Penngrove

Homes for sale in Penngrove, CA

A small town that can look back and forward with much pride and hope – that’s Penngrove, CA. With a Main Street that is a testament to its proud historic heritage and a formidable presence in the wine-making industry, Penngrove is destined for success.

A census-designated place in the heart of Sonoma Wine County, Penngrove is home to 2,300-plus residents (as of 2020). This lovely town at the foot of the Sonoma Mountains is poised for future growth, with big plans to expand the locale’s economic endeavors while still preserving its breathtaking natural resources.

Let me, PJ Lange, help you find your dream home among the many fantastic homes for sale in Penngrove, CA and enjoy a lifestyle that achieves the best aspects of adventure and tranquility in this wonderful suburban location.

Penngrove is a quiet little suburban town that offers a pleasant mix of rustic and modern living. Originally known as Penn’s Grove, it was formerly the site of a North Bay freight rail station. At one point, it also became widely known for its egg and poultry industry – much like its neighbor, Petaluma. Eggs and chickens eventually stepped into the background and were replaced by vineyards, wine-tasting rooms, and the like as Penngrove slowly but surely imbibed the spirit of Sonoma Wine Country.

Brief history

Historians believe that Penn’s Grove may have been named after the Penn brothers from Pennsylvania, who purchased land in the area in the late 1800s for olive cultivation. The name was officially shortened to Penngrove by the US Postal Service in 1908 to avoid confusion with a borough in New Jersey bearing the same name.

In its early days, the town’s economy initially revolved around the old Northern Pacific Railroad Station, with the area transporting volcanic basalt stone from the Sonoma Mountains to San Francisco. At the start of the 20th century, the area shifted its economic focus towards egg and chicken farming, eventually becoming the second-largest poultry producer in Sonoma County next to Petaluma.

Geography and climate

Penngrove occupies a total area of 4.024 square miles, with an elevation of 85 feet. Downtown Penngrove consists of the 0.3-mile Main Street that links Old Redwood Highway to Adobe Road. Lichau Creek runs southward parallel to the railway.

The soil in Penngrove is mainly made up of clay-like adobe and also contains huge amounts of obsidian and petrified wood due to the Sonoma Mountains’ volcanic history. Given the richness of the soil in the area, it’s not surprising that vineyards here produce some of the best California wines.

A mild Mediterranean climate graces the city with long, dry summers and short, wet, and cloudy winters. Throughout the year, the temperature typically ranges between 38°F to 83°F, with extremes rarely reaching below 29°F or above 94°F.

Economy and cost of living

Penngrove, along with the rest of Sonoma County, enjoys a dynamic and well-balanced economy, anchored by its thriving agricultural industry. Among the strongest industries in the area are tourism, healthcare, retail trade, manufacturing, education, technical services, hospitality, and construction. The average income of a single Penngrove resident is around $50,000 a year, nearly twice the national average. The median household income is in the low $90,000 range.

Employment website Indeed.com lists some of the top employers in and around Penngrove, CA, which include Muir Wood Healing Center, Sonoma State University, and Sonoma County Family YMCA.

The cost of living in Penngrove is higher than the national average with an index of 151.8; albeit, slightly higher by 1.3% than the state average. Commanding the highest expense is housing which takes the largest chunk of payables. However, for the high cost of living here, Penngrove residents are also rewarded with an exemplary quality of life. Their easy access to Sonoma Wine Country and its world-class wines is already a big plus. Add to this the town’s historic downtown district with its collection of retail spaces, food stops, and quaint cafes that add zest to everyday life here. The crime rate is low, residents are well-educated and working together toward the town’s sustainability, job opportunities are present, schools in the periphery are good – all these contribute to the wonderful life residents have in Penngrove.

Schools

Penngrove doesn’t have many public schools within its borders. Those seeking quality education for their kids can take them to schools in nearby cities like Petaluma, Cotati, and Rohnert Park. It does have one elementary school, though – Penngrove Elementary School – which is under the Petaluma City School District and is known as one of the district’s top-ranked learning institutions.

If you check the range of homes for sale in Penngrove, CA, you’ll be pleased to find a good number of single-family homes sitting on large lots, as well as sprawling parcels of land spanning several acres. The downtown area along Main Street is where you’ll find the largest concentration of historic homes, some of which go back as far as the 1900s.

