The latest numbers show that Sonoma County home prices are up (again) over previous year’s, for the fifth year in a row. So, if you’re in the market, that means you’re still looking at median prices of $625,000, and that number puts a strain on most everyone’s pocketbook.
Looking at the numbers alone, a homebuyer would have to put down $125,000 for a down payment – that’s cash, so start saving – and then they’d be looking at anything from $2,300 to 3,400 a month for mortgage payments. I’m leery of parting with that much money per month, and I’m fairly certain anyone else would be, too.
But let’s face it – people need a place to stay while waiting for prices to drop to something a bit more manageable. If I needed to find a house for the short term, there are places in Sonoma County currently for rent that are much less than that monthly mortgage on a median priced house. I was able to find 7 different properties for rent anywhere from $2,000 a month to $1,300.
Click through the gallery to see what you can currently rent in Sonoma County for $2,000 or less…
7 Homes For Rent at Less Than $2,000 in Sonoma County
957 Frazier Ave, Santa Rosa - $1,400/month
1 bed, 1 bath, 1,114 square feet.
Exterior of home. (Photo courtesy of Sonoma County Property Rentals)
This 1940's Bungalow is an additional unit behind the main home. Both units do have individual electric, gas and water meters. Scroll to see the living room...
living room. (Photo courtesy of Sonoma County Property Rentals)
While the exterior looked less than impressive (too small, not landscaped) the interior has been cleaned and updated. Click to see the next property...
8160 Olof St, Cotati - $2,000/month
2 beds, 1 bath, 1,280 square feet.
Exterior of home. (Photo courtesy of Sonoma County Property Rentals)
I've always thought of Cotati as a quaint little town - they do have a yearly accordian festival - and this small home fits right in. Scroll to see the living room...
Living room. (Photo courtesy of Sonoma County Property Rentals)
Of course, you'd have to move all your furniture in, but according to the listing, the floors have just been redone. Not interested in Cotati? Click to see the next house...
321 W Spain St, Sonoma - $1,300/month
Studio. 1 bath.
Exterior of home. (Photo courtesy of Sonoma Management)
This granny unit in Sonoma is the definition of 'studio.' Really just enough room for one person, and the amenities are bare-bone. Scroll to see what I mean...
Kitchen. (Photo courtesy of Sonoma Management)
Seriously, just the basics. This studio home is best suited for a short-term tenant, and may be ideal for a student. Click to see the next property...
14975 River Rd, Guerneville - $1,300/month
1 bed, 1 bath, 3,577, square feet.
Living room. (Photo courtesy of Rental Manager/Andrea Kent)
This listing had no exterior photos, but is described as a cottage. I looked at Google street view, and it's less of a cottage and more of a townhome/detached apartment. However, it does have its own garage, so i'll let it slide. Scroll to see the living room...
Living room. (Photo courtesy of Rental Manager/Andrea Kent)
This home doesn't come furnished, but I like how they've taken the time to stage it. Click to see the next property...
1365 Dawn Hill Rd, Glen Ellen - $1,800 /month
2 beds, 1.5 baths, 3,852 square feet.
Exterior of home. (Photo courtesy of ian sobieski, LeaseRunner)
This isn't a really great representation of the house, but it does give you a feeling for how tucked back in the woods it is. Scroll to see the kitchen...
Kitchen. (Photo courtesy of ian sobieski, LeaseRunner)
Speaking of being out in the woods, the kitchen reflects where this home is located. Click to see the next property...
304 Pleasant St, Petaluma - $1,750 /month
1 bed, 1 bath, 700 square feet.
Exterior of home. (Photo courtesy of Steven Cozza, Pacific Union)
This sold looking little cottage is just big enough for one, and it looks like it's been well maintained. Scroll to see the kitchen...
Kitchen. (Photo courtesy of Steven Cozza, Pacific Union)
Looking through the kitchen, you can see that it is, indeed, nicely taken care of. Click to see something closer to the ocean...
Hedgegate Rd, The Sea Ranch - $1,800 /month
2 beds, 2 baths, 1,834 square feet.
Exterior of home. (Photo courtesy of Rams Head Realty & Rentals)
Sometimes you just really want to get away from it all, and I can't say I blame you. This classic home at the Sea Ranch will help you do just that - hot tub and all. Scroll to see the entryway...
Entryway. (Photo courtesy of Rams Head Realty & Rentals)
This entryway looks like something found on a much higher-end home. For $2000 a month you can have all this, along with close proximity to the ocean.
