Published in cooperation between SOMO Village and the Bohemian
For decades, Sonoma County has offered something rare: a place where people could pursue meaningful careers while staying connected to nature, community and a slower rhythm of life. But in recent years, many residents have faced a difficult choice. To advance professionally, they often had to commute long distances or leave the region entirely. At the same time, traditional suburban development patterns have struggled to keep pace with the needs of a modern workforce.
In Rohnert Park, a different approach has quietly been taking shape.
SOMO Village is an evolving neighborhood designed around a simple but increasingly relevant idea: people shouldn’t have to separate where they live, where they work and how they take care of themselves. Instead of isolating housing, office space and community amenities into separate places connected only by long car trips, the vision behind SOMO Village is to bring these parts of daily life together into one walkable district.
The result is a place that feels both contemporary and distinctly Sonoma County.
Located just minutes from Highway 101 and close to the SMART train, SOMO Village blends new homes, coworking space, wellness-focused fitness, local businesses, art installations and community events into a single neighborhood environment. Residents can walk from their homes to a workspace, grab coffee from a local café, attend a yoga class or meet neighbors at an event without leaving the community.Â
For many people who moved to Sonoma County seeking a balance between career and lifestyle, this kind of integration has become increasingly attractive.
Remote and hybrid work have changed how many professionals structure their days. The traditional model of commuting long distances to centralized office buildings is no longer the default for many industries. Instead, professionals often look for environments that support focus, creativity and connection closer to home.
A Workspace in the Village
That shift helped inspire the creation of SOMO Cowork, a workspace located within the village. The coworking space offers private offices, meeting rooms and collaborative areas for entrepreneurs, remote workers and small teams. Rather than commuting to San Francisco or Oakland, many members now run their businesses and careers directly from Sonoma County.
Wellness has also become a central part of the community. somofit, the village’s boutique fitness and recovery club, offers group classes, strength training, sauna, cold plunge and recovery amenities designed to support both physical health and daily performance. In a region known for its connection to nature and well-being, the focus on integrated wellness resonates strongly with residents.
But SOMO Village isn’t only about convenience. The broader goal has been to create a sense of place.
Public art installations, community gatherings, seasonal events and partnerships with local businesses bring activity and cultural life to the neighborhood. A coffee shop and gathering spaces encourage informal interactions between residents, entrepreneurs and visitors. Over time, these small moments help shape this community’s identity.
A Locally Beloved Brewery
One of the neighborhood’s most popular gathering spots is Old Caz Beer. The locally beloved brewery has made SOMO Village its home, hosting weekly trivia nights, live music and casual meetups that bring together residents and visitors from across Sonoma County. On any given evening, you might find coworkers unwinding after the workday, families meeting friends or neighbors forming new connections over a pint.
Just around the corner, Crafted Cup Coffee Shop has become the village’s unofficial morning hub. Early mornings bring a mix of remote workers, students and parents grabbing coffee before starting their day. The café has quickly developed a loyal following for its welcoming atmosphere and strong connection to the local community.
Where Skill Meets Will
For families, Adventure Recreation adds another important layer to the neighborhood. The gymnastics and movement gym offers classes and programs for kids of all ages, creating a place where children can stay active while parents connect with other families nearby. It’s one more way the village supports daily life for people at different stages.
Events also play a central role in the rhythm of the neighborhood. The SOMO Village Event Center and concert venue regularly host live music, cultural gatherings and large community events that draw visitors from throughout the North Bay. From concerts and festivals to conferences and celebrations, the venue helps anchor the village as a cultural destination as well as a residential neighborhood.
For homebuyers, SOMO Village also offers an opportunity to put down roots in Sonoma County without sacrificing access to opportunity. The new homes being built in the neighborhood are designed with modern living patterns in mind, offering proximity not only to open space and vineyards but also to workplaces and amenities within walking distance.
Put Down Roots
That balance has become increasingly important as housing demand continues to evolve across the North Bay. Many professionals who previously assumed they needed to live in larger metropolitan centers are discovering that Sonoma County can offer both lifestyle and economic opportunity.
In that sense, SOMO Village reflects a broader shift happening across the region. As cities adapt to new patterns of work and community life, mixed-use neighborhoods that combine housing, workspaces, wellness and culture are becoming more common. Rather than separating these elements, thoughtful planning brings them together to support everyday life.
Rohnert Park is known for its central location within Sonoma County. With SOMO Village, the city is now becoming a place where new ideas about how neighborhoods function are being tested in real time.
For residents, entrepreneurs and visitors alike, the village offers a glimpse of what the next generation of Sonoma County living might look like: connected, creative and rooted in community.
Those curious to experience the neighborhood can visit SOMO Village in Rohnert Park, explore its growing mix of businesses and amenities and see firsthand how this new model of living, working and gathering is unfolding.
See you at SOMO Village.
