Life in San Francisco

After nearly ten years of renting in San Francisco, Alexandra Andorfer and George Croton embraced the vibrant atmosphere of the city while making the most of their 950-square-foot apartment. Residing in a two-bedroom unit just off Buena Vista Park, near Haight-Ashbury, they created a cozy sanctuary for themselves and their four pets—two dogs and two cats.

A New Perspective

Frequent visits to the picturesque Sonoma Valley, about 50 miles north, raised a thought-provoking question for the couple: Could they exchange city life for the charm of a small town while still enjoying what they loved about San Francisco?

Alexandra, 33, had spent her formative years in major cities, including Pittsburgh and Baltimore, before attending college in Chicago. In contrast, George, 32, hailed from Santa Barbara, known for its mix of small-town vibe and city conveniences. He remarked, “Santa Barbara has that kind of ‘small city, large town’ thing going on. It’s very beautiful, lots of outdoor stuff, but also lots of amenities and restaurants and fun things to do.”

Considering the Move

While both were established professionals as attorneys in the Bay Area, the couple’s ability to telecommute several days a week opened up possibilities for a different lifestyle. Alexandra found herself drawn to their weekend getaways to Sonoma, a culinary paradise for its 11,000 residents nestled in the heart of the wine country. “I very quickly could see myself living there,” she noted, mentioning its cultural offerings and her enthusiasm for cooking and participating in local wine clubs.

Exploring New Locations

Alexandra’s curiosity ignited the idea of attending open houses in Sonoma, which she initially suggested “just for fun.” George expanded the scope to include Marin County, approximately 30 miles south of Sonoma, known for its blend of rustic charm and higher-end amenities.

At a Marin County open house, they connected with Kristen Perry, a real estate agent with the Kristie Martinelli Team at Coldwell Banker, who previously worked in tech startups. “It’s always interesting when people leave the city,” Ms. Perry remarked, noting that many take time to make such a significant decision. However, she observed, “Alex and George moved very quickly once they realized that they felt pretty sure about it.”

Searching for the Perfect Home

The couple dedicated several weeks to exploring various open houses, focusing on finding a space with an open layout and unique design. A key aspect of their search was to find a home within walking distance of shops and services—similar to their living situation in San Francisco—while also securing a spacious yard or nearby park for their pets.

With assistance from George’s mother for a down payment, they established a budget cap of $1.35 million.

What’s Next?

The search for a new home in Sonoma Valley and Marin County has opened up possibilities for Alexandra and George. As they weigh their options, the couple is excited about what the future holds in a new, serene environment that embodies the qualities they love while offering the potential for a fulfilling lifestyle.