Moving to Napa: Top 7 Things to Know
Today, Napa is a community-focused, modern city that respects both its past and connection to the natural resources that brought it to life. It’s no wonder that people are still looking to move here. Before you begin searching for a new home in Napa, however, there are just a few things you need to know.
Napa Population
Napa is the economic center and largest city in Napa County. According to the last U.S. Census Bureau estimate in 2023, it has a population of 77,492 people. This was a 2.1% drop from the 2020 estimates, which may have happened due to post-pandemic relocation trends.
Napa Weather
Napa Valley is known for its mild, Mediterranean climate. Winter temperatures usually top out in the high 50s, while summers creep up into the low 80s. At night, however, you can expect large temperature drops, with winter lows getting to around 40 degrees and summer getting as low as 53.
Harvest season, which usually runs late August through October, is a magical time with near-perfect weather in Napa. The average high is 77 degrees with the average low reaching 50 degrees. These mild temperatures and low rainfall makes it the perfect time to get out and see the red and gold shades of the vineyards.
Getting Around Town
Napa is no different than most of California in that people use personal modes of transportation to get around the city. The majority of people use their cars, though bicyclists can also be seen in abundance. In fact, Napa has been extending bike lanes on major town routes so they can more safely share the road.
The Napa Valley Transportation Authority also offers the Vine Bus. It provides both fixed-route and on-demand service, door-to-door paratransit, and local shuttles.
Employment & Commuting
The wine industry and tourism are two of the biggest industries in Napa. The former provides jobs ranging from agricultural roles to wine production to marketing, while the latter offers roles in customer service, management, and culinary arts.
Additional industries in Napa include healthcare and education. Queen of the Valley Medical Center is a large healthcare employer, with roles in both medical and administrative fields. People looking for work as educators, administrators, or support staff can look for roles with Napa Valley Unified School District or Napa Valley College.
Outside of Napa, the Bay Area offers plenty of other employment opportunities, especially in technology. If you can’t find a remote role, the commute to San Francisco by car is around 1 ½ – 2 hours. However, public transportation is also available, with regional and express bus service to San Francisco as well as to Amtrak and Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) stations.
Schools in Napa
Whether you’re looking for your children or want to continue your own education, there are plenty of great schools in Napa. Napa Valley Unified School District manages 26 public schools for kindergarten through 12th grade, including Northwood Elementary School, American Canyon Middle School, Vintage High School, and McPherson Magnet School. Within the school district’s boundaries, parents can also select from 13 private schools such as Blue Oak School, Justin-Siena, and Sunrise Montessori of Napa Valley.
High school grads and adults looking to continue their education will also be able to find plenty of colleges near Napa. In town you’ll find Napa Valley College, which offers over 100 degree and certificate programs. If you’re willing to go a bit further afield, you can attend Solano Community College, Pacific Union College, or Sonoma State University.
Recreation
While most people associate Napa with wine tasting and vineyard tours – and for good reason since there are over 400 wineries in Napa Valley – there are plenty of other things to do in and around the city.
Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy biking and hiking in Napa as well as boating, fishing, and camping all within 30 minutes of town. For example, the 850-acre Skyline Wilderness Park is in the southeast corner of Napa and features over 25 miles of trails, some of which provide views all the way to the San Francisco Bay. You can also walk or bike the Napa Valley Vine Trail, a 47-mile path that connects Napa Valley communities.
If you consider yourself a foodie, you’ll be happy to know that Napa also has plenty of culinary experiences available. From annual food-centered events such as the Napa Truffle Festival to seasonal farmers’ markets to intimate cooking classes, you’ll find comforting cuisine and gastronomical surprises for every palate.
Arts & Culture
Napa has developed a thriving arts and cultural scene by combining its rich history with modern creativity. From art galleries to music festivals, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Art lovers should visit the Napa Valley Museum to learn about the area’s history, culture, and art, then head over to the di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art to see what today’s local artists are creating. You can also stroll through downtown Napa to see the city’s collection of public art, including sculptures and murals.
There are also some great options for live shows in Napa. Uptown Theatre Napa hosts comedy shows and concerts, while Blue Note Napa combines fine dining with live jazz performances. Or if you want to go bigger, you can’t beat BottleRock Napa Valley. This three-day festival features live music from top international acts as well as a variety of food and drink experiences.
Your New Home in Napa, CA
Nestled along the Napa River and surrounded by rolling hills, Napa is one of the most beautiful places to live in California. And there’s no better place to enjoy it all than at your new home in Brookfield Residential’s RiverSound community.
RiverSound was designed with its natural surroundings in mind. The homes provide both indoor and outdoor comforts, and the community amenities celebrate and incorporate its riverside locale. With access to the river and the amazing views it provides, RiverSound is a place where you can enjoy a moment of quiet meditation or find your next adventure.
Our team is excited to help you find the best place to call home with Brookfield Residential. Explore our RiverSound community and connect with our sales team when you’re ready to learn more. We’ll be expecting you!
