New-classic horror film Scream was filmed in the Healdsburg town square -- named by _Travel + Leisure _as one of the most beautiful in the country.

This area is along the Russian River, about 75 miles north of San Francisco. Settlers, drawn by the Gold Rush, didn't arrive until the 1850s. Healdsburg itself was founded on a property crime: Harmon Heald, a businessman from Ohio, had been squatting on Rancho Sotoyome -- a land grant belonging to someone else -- since 1850. He planned the entire town centered around a Spanish-style Plaza. The town finally incorporated in 1867. Orchards and small farms were the basis of the local economy through the 1940s.

Moving to Healdsburg

With fine wine and finer living, Healdsburg is a very desirable city thanks to its high quality of life. It's not quite as exclusive as other wine country burgs though, making it an attractive entry point to wine country living (though it's still wine country living in California, so, you know, entry points are relative). Plenty of residents here are renters and you'll find a healthy rental market going pretty much any time of year. While tourists are certainly the town's bread and butter, you don't need to worry about avoiding a high season in terms of rental competition. If you want to catch the grape harvest, aim for an August (white wine grapes like the Chardonnay) through October (red wine grapes like Syrah and Cabernet).

As with anywhere, if you want to rent an apartment in Healdsburg, you should come prepared with your credit history, references, proof of income, and money enough for first and last months' rent and a security deposit. Allow yourself a month or so to find your next rental home here -- that gives you enough time to get to know the city and figure out where you most want to plant your vines.

Healdsburg Neighborhoods

Do you like to pop next door to borrow a cup of sugar (or Pinot)? Or would you prefer to see nothing but forest and farmland out of your window? Healdsburg offers a variety of neighborhoods to suit your tastes. Here are a few recommended areas (though no neighborhood is a bad choice):

Downtown Healdsburg: Close to the town square, the events, farmers' markets, restaurants, boutiques, and pretty much everything worth walking to, Downtown Healdsburg is a highly desirable area and it shows in both availability and price point. You'll find the greatest variety of housing here, one bedroom apartments, 2 bedroom houses for rent, and a few rental condos as well. Don't expect palatial estates here in the historic city core.

North Area: North of the downtown area, this area is a great place to look for rental homes in a typical suburban setting. There's not much in the way of walkable restaurants or shops. It's not necessarily far from downtown, but a car is a handy tool nonetheless.

South Area: Closer to downtown, the southern area is home to basic amenities like grocery stores and some more general retail shopping. Slightly newer, this area is a good place to look for three bedroom homes for rent. There are a few condos and rental apartments here. Hop on highway 101 for easy access to other wine country towns.

Living in Healdsburg

Centered on a quintessential 19th century plaza, Healdsburg, California, is the meeting place for three of the world's most celebrated wine regions: the Russian River, Dry Creek, and Alexander Valley. A mecca for oenophiles, Healdsburg isn't all picturesque vineyards, tasting rooms, and fine dining. Okay, it mostly is. But there's plenty besides wine to toast in this town.

The Healdsburg climate is great for people who seem to enjoy the same sunny weather and moderate temperature as grapes. Winter months are rainy and mild -- grape-killing cold snaps are thankfully rare. Spring, summer, and fall are sunny, with temperatures hovering in the 70s and peaking in the upper 80s in July and August.

Obviously, you can spend most of your weekends visiting any of the 100 or so world-class tasting rooms featuring the best of Sonoma County wine. Life's a little slower here than in Napa. You'll have plenty of tourists joining you, but you're guaranteed the authentic wine experience here.

If you'd like some non-alcoholic agricultural products, you'll enjoy weekly farmers' markets offering hyper-local, seasonal fare in the downtown square. Rumor has it that many of the farmers can suggest the perfect pairing for that fresh chard or perfect heirloom tomato.

Music lovers should mark their calendars for the early summer Healdsburg Jazz Festival with local and national acts performing at a variety of venues. Athletes in Healdsburg like sports that can be played without the wine sloshing out of their glasses, making the annual Bocce Ball Tournament a popular event.

The Russian River provides plenty of recreational opportunities: kayaking, boating, swimming, fishing, or just floating along enjoying the sun. Events like The Great Russian River Race take advantage of the gorgeous setting and its natural challenges. The Pacific Ocean isn't too far away either, for those who like their water sports with salt.

If you work up an appetite, you're in luck: like much of wine country, Healdsburg draws some of the best and brightest in the California culinary arts. Mostly clustered around the Town Plaza, the dining scene here is vibrant and thriving. Wine bars, cafes, take out, white tablecloth fine dining -- there's something for every taste and price point here. The fancy, popular Dry Creek Kitchen celebrates its local setting by waiving corkage fees on any Sonoma County wine (sorry Napa appellations, you're out of luck). For a quick bite, check out Healdsburger, which earns rave local reviews. El Sombrero and Los Mares Market and Taqueria offer popular Mexican fare. For sweets, don't miss the Downtown Bakery and Creamery. And when you need pancakes at 6PM, head to Fireside Restaurant with a voluminous menu and breakfast served all day.

Besides basic amenities and services, Healdsburg is home to many clothes and gift boutiques around the Plaza. You'll never have trouble finding the perfect birthday gift at One World Fair Trade, offering home decor items and jewelry from around the world -- all ethically sourced. When you need to furnish your new rental home in Healdsburg, head to one of the many local antique shops to find that perfectly scaled dining room table or retro vanity table.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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How much should I pay for rent in Healdsburg, CA?

How much should I pay for rent in Healdsburg, CA?

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How can I find off-campus housing in Healdsburg, CA?

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