Given the generous amount of outdoor space, many homes for sale in Penngrove, CA have features that maximize these spaces and turn them into great home extensions for family bonding activities. Some come with fully-furnished decks and patios and even swimming pools.

Inside, these homes have an average of three bedrooms and two bathrooms – enough space for a growing family. Kitchens and bathrooms have been meticulously updated and fireplaces make them nice and toasty, especially on chilly evenings.

You’ll find an interesting hodgepodge of architectural influences among homes for sale in Penngrove, CA, given the generational diversity of the housing inventory. The more established homes sport classic designs like American Colonial, Queen Anne, and Italian. The rustic Ranch, Farmhouse, and Craftsman designs are prevalent among homes situated near the mountains. The more recent builds still take a cue from the small-town, Old-World vibe of the town with their Modern Barn styles. Still a few imbibe a California favorite – the Mediterranean aesthetic.

Below are detailed descriptions of popular architectural styles of homes for sale in Penngrove, CA:

1. Craftsman

   The Craftsman style emphasizes powerful angles, straight lines, and harmony with the surrounding nature. Common external features include low-pitch gable roofs, covered front porches, overhanging roof eaves, and patterned window panes. Paint colors are typically associated with nature, such as reds, greens, and browns. Craftsman interiors showcase exposed ceiling beams, open floor plans, window seats, reading nooks, wide windows and doors, and fireplaces. The style dates back to the mid-1800s but only became popular in the years between the 1920s and 1930s. The combination of simplicity and warmth gives this style a timeless appeal.

2. American Colonial

   One of the most popular architectural styles in the country, its most common features include the use of bricks or wood for the walls, a gable rooftop with narrow eaves, and a permeating rectangular and symmetrical shape. American Colonial homes are typically two to three stories and have elaborate entrances, columns, and dormers. Common colors include earthy shades of white, tan, reds, oranges, and pinks. Inside an American Colonial home, you’ll find wood paneling, exposed beams, and a central chimney. Many of the oldest houses for sale in Penngrove, CA take a lot of inspiration from this style.

3. Queen Anne

   Queen Anne blends many elements from the English architectural movement, such as curved lines, elegant design details, and steep, complex rooflines. The design prioritizes form over function, with exterior features sporting decorative and ornate elements. Common exterior features include exposed brick walls and stone dressings, wood frames, quoins, cornices, and platbands. Homes may have as many as five or six different paint colors, with each meant to highlight specific textures and trimmings. Interiors are just as highly ornamental and employ furniture with graceful lines. Some examples of Queen Anne furniture are sculpted cabinets, wooden chairs and tables with cabriole legs, highboys, and plush sofas.

4. Italian

   Another classic style like Queen Anne, Italian is characterized by its many ornate and eye-catching elements, often featuring domes and sculptures. Other common exterior features include arches, columns, towers, and flat roofs. The courtyard often contains grass and elaborate inclusions such as water fountains, paving, sculpture, and pruned bushes. Italian architecture colors mainly focus on warm tones, such as light beige, light gray, and taupe. The Italian interior is characterized by light airy spaces that incorporate the smart use of furniture. Space utilization is achieved by concealed storage options, such as tabletop recesses, under-sofa drawers, ottomans, and wall-mounted cabinets that create a clean, streamlined appearance.

5. Modern Barn

   This is a contemporary take on the traditional barn-style architecture. You’ll find wide, uninterrupted wooden walls, wood-framed rectangular windows, gable or gambrel roofs, and a one- or two-story layout. Common colors are earthy browns, reds, greens, and blues. Inside, most modern barn houses come equipped with exposed beams, high ceilings, and open floor plans. Firmly rooted in the past while remaining chic and stylish, the Modern Barn style is great for those who prefer a rustic and simple yet classy home design.

As mentioned earlier, most of the action in Penngrove is centered around Main Street, where historic buildings have been revitalized for commercial use. Now, they contain an eclectic array of restaurants, bars, cafes, and boutique shops that are worth exploring. If you’re shopping for homes for sale in Penngrove, CA, it pays to know the top things to do in the area.

