| Summary | National Percentile | Rank vs Metro |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | 70th | Fair |
| Demographics | 73rd | Good |
| Amenities | 66th | Best |
Multifamily Valuation
| Property Details | |
|---|---|
| Address | 521 Petaluma Ave, Sebastopol, CA, 95472, US |
| Region / Metro | Sebastopol |
| Year of Construction | 2009 |
| Units | 40 |
| Transaction Date | --- |
| Transaction Price | --- |
| Buyer | --- |
| Seller | --- |
521 Petaluma Ave, Sebastopol Multifamily Asset
2009-vintage, 40-unit property positioned in a high-cost ownership market where neighborhood occupancy has held near the metro median, according to WDSuite’s CRE market data. Newer construction relative to local stock supports competitive positioning and steady renter demand.
Sebastopol’s neighborhood context trends strong for everyday livability: cafes, parks, and pharmacies are available at levels that test above national norms, while restaurants are competitive among Santa Rosa–Petaluma neighborhoods. Childcare options are comparatively limited, which may modestly influence family renter preferences.
The neighborhood carries an A rating and ranks 18 out of 138 in the metro, placing it in the top quartile locally for overall fundamentals. Median contract rents sit above national benchmarks, and neighborhood occupancy is 93.8%, rising modestly over five years. For investors, this points to demand that can support lease retention even as pricing adjusts with the broader market.
Construction skews older across the neighborhood, but this asset’s 2009 vintage is newer than the area average (1958), suggesting relative competitiveness versus nearby stock; any capital planning can target modernization and systems upkeep rather than full repositioning.
Within a 3-mile radius, demographics indicate higher-income households and a renter-occupied share near one-third of units, reinforcing a stable tenant base for professionally managed product. Recent population trends show modest contraction, but projections point to more, smaller households over the next five years—supporting a larger pool of lease signers and occupancy stability as unit mix aligns with evolving household sizes. Elevated home values in the neighborhood (high percentile nationally) signal a high-cost ownership market, which tends to sustain multifamily demand and pricing power.
Neighborhood safety indicators track around the middle of national comparisons, with violent and property offense levels near national mid-range percentiles. Relative to the metro, the area is competitive but not top-tier on safety.
A notable trend is improvement in property offenses over the past year, which moved into a stronger national percentile for positive change. Investors can view this as a constructive directional signal, while still underwriting conservatively and monitoring neighborhood trends alongside regional benchmarks.
Proximity to regional logistics employment provides commute convenience that can support leasing and retention for workforce renters. The following nearby employer is representative of the area’s jobs base.
- FedEx — logistics operations (8.4 miles)
This 2009-built, 40-unit property stands out against older neighborhood stock, offering a competitive edge in finishes, building systems, and curb appeal. Neighborhood occupancy is stable and has improved modestly over five years, while elevated ownership costs in Sonoma County reinforce renter reliance on multifamily housing. Based on commercial real estate analysis from WDSuite, median rents and household incomes outperform national benchmarks, supporting the case for durable demand and disciplined pricing.
Forward-looking demographics within a 3-mile radius point to smaller household sizes and an increase in households, even as population trends level—conditions that can expand the renter pool and support occupancy stability. Capex planning can focus on targeted modernization to maintain competitive positioning rather than major overhaul, with underwriting that accounts for mid-range safety metrics and limited childcare amenities nearby.
- Newer 2009 vintage versus older neighborhood stock supports competitive leasing and lower near-term capex intensity.
- Stable neighborhood occupancy with five-year improvement underpins retention and cash flow durability.
- High-cost ownership market sustains renter demand and pricing power relative to national norms.
- 3-mile demographics indicate higher incomes and an expanding household base, supporting a deeper tenant pool.
- Risks: mid-range safety metrics and limited childcare providers; prudent underwriting and asset management recommended.