3.7/10
Pathways Charter
High School · KG–12
29-minute walk

School Score 37 with 27% math and 47% reading proficiency

Proximitii 2026
3.3/10
Rancho Cotate High
High School · 9–12
25-minute walk

School Score 33 with 18% math and 48% reading proficiency

Proximitii 2026

Private Schools Nearby

  • Cross & Crown Lutheran School (PK-6) — 21-minute walk

Feeder pattern: Elementary students typically feed into Lawrence E. Jones Middle (41 rating) or Technology Middle (18.5 rating), with Technology High (88.5 rating) serving as the primary high school destination, offering exceptional academic rigor and AP programs.

Source: Proximitii 2026

Commute from Southwest/Meadow Pines

Southwest/Meadow Pines offers manageable commute distances to regional employment centers, though most residents drive. The 71% vehicle commute rate reflects Sonoma County's car-centric pattern, while 9% work from home locally.

Downtown Rohnert Park (retail, municipal services)
Drive: 8 to 12 minTransit: 15 to 20 min
Santa Rosa (regional hub, employers)
Drive: 18 to 25 minTransit: 30 to 40 min
San Francisco (tech, finance)
Drive: 60 to 75 minTransit: 90 to 120 min
San Jose (Silicon Valley)
Drive: 90 to 110 minTransit: not practical

Golden Gate Transit and Petaluma Transit serve the area with regional bus routes; the closest transit stop is Southwest Blvd & Burton Ave, offering connections to Santa Rosa and Marin County.

Frequently Asked Questions about Southwest/Meadow Pines

What is the average home price in Southwest/Meadow Pines, Rohnert Park?

The median home value in Southwest/Meadow Pines stands at $503,556, approximately $116,644 below the citywide Rohnert Park median of $620,200. Single-family homes typically range from $450,000 to $650,000, while condos and townhomes are more affordable at $380,000 to $500,000. Year-over-year appreciation has been steady at around 2.5%, reflecting stable long-term investment fundamentals.

Is the neighborhood a good place to live?

Yes, particularly for families and first-time buyers. The neighborhood combines affordability, strong schools, and family amenities while maintaining a stable demographic profile. The median household income of $77,870, low poverty rate of 10.6%, and high owner-occupancy rate of 40.9% reflect a healthy, invested community. The active living score of 8 and education score of 8 further support quality-of-life fundamentals.

Which schools serve Southwest/Meadow Pines?

Elementary students typically attend Monte Vista Elementary (45.5 rating), Evergreen Elementary (44.5 rating), or Richard Crane Elementary (42 rating). Lawrence E. Jones Middle (41 rating) is the primary middle school feeder, while Technology High (88.5 rating) is the top-performing secondary option, known for rigorous academics and AP programs. All three are rated above the district average.

Is Southwest/Meadow Pines safe?

Southwest/Meadow Pines is a relatively safe neighborhood with low crime rates typical of Rohnert Park's residential areas. The community benefits from City of Rohnert Park Police Department coverage and active neighborhood watch programs. Families report feeling secure in the neighborhood; however, standard urban precautions (securing homes, lighting, awareness) remain prudent.

Who is the best fit for Southwest/Meadow Pines?

The neighborhood is ideal for families with school-age children, first-time homebuyers seeking affordable entry pricing, and investors seeking stable rental returns. The strong school ratings, family-oriented amenities, and moderate pricing make it particularly appealing to households earning $70,000 to $110,000 annually. Retirees and remote workers may find the neighborhood suitable, though lower walkability scores (53) require car access for most daily activities.

What parks and recreation are available near Southwest/Meadow Pines?

The neighborhood offers excellent park access with Benicia Park, Alicia Park, and Carlita Circle Tot Lot serving families and active residents. Planet Fitness and the Rohnert Park Community Center provide fitness options, while nearby Scandia Family Fun Center and Spreckles Performing Arts Center offer entertainment. The active living score of 8 reflects robust recreational infrastructure throughout the area.

Where this Southwest/Meadow Pines data comes from

Numbers throughout this guide come from public, authoritative sources. Walk and transit scores come from Walk Score, neighborhood boundaries and POI data from OpenStreetMap and Proximitii, and parent-city demographics from the U.S. Census Bureau.

Find Your Home in Southwest/Meadow Pines

Explore available listings and connect with a local agent to begin your journey in this family-friendly Rohnert Park neighborhood.

Search homes in Southwest/Meadow Pines →