1. Enjoy a brew at Mack’s Bar & Grill
   10056 Main Street

   Mack’s Bar & Grill is a local dive bar that serves food, drinks, music, and fun. Open until 2 AM daily even on Sundays, It’s located on the ground floor of the building that was once the Penngrove Hotel. Its menu consists of all-time American favorites such as buffalo wings, nachos, calamari, and the famous Mack’s burger. Kids are allowed until 9 PM – past that time, the bar goes 21+ only. Music lovers should make sure to drop by on a Saturday night when live music is playing.

2. Discover organic artisan baked goods at Full Circle Bakery
   10151 Main Street, Suite 120

   The owners of this popular neighborhood bakery are a husband-and-wife team that proudly hails from a family of bakers who have been producing organic artisan rolls and loaves for three generations. The bakery mills its own flour to ensure the quality of the bread and purchases other ingredients from local organic farmers for the freshest farm products possible. Some of the must-try baked goodies here include Rosemary Ciabatta, Country French, and Sourdough Pan.

3. Shop locally sourced produce at Penngrove Market
   10070 Main Street

   This neighborhood grocery store supplies residents with fresh, locally sourced produce and home goods. With its vision of providing a direct connection to local farmers and artisans, Penngrove Market helps ensure that its customers get the freshest, highest-quality food at reasonable prices. More than just a grocery store, Penngrove Market also serves prepared foods, such as pizzas, sandwiches, and salads. There’s also a selection of beer and wine to go with the food.

4. Grab a cuppa joe at the JavAmore Cafe
   10101 Main Street, Suite A

   JavAmore Cafe is the perfect destination for all your daily caffeine needs. Whether you’re in the mood for an Americano, Espresso, Macchiato, Cappuccino, or Latte, JavAmore serves them all with a side of greatness. The place also offers a whole host of salads, sandwiches, and combos. Avid patrons highly recommend the “Egg w/ All Of The Above” breakfast sandwich. Available only until 11 AM, this bestseller comes with cheese, spinach, mushrooms, either ham or bacon, and your choice of bread, including English Muffin, Sliced Sourdough, Croissant, and more.

5. See old mechanical beasts come to life at the Penngrove Power & Implement Museum
   200 Phillips Drive

   This one-of-a-kind museum features the private collection of Steve and Nancy Phillips, who have been restoring old equipment and machinery into running condition and taking them out for a spin on their property. Some of the vintage machines here include one of the engines from eccentric millionaire-cum-engineer Howard Hughes’ creation, the largest flying boat named Spruce Goose. There are also printing presses, tractors, trains, and other machinery that helped in the transition from manual and animal-assisted work to using steam/gas/diesel/electricity-powered tools.

6. Feel like a rancher at Twin Oaks Roadhouse
   5745 Old Redwood Highway

   The Twin Oaks Roadhouse tavern has been around for almost a hundred years and is one of the original rancher bars on Old Redwood Highway. With its wood-paneled interiors, meaty dishes, and country music, Twin Oaks retains much of the Old-World charm that has made it one of Penngrove’s must-visit spots throughout the years. Happy Hour is from 2 to 6 PM Mondays to Fridays, when you can order an impressive selection of craft beer and chardonnays, pinot noirs, and sauvignons made from the local region. Twin Oaks also doubles as an events venue for up to 125 guests for those special occasions with your closest friends and family.

7. Shop for handmade gifts at The Hello Shops-Hello Penngrove
   10101 Main Street

   Nothing says you care quite like a handmade gift. If you’re looking for something truly Penngrove to give to your loved ones, then you should definitely make a stop at the Hello Penngrove gift shop. You’ll find a range of locally made gift items such as bath and body products, apparel, jewelry, home decor, and more. Hello Penngrove also boasts a wide range of utensils, napkins, and accessories to give your dining room a genuine Penngrove flavor.

Ready to start shopping for homes for sale in Penngrove, CA? Allow me, licensed Penngrove, CA Realtor and Sonoma County resident PJ Lange, to guide you through the process. I am ready to put my expertise to good use and make your home-buying journey a stress-free and pleasant experience for you. Just give me a call at 415.794.1761 or send me an email here to get